Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training and Safety
Probationary Firefighter Orientation and Training Program
Operational Readiness Training Period
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
Operational Readiness Training Period
The probationary firefighter/paramedic will spend a minimum of ten shifts as a supervised member of the
company. During this time it is imperative that the probationary firefighter / paramedic develop a working
knowledge of DPFD policies, procedures, running orders, and communications relating to EMS, fire
suppression and rescue duties. Each shift the probationary firefighter/paramedic and assigned mentor will
participate in a process that involves the demonstration of knowledge and competency relating to
designated policies and procedures.
This form is a record that documents the probationary firefighter/paramedic’s participation and
performance of the listed competencies and skills. The primary mentor must sign off for each shift.
However, this does not mean that the primary mentor be the only person to participate in the process.
Each crew member in the station that the probationary firefighter/paramedic is assigned can go through
the policies and procedures. The proctor or mentor will initial the appropriate competency or skill that they
reviewed or observed.
Competency Validation Demonstration Record
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary firefighter has demonstrated
knowledge of and completed each criterion.
Daily Core Competency Demonstration
After initial training on the daily core competencies, the probationary firefighter will demonstrate the ability
to master these skills on each day they are assigned to this phase of training and evaluation. The Weekly
Skill Drill checklist will serve as the performance indicator for these daily evaluations.

Don SCBA in 60 seconds or less without facepiece compromise in all assigned PPE;
o
Shift SCBA to low profile position, dump SCBA from shoulder waist, redon SCBA

Remove, carry, position, raise and tie off a 24’ ground ladder to assigned objective

Complete hydrant hook-up to engine company

Lead-out an initial attack hose line assigned by company officer and repack line

Assemble patient care equipment and utilize stretcher carry lift
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 1
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT #1
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials
Mentor:

Competencies
Ambulance Familiarization –
paramedic must be introduced to all
equipment on the ambulance
Location of ambulance forms (exmpl.
Daily check, Weekly check, Controlled
substance, maintenance sheets)
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
Perform a Weekly check

Portable Radio Battery procedure


NWC Policy C-6 Controlled
Substances on EMS Vehicles


DPFD Policy: EMS Inventories
Sec:XV # 15.4


DPFD Communication: Employee
Signatures
Suppression Familiarization – FF
must review all equipment on
assigned suppression company
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position






Initials

Skills
Zoll Monitor Operations

FERNO Stretcher Operations

Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Complete the Weekly Ambulance
check sheet
Complete the Daily Maintenance
Sheet
Perform Controlled Substance
Count at start/end of shift, signing
the sheet
Perform apparatus inventory review
and complete Apparatus
Familiarization Quiz on assigned
apparatus
Don SCBA in 60 seconds or less
without facepiece compromise
Perform single FF 24’ ground ladder
carry and raise to assigned objective



Perform hydrant hook-up from
engine to hydrant
Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 2
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT #2
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials


Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
Accessing the “Everyone on
Dpfd\usr\home (H:) drive
Initials
Introduction to IMAGE Trend (Log-in,
password change)
Understand difference between Field
Bridge and Service Bridge
Review Oxygen refill procedure
(Portable and Main H cylinder)
DPFD Communication: Unattended
Vehicles

DPFD Communication: Shopping
Policy
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position

Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Navigate through the EMS folder
(NWC EMSS Policy Manual)
Generate a simulated Non Printed
EMS Report form.
Generate a simulated patient care
report. (In the Dispatch Nature box
please select “Training-authors
initials” ex: training-PD)
Perform a simulated exchange of
the main oxygen cylinder.
Demonstrate procedure for
changing an SCBA bottle from 30
minute cylinder to 60 minutes
Fill SCBA cylinder from compressor

Fill SCBA cylinder from cascade

Use buddy breather connection on
SCBA












Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Daily Core Competency Demonstration
Skill Demonstration
Don SCBA in 60 seconds or less; shift / dump / doff / don SCBA
Carry and throw 24’ extension ladder
Complete hydrant hook-up
Lead-out assigned initial attack hoseline and rebed
Assemble patient care equipment
Signature
Initials
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 3
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT #3
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials







Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
DPFD Policy: Alarms & Responses
Section XII, #12.1 Code 1
DPFD Policy: Alarms & Responses
Section XII, 12.11 Still Districts
DPFD Policy: Alarms & Responses
Section XII, 12.12 Company Assist
Districts
DPFD Policy: Alarms & Responses
Section XII, 12.9 Tollway Response
Review STRYKER Stair Chair
operations
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position
Initials





Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Skill Performance – Use stair chair
& document on skill sheet
Demonstrate the deployment of
RAM portable monitor
Demonstrate lead-out of preconnect
hose and rebed line
Demonstrate lead-out of trash line
and rebed line


Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 4
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT #4
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials


Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy I-2 Infection Control
Initials



Review DPFD procedure for
Accident/Injury.


