Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue District

Training Division

Overview

All personnel receive advanced training in medical care, fire suppression, and special operations. The District accumulated over 27,250 hours of fire, special operations, and EMS related training in 2019. Classes included: Driver operator, officer development, leadership, vehicle extrication, air management, rapid intervention, ventilation, live fire, and enter and search.

Total Training Hours

20,566 hours

Fire Training

3,840 hours

Medical Training

1,939 hours

Diversified Training

905 hours

Hazardous Materials Training

Driver Training Recertification Program

The Training Division administered a driver training program in 2019 for all firefighters. It is a complex program that includes maintenance, apparatus knowledge, equipment familiarization, emergency and non-emergency driving, and pump operator skill evaluations. This program has two important goals: 1) Determine the readiness of new driver/engineers. 2) Ensure department personnel are trained in pump and apparatus operations. The program was a success as all of our firefighters passed their testing.

Live Fire Training

The Live Fire Training Center at Station 24 is an important tool when training on interior and exterior fire operations. Personnel from various fire departments throughout Lee and Collier Counties participated in more than 15 days of live fire burns. This totals to over 350 firefighters trained at the Bonita Springs’ Live Fire Training Center.

Special Operations/HazMat Training

In 2019, training in the following disciplines were provided to district personnel: High and low angle rope rescue, Vehicle extrication/stabilization, Water rescue/operations, Hazardous materials, Confined space, and Trench rescue.

EMT and Paramedic Training

The District's Medical Director, Dr. Alexander Rodi., Jr., conducts monthly in-service training sessions to include: Pediatric care, Cardiac care, Trauma emergencies, Orthopedic injuries, Respiratory conditions, and Pharmacology. The Training Division conducts monthly instructional and practical evolutions. Additionally, paramedics attended specialized classes in: Basic life support, Advanced cardiac life support, Basic trauma support, and Advanced pediatric life support. Target Solutions - a web-based training system - was utilized along with other programs to maintain competency in their field. Emergency Medical Providers received their renewal certificates and licenses from the State.

Letter From Our Medical Director, Dr. Alexander Rodi

My name is Dr. Alexander Rodi, Jr. and I have been the Medical Director for the Bonita Springs Fire District since 2008. My duties include training and credentialing your emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. I also review the quality of care your EMTs and paramedics deliver, and establish and maintain acceptable practice guidelines which we have developed in conjunction with Lee County Emergency Medical Service. Our EMTs and paramedics come from the same training programs as the County’s EMTs and paramedics. The difference, and greatest benefit to you, is that our EMTs and paramedics are also firefighters; they have dual certifications in both firefighting and medical care.

In addition, your paramedics have multiple certifications in trauma care, pediatric care, basic life support, and advanced life support. I provide monthly lectures on various medical issues related to patient care and treatment. Our EMTs and paramedics are professionals who are constantly striving to be the best in the County. Trained to think outside the box, they use their training and knowledge to deliver the best care possible to the citizens of Bonita Springs. Since we respond to a large number of medical calls, it is important to understand that time is critical. From initiating a 9-1-1 call, to arrival at the hospital, any unnecessary delay can mean the difference between life and death.

Your Fire District strives to provide the very best pre-hospital medical care economically possible. We continue to work toward providing top level medical care on a local level to improve your quality of life.

Dr. Alexander Rodi, Jr., Medical Director

Page Last Updated: May 18, 2020 (11:55:06)