Overview

All personnel receive advanced training in medical care, fire suppression, and special operations. The District accumulated over 28,583 hours of fire, special operations, and EMS related training in 2020. 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 2020 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. Ben Abo, 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.