JPT2 Task - Firefighter Ladders Training PDF

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JPT2 performance task about firefighter ladders training. Passed evaluation....

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JPT2: Firefighter Ladders Training

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JPT2: Firefighter Ladders Training Assessment Code: JPT2 November 6, 2021

Instructional Problem Summary Needs Analysis Findings Recruits at the large city fire department that I studied are required to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Fighter I standard as a condition of graduation from the recruit academy. This is a six-month, full-time intensive training program that covers the basic skills of the job of a firefighter that recruits will need to join their own fire companies and competently complete their job duties. The NFPA Fire Fighter I Standards state that recruits will be able to: “Set up ground ladders, given single and extension ladders, an assignment, and team members if needed, so that hazards are assessed, the ladder is stable, the angle is correct for climbing, extension ladders are extended to the necessary height with the fly locked, the top is placed against a reliable structural component, and the assignment is accomplished” (NFPA 1001). The recruits were all assessed for prior knowledge on this skill set via a written assessment and the recruits were able to complete the prerequisite skill of identifying the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job and name the steps for donning it correctly with 100% accuracy. However, when assessed on the steps for removing and carrying the ladder with proper technique, only 56% of the recruits identified the correct technique. When asked about stabilizing the ladder and putting it at the correct angle, the recruits showed only 64% proficiency. When analyzing the data from the needs assessment, it is apparent that the recruits’ prior instruction on PPE was successful, and no further instruction is needed in that area. However, the recruits do show a knowledge gap in removing the ladder from the truck, carrying the ladder with the proper technique, stabilizing the ladder, and setting it at the correct angle to meet the NFPA standard.

Goal of Instruction In an active, outdoor, hands-on training scenario, firefighter recruits will be able to retrieve a 28-foot ladder from the fire truck, carry it twenty feet using the proper technique, and safely place the ladder against a second story window of the training tower at the correct angle for ascent.

Learner Analysis Findings Recruits will need to know how to properly don and wear minimum PPE for throwing ladders: a fire helmet and work gloves. They will also need to know where the correct ladder is stored on the fire truck and how to safely unlatch and remove it. Recruits have just completed and passed a unit on PPE, and the needs analysis showed that all recruits demonstrated that they can properly and quickly don the needed PPE. Because 15 of the 25 recruits have prior firefighting experience, most of them are generally familiar with where the 28-foot ladder is kept on the truck and how to unlatch and remove it. However, some of the recruits have limited experience with the fire apparatus and will need to learn where the appropriate ladder is and how to remove it for use. This is a group of 23 adult men and 2 adult women, ranging in age from 22 years to 41 years. The recruits have all passed a physical fitness test which measures their ability to lift and carry large and heavy items. Their cardiovascular fitness has also been assessed and found to be at minimum standards. Though all recruits are at least at minimum standards, the recruits do have varying physical size and strength, which will impact the difficulty level of maneuvering the ladder. 15 recruits have prior firefighting experience and 10 have never had any experience working with firefighting equipment or tools other than what they have thus far received in their fire academy training. 18 of the recruits are white, 3 are black, and 4 are Hispanic. All of the recruits have been through a rigorous hiring process that includes academic, physical fitness, medical, and psychological testing. They are held to an extremely strict attendance policy and are not allowed to

be absent for any amount of time, for any reason. Failure to abide by the policy means that they will be dismissed from employment or that they will have to start the six-month recruit training process over at a later time. As a result, the recruits revealed through individual interviews that they are very motivated to complete this step of the training and continue in the process. All 25 recruits rated their motivation to successfully complete the training at a 10 of 10. 12 of the recruits stated that they do have some level of apprehension about this portion of the training. 7 of them said that they would rate their anxiety about the upcoming ladders training as a 6 of 10, 3 of them stated that they would rate their anxiety at a 4 of 10, 2 stated that they would rate it at a 3 of 10. Reasons for anxiety given included fear of failure, fear of damaging equipment, and fear of physical injury. Recruits who have difficulty carrying the ladder from the fire truck to the training tower because of their physical characteristics or age will be able to leave the butt end of the ladder on the ground and drag the ladder by the tip to the building. Recruits will also work with a partner to learn a 2-person carry that will be more accessible to those whose age or physical characteristics prevent them from being able to lift and carry the ladder alone. Recruits who have no firefighting experience will be given extra support and scaffolding from the instructors to facilitate their mastery of the skill. They will also be working in small groups and will be strategically grouped so that each group includes at least two recruits who have prior experience with ladders. Though diversity in hiring is practiced, the preliminary training has been developed to mirror a military-style cadet program. As a result, the training officers try not to differentiate their approach based on the cultural backgrounds of the individuals. They emphasize that current performance and effort in the program are the markers of success, and they emphasize teamwork and group accountability over individualism. Because 48% of the recruits indicated that they have some level of anxiety about the ladders training, it will be important to take steps to minimize those feelings so that recruits can focus on the skill. Using grouping strategies to ensure that recruits with more anxiety are also placed with

others who have more experience and less anxiety regarding the training would help to ensure students are supported. Breaking the skill into small steps to scaffold the instruction and checking for competency at the end of each step will also help to make the training more manageable and reduce anxiety. Also, providing a clear objective and being transparent about the assessment method will help students to have a clear understanding of the aims of the training and will help to minimize anxiety. Planning the Design of the Instructional Unit Task Analysis, Performance Objectives, and Learning Theories Tasks 1. Obtain and carry ladder.

