Overview

All personnel receive advanced training in medical care, fire suppression, and special operations. The District accumulated over 24,352 hours of fire, special operations, and EMS related training in 2022. Classes included: Driver operator, officer development, leadership, vehicle extrication, air management, rapid intervention, ventilation, live fire, and enter and search.

Driver Training Recertification Program

The Training Division administered a driver training program in 2022 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 drivers/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 Bonita Springs Fire Station 24 was an important tool when training on interior and exterior fire operations. Personnel from various fire departments throughout Lee and Collier Counties participated in multiple live fire burns last year, providing each local fire district the benefit of utilizing the training center.

Special Operations/HazMat Training

In 2022, training in the following disciplines was provided to district personnel: High/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. Ben Abo, conducted monthly in-service training sessions to include Pediatric care, Cardiac care, Trauma emergencies, Orthopedic injuries, Respiratory conditions, and Pharmacology.

The Training Division also conducted monthly instructional and practical evolutions. Additionally, paramedics attended specialized classes in Basic life support, Advanced cardiac life support, Basic trauma life 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.