We anticipate that all new wholetime firefighters will complete an apprenticeship, which is usually around two years in length, further details will be available in due course. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, competent Firefighter status will be awarded.
Basic Skills Acquisition Course
We anticipate that all new wholetime trainee firefighters will attend a ten-week training course to provide them with all elements of Firefighter Acquisition Training. This is likely to be held at West Moors Training Centre or Devizes Training Centre. Accommodation will be provided in line with procedure.
- Casualty care acquisition – trainee firefighters will be trained in the recognition and treatment of injuries, CPR and defibrillator use.
- Road traffic collision acquisition – trainee firefighters will learn about vehicle composition and new vehicle technologies. They will learn how to use the associated equipment and incorporate their casualty care skills to support a wide range of road traffic type incidents.
- Breathing Apparatus (BA) acquisition – trainee firefighters will learn about the BA set and telemetry board, and how to test and use a BA set. They will work on how to operate safely in smoke and heat. They will study fire behaviour so that they understand what is happening as they enter a building on fire.