Building construction is often an overwhelming topic for many firefighters. The ability to look at a building and make a very rapid assessment of its construction features is an important skill for everyone on the fire ground. This class was designed to provide firefighters a system for creating mental models of buildings that are easy to remember and can be recalled quickly during the size-up of a structure fire. 

Elevator Emergencies and Rescue is designed specifically for the Firefighter assigned to an engine, truck, or rescue company which responds to elevator emergencies.   The course will be structured as one 2 ½ hour online training session.  The lecture style course will give the student a basic knowledge of elevator anatomy and construction. The course will cover traction electric elevator systems, hydraulic elevator systems, elevator door styles and their locking components and how to perform an elevator rescue.  The training will emphasize the safe and necessary practices and techniques vital to the safe mitigation of elevator emergencies and rescues in both traction electric and hydraulic elevators.  The student will be taught both top and side “picking” techniques for center opening, side opening, and two speed elevator doors.  In addition, elevator “poling” and “drifting” techniques will be discussed, as well as safe patient removal techniques from a stalled elevator car.  Finally, elevator Phase 1 and Phase 2 operations will be reviewed.