2. Raise the ladder from horizontal to vertical and set it against the training tower with appropriate technique to ensure stability.

3. Extend the ladder to the appropriate length for the rescue assignment.

Performance Objectives Given a 28-foot extension ladder on a firetruck, the recruit will remove the ladder from the firetruck and carry it twenty feet to the base of the training tower using a suitcase carry, utilizing both the one-person carry and the two-person carry, with no errors on the skills checklist as assessed by the certified instructor. Given a 28-foot extension ladder positioned at the base of the training tower, the recruit will raise the ladder from horizontal to vertical and set it against the training tower with an angle of between 60 and 75 degrees to ensure safe ascent and rescue using a pike pole as a guide if needed, with no errors on any of the skills listed on the checklist, as assessed by the certified instructor. Given a 28-foot extension ladder in the upright position at the base of the training tower, students will work with a partner to extend the ladder to the second story window at the correct height for completing a victim

Learning Theories Behaviorism - correct response is demonstrated following the presentation of a specific environmental stimulus

Behaviorism - correct response is demonstrated following the presentation of a specific environmental stimulus

Behaviorism - correct response is demonstrated following the presentation of a specific environmental stimulus

rescue assignment. Students will estimate the height of the ladder using the “click” method and will extend the ladder 13-14 feet to demonstrate competency, with no errors on any of the skills listed on the checklist, as assessed by the certified instructor. Lesson Plan #1 Title: Ladder Removal and Carry Performance Objective: Given a 28-foot extension ladder on a firetruck, the recruit will remove the ladder from the firetruck and carry it twenty feet to the base of the training tower using a suitcase carry, utilizing both the one-person carry and the two-person carry, with no errors on the skills checklist as assessed by the certified instructor.

Resources or Materials Needed: Training Tower 4 training fire trucks with top-mounted ladders (pictured above) PPE including gloves and fire helmets for each recruit 28-foot extension ladders designed for fire attack (pictured above) 2 certified instructors with the ability to demonstrate the skill and assess for competency

Time: 2 hours Step 1: Pre-Instructional Activities: Recruits will be reminded to don proper PPE (fire helmets and gloves). Recruits will be given the objective of the lesson and told that they should be able to locate the 28-foot extension ladder on the training fire truck, remove it from its hanging position on the truck, and carry it twenty feet from the truck to the training tower demonstrating proper technique. Step 2: Content Presentation:

The instructors will conduct the class outdoors with the training fire trucks parked at a distance of 20 feet from the training tower, with the side of the trucks parallel to the training tower and the officer’s side of the trucks parked nearest to the tower. Instructors will demonstrate where the 28-foot extension ladder is kept on the truck, in a hanging rack on the officer’s side with the fly section facing inboard. Instructors will first demonstrate how to remove the 28-foot extension ladder from the rack individually, without the assistance of a partner. Instructors will then work together to demonstrate a 2-person removal for firefighters who are not able to remove the 75pound ladder from ground level without assistance from a teammate. Instructors will note how to pull up on the ladder to release the rack clamps and then lift the ladder down while maintaining the balance of the ladder and avoiding any “see-saw” motion that could damage the ladder or cause injuries. Instructors will demonstrate a one-person suitcase carry and communicate the following to recruits regarding the skill: 

Firefighter should be facing forward in the direction of travel, with the ladder to their right side.

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Firefighter should carry the ladder with arm extended downward fully, letting the weight of the ladder hang from the shoulder.

Instructors will also demonstrate a two-person suitcase carry and communicate the following to recruits regarding the skill: 

Proper positioning of one firefighter at the butt of the ladder and one firefighter at the tip of the ladder.

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The firefighter at the butt of the ladder is always assigned to give verbal commands about the movement of the ladder.

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The firefighter at the butt of the ladder should ask the firefighter at the tip of the ladder for a safety check to ensure the path is clear before initiating movement.

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The ladder will be lifted from the position of the bed section against the ground, to the fly section on top, which is where firefighters will grasp the ladder to carry it.

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The firefighter at the butt of the ladder should initiate the lift by using the command, “1, 2, 3, lift” when both partners are in position.

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Both partners should ensure that the locks (“dogs”) are secure prior to the firefighter at the butt of the ladder calling for movement.

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Firefighters should both be facing forward in the direction of travel, with the ladder to their right sides.

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Firefighters should carry the ladder with their arm extended downward fully, letting the weight of the ladder hang from their shoulders.

