Description
Fire Service Exploring is a program offered by Learning for Life that introduces major aspects of the fire service to young adults ages 14–21, or in the ninth grade. Once enough training has been acquired, Explorers can be allowed on actual fire-related emergency calls under certain conditions such as: * Explorers cannot enter a structure unless deemed stable and secure. * Explorers may only enter a structure fire after the initial attack, and search. * Explorers are not to be used or substituted as trained personnel * Explorers are not permitted to perform life saving tasks or rescues Certain local, state, and federal laws as well as National BSA Regulations restrict the duties an Explorer can perform on a fire ground.Organization
The program is divided into numbered local groups called "Posts" which are sponsored and organized by a fire department in the area. This fire department provides some funding, materials, gear, and a place to meet and train. A Post is typically run by the post officers, headed by an Explorer Captain, who is first Explorer in command and usually elected annually by the Post membership. In addition to the captain, there are one or more lieutenants who act as second and third in command. Besides the officers, other positions include secretary, engineer, treasurer and others. Also, a number of adult leaders, called "advisors", are required of every post. Advisors are above the captain in command and advise the officers and provide training and supervision for Post activities and events.Training and duties
The Fire Service Explorer Post does not train Explorers to a level of certification, but does offer correct methodology for tasks that the Explorer may encounter upon official entry into the fire service. There are strict guidelines and regulations that must be followed for the Explorer's safety as outlined by Learning For Life and the Boy Scouts of America. Explorers may receive verbal lectures, practical skill assessments, scenario mitigation, and other methods of instruction. There are no regulations for instructors as many are members of the sponsoring fire department(s) sharing their knowledge on a less than standardized level.Medical training
Most Explorer Posts offer First Aid andUniforms and insignia
Fire Service Explorers may be issued professional or casual style uniforms, but are required to identify the member as a Fire Service Explorer. Uniforms will almost always bear the insignia of Fire Exploring and/or the fire department they run out of. Class A uniforms can bear the American Flag shoulder badge, the official Fire Explorers badge, and sometimes the badge of the department they represent and various pins like name plates etc. The Class B uniform T-shirt will be a simple Explorers or fire department logo printed in the shirt. Turnout gear may or may not have much more than the name of the Explorer printed on the back on the jacket.Media depiction
* In theSee also
* Explorer Search and Rescue *External links