DPFD Communication: Bloodborne
Pathogen / Exposure Control Plan
DPFD Communication: Vehicle
Accident
DPFD Policy: EMS Operations
Section XV, #15.2 Patient
Transportation Districts
NWC Policy: T-2 Patient
Transportation/Selection of Receiving
Hospital
Identify components of Hydrant Bag
and High Rise Bag
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position









Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Simulate process on how to report a
suspected exposure.
Complete the DP Work-Related
Accident/Injury Form (Simulate an
injury) FF/PMs portion.
Skill Performance – Conduct
evolution using the Reeves Sleeve
Demonstrate use of pre-piped
master stream device
Demonstrate the deployment of the
skid hose pack and repack
Demonstrate carry techniques for
High Rise / Stairwell pack


Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 5
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 5
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials







Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy: C-8 Communications
Policy
Initials


NWC Policy: P-2 Physician/Nurse on
Scene
NWC Policy: O-1 Procedure for
Handling Overrides
DPFD Communication: EMS Police
Department Notification

DPFD Policy: Command Operations
Section XIV, #14.7 Radio
Designations
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position



Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Review Communications equipment
on the ambulance. (Cell phone, VHF
radio, MERCI and MDT
Skill Performance – Use the KED &
document on skill sheet
Demonstrate daily check procedures
for power saws
Demonstrate set-up of a box crib
and step chock for vehicle
stabilization on staff car
Demonstrate carrying procedures
for assigned hand tools for interior
firefighting operations

Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 6
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 6
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials









Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
DPFD Communication: Driving
Regulations
NWC Policy: L-2 Safe Ambulance
Operation (Use of L &S)
Initials



DPFD Policy: General Department
Policy, Section VI, #6.5, Drivers
License Requirements
DPFD Policy: Apparatus, Section X,
#10.4, Opticom Repair
DPFD Communication: Reserve
Ambulance Status
DPFD Communication: Refueling
Department Apparatus
DPFD Communication:
Apparatus/Vehicle Repair
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position


Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Skill Performance – Conduct
Evolution using Rescue Seat
Demonstrate the use of TIC
including battery change out and fire
scene operation
Assemble RIT equipment list from
truck company
Demonstrate procedure for calling a
MAYDAY on portable radio
Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 7
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 7
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials







Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy: R-6 Refusal of Service
Initials


NWC Policy:C-4 Multiple Releases
NWC Policy: M-3 Minor
Patient/Guardian Consent. Refusal or
Service by an Adolescent
NWC Policy: I-3 Invalid Assists


NWC Policy: T-1 Triple Zero/NonInitiation of CPR
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position


Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Create a simulated Field Bridge
refusal report with signature
Don PFD water rescue device
Don GUMBY suit
Perform simulated rescue using
throw rope bag
Use all atmospheric monitoring
devices on assigned apparatus

Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 8
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 8
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials




Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy: E-1 Emotional Illness
and Behavioral Emergencies
NWC Policy: V-2 Suspected Child
Abuse and Neglect
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position
Initials







Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Complete a simulated Involuntary
Admission form
Complete a simulated Child Abuse
Report form
Skill Performance – Conduct
Evolution using the Pediatric
Immobilization Device
Demonstrate use of hand tools,
rabbit tools to force doors
Use K-Tool to pull lock cylinder
Demonstrate techniques for opening
lock mechanism after cylinder is
removed

Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 9
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 9
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials






Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy: P-3 Interaction with
Police / Crime Scene Responses
Initials


DPFD Communication: Transportation
of Prisoners
DPFD Communication: Emergency
Aid to the Indigent/Needy

Review DPFD Ambulance Billing &
Privacy Acknowledgement Form
(HIPAA)
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position




Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Skill Performance – Splinting (Use
Vacuum Splints) document on skill
performance sheet
Demonstrate set-up and operation
of PPV
Demonstrate ability to carry
assigned roof ladder on extension
ladder and deploy on roof simulator
Climb full length of aerial ladder
Use all accessories in aerial ladder
basket

Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 10
Des Plaines Fire Department
Division of Training & Safety
Operational Readiness Training Period
SHIFT # 10
Shift:
Date:
Co Assigned#:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Initials


Mentor:
Competencies
Perform the Daily Ambulance
inventory
NWC Policy: C-7 Confidentiality of
Patient Records
Initials



NWC Policy: E-2 Non-Disposable
Equipment Exchange


NWC Policy: Hospital Resource
Limitation / Ambulance Bypass
DPFD Communication: 1700 Higgins
Road/Code #1
DPFD Communication: Ambulance
Fee
DPFD Communication: Driving
Regulations
Place all PPE and assigned tools in
operational ready position






Skills
Complete the Daily Ambulance
inventory sheet
Skill Performance – Application of
the HARE Traction splint. Document
on Skill Performance sheet
Tie various fire service knots;
bowline, clove, handcuff, figure of
eight, safeties
Hoist handtools and hoseline using
utility rope
Demonstrate hose coupling ID to
identify escape direction
Comments:
Primary Mentor:
Probationary firefighter/paramedic:
Signature
Signature
COMPETENCY VALIDATION RECORD
The mentor must initial each section indicating that the probationary member has demonstrated knowledge and completed each criteria.
Page 11