Written by: Sara Rhode - DHS Health Sciences Instructor
Dickinson High School Juniors & Seniors have the unique opportunity to earn high school credit while earning a Firefighter 1 certification. Firefighter 1 certification is one of the first requirements to join a department as a volunteer or career firefighter. The Firefighter 1 course is a part of DHS's Health/Work Occupation Experience class, and it is the first year it is being offered to high school students. There are 12 students total, six from DHS and six from surrounding communities.
Students are required to do their online course work on their own, about an hour and a half of work each day. Every Tuesday evening, the students/recruits have face-to-face class at the Public Safety Center and meet with the firefighter instructors & shift firefighters for didactic lessons and hands-on skills. Each student receives their own uniform & set of gear.
Throughout the course, the students will be learning the ins and outs of the fire service. This entry-level firefighter training course focuses on an intense hands-on approach to firefighting, which promotes both skill competency and an understanding of the fireground. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the Firefighter 1 Certification Test.
The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) class offered at DHS coincides with the Firefighter course. Both courses deal with being a first responder but in different approaches. Most career firefighters function as EMRs, EMTs or paramedics. The EMR class is offered on campus at Dickinson High School. Students who complete the course requirements can be Certified Emergency Medical Responders through North Dakota State Emergency Medical Services (NDEMS).
Students have the potential to walk out of high school and into a fire department with multiple certifications that usually take up to a year+ to complete. They will be able to walk into a position as a volunteer or have a considerable advantage in getting their career started. Not to mention, these types of certifications will look great on college and scholarship applications.
We are excited to offer these training opportunities to young individuals, which will help to retain first responders in our area. These programs are a benefit to our students and our community.