Step 3: Learner Participation: Recruits will be divided into groups at each of the 4 available training fire trucks. Each group will contain at least one recruit who has prior firefighting experience and confidence regarding the skill, as assessed in the needs analysis. Recruits will take turns individually modeling the removal of the ladder from the side of the fire truck as demonstrated by the instructors. After each recruit has practiced the skill individually, recruits will work in 2-person teams to complete a ladder removal from the truck. They will complete two practice rounds so that each recruit has a chance to be in the position at the butt of the ladder and give commands to the other recruit appropriately. Recruits will be instructed to give each other constructive feedback regarding removal technique in both rounds. After all recruits have practiced a one-person and two-person ladder removal, they will each practice the one-person suitcase carry. They will start with the ladder in the bed-down position, shift it to the fly-up position, and correctly suitcase carry the ladder 20 feet to the training tower while facing the training tower. Recruits will place the ladder on the ground with the butt end of the ladder against the training tower and the bed side down. Recruits who are not able to carry the ladder in this fashion will be allowed to practice dragging the ladder by the tip with the butt end of

the ladder dragging the ground. Recruits will still travel the 20 feet from the fire truck to the training tower and place the tip of the ladder on the ground against the training tower with the bed side down. After all recruits have practiced a one-person suitcase carry, or a ladder drag if accommodations are needed, recruits will work in their groups to complete 2-person suitcase carries. Each recruit will practice this carry twice, serving as the firefighter on the butt end of the ladder once and as the firefighter at the tip end of the ladder once. They will focus on proper lifting and carrying technique, as well as giving a verbal lift countdown and movement commands. Instructors will supervise all activities and give feedback and correction as needed as recruits practice the skills. Step 4: Assessment: The recruits will demonstrate mastery by performing the skills in a practical skills assessment for the instructors. The instructors will note student mastery or lack of mastery in the following areas: 

one person ladder removal from truck

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two-person ladder removal from truck

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one person suitcase or drag carry

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two-person suitcase carry

Instructors will use a skills checklist with each aspect of the skill listed. Recruits must demonstrate all skills with proficiency to progress to the next lesson without remediation.

Step 5: Follow-Through Activities: Instructors will provide remedial demonstration and feedback to students who are deficient in any of the assessed areas. Students will then be given the opportunity to practice the skill further with their fellow recruits and will be given the opportunity to repeat the failed practical skill assessment. Students will verbally reflect with their groups about what they learned, what the most difficult skill is in their opinion, and what they will do to continue to improve in this area.

Lesson Plan Summary: Students are prepared for the lesson by being reminded about proper PPE and receiving a briefing on the objectives of the lesson. Students then watch the instructors demonstrate the skills that they will be expected to practice individually and with a partner. Students will be split into small groups to practice the skills that they have been shown and will receive feedback as they do so. Students will then be assessed by the instructors by performing the ladder removal and carry skills and having their technique evaluated as a pass or fail by the instructor. Students will reflect on their new skills and consider how they could improve further, and those who did not pass all aspects of the assessment will receive remediation from the instructors. This lesson is rooted in behaviorism because it focuses almost entirely on physical skills, and students are assessed based on their ability to display an observable behavior. In behaviorism, knowledge is considered to be outside the learner, and in this case it is demonstrated and explained by the instructors, and the students are expected to replicate it. The role of the students in this lesson is to respond to the demonstration and teaching given by the instructors, and to replicate it by performing the desired objectives.

Lesson Plan #2 Title: Ladder Raising Performance Objective: Given a 28-foot extension ladder positioned at the base of the training tower, the recruit will raise the ladder from horizontal to vertical and set it against the training tower with an angle of between 60 and 75 degrees to ensure safe ascent and rescue using a pike pole as a guide if needed, with no errors on any of the skills listed on the checklist, as assessed by the certified instructor.

Resources or Materials Needed: PPE including gloves and fire helmets for each recruit 28-foot extension ladders designed for fire attack (pictured above) 2 certified instructors with the ability to demonstrate the skill and assess for competency

Time: 2 hours

Step 1: Pre-Instructional Activities: Students will verbally review the process for removing and carrying a ladder, using both one and two-person approaches. Instructors will provide an overview of the lesson objectives and remind students of PPE and safety protocols before beginning.

Step 2: Content Presentation: Instructors will teach the class outdoors at the fire training tower. Instructors will have 28foot extension ladders with the tip ends of the ladders on the ground, with the bed side down, the fly side up and against the building, and the tip end of the ladder pushed against the side of the training tower. Instructors will demonstrate a one-person ladder raise, using the building as a physical brace to push against and assist the firefighter in raising the ladder alone. Instructors will tell recruits to manipulate the ladder by walking their hands along the rails of the ladder, rather than the

rungs, to avoid having the ladder twist as they push it up toward the building. Instructors will tell students to look up the whole time they are moving the ladder toward the building, in order to assess the ladder’s position, as well as to stay aware of potential hazards and shifting fire conditions. Instructors will demonstrate bracing the ladder against the building using the foot and knee to keep the ladder safely braced while using the rope to extend the ladder to the needed height. Instructors will demonstrate how to rotate the ladder once it is extended so that the fly side is up and ready to ascend. They will remind recruits that they should place one foot on either side of the ladder with their weight centered and knees slightly bent. While maintaining upward focus, they should take the ladder by the rails and flip it over once so that the f...