A new training program for firefighters across Nova Scotia led by experienced fire and emergency professionals.
The province says the Nova Scotia Training Advisory Committee Monday will have 32 members and will be led by co-chairs Mark Bettens, Chief Director of the Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services with the Department of Emergency Management.
They will put together a basic training plan that covers everything from how fire behaves, safely using ladders, to getting people out of crashed vehicles.
The committee was established after an audit found serious safety and governance issues at the training school earlier this summer and will work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs as well.
“The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management. “The establishment of the committee marks a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, enforcing rigorous safety protocols and enhancing governance to meet and exceed national standards.”
A new interim regional plan for firefighter training will cover:
- firefighter safety and survival
- personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
- fire behavior and suppression techniques
- ladders and ventilation
- forcible entry and search techniques
- water supply and fire streams
- incident command
- live fire training
- vehicle extrication
- communications
- emergency vehicle operator
- hazardous materials awareness and how to deal with them.
The interim training plan will help keep firefighter safety and readiness through:
- consistent access to core basic training
- support for municipal fire departments by delivering safe entry-level firefighter education
- standardizing delivery of basic training across the province during the interim period
- building a collaborative network of local trainers and fire service leaders to support this initiative
- work with municipalities to ensure the ongoing delivery of high-quality training on a regional basis.
