Q&A
Qualifications and training for FDNY search and rescue personnel
0:11:55
·
96 sec
Council Member Ariola inquires about the qualifications and training requirements for FDNY personnel working in search and rescue units. Chief Moore explains the basic and advanced training processes, as well as how standards are established and updated.
- Basic firefighting units undergo 18 weeks of probationary training at the fire academy
- Special operations units require a minimum of 5 years of department experience before application
- Training standards follow NFPA guidelines but are adapted to New York City's unique needs
- Training is continuously updated to incorporate new technologies and building construction methods
Joann Ariola
0:11:55
Right.
0:11:55
And what and what are the qualifications and training requirements that exist for employees working in units that conduct search and rescue.
Malcolm Moore
0:12:03
For firefighting units, regular line units, the 361 engine and ladder companies, basically, they just have to make it through the 18 weeks of probation every verify the school where where they would learn the basic techniques for special operations.
0:12:20
We run a number of advanced level classes for the members that work in the command the minimum requirement is that they have 5 years in the department before they can apply and eventually get an opportunity to work.
0:12:37
Okay.
0:12:38
Special ups.
Joann Ariola
0:12:38
And who establishes the standards for the special operations training and qualifications for each unit.
Malcolm Moore
0:12:45
Who establishes the standards?
0:12:48
Well, they've been set, I mean, over years.
0:12:52
Soccer's been part of the department for 50 years or or more.
0:12:58
We we follow NFPA training standards when it when it comes to most of the things, but a lot of the a lot of the I guess a lot of this a lot of the work we do is unique to you know to New York So over time, we've built out the training models to reflect what we do here in the city.
Joann Ariola
0:13:17
And so they haven't changed in in
Malcolm Moore
0:13:20
Well, we we we're we're always adding things.
0:13:22
We're always adding things as new technologies come in as, you know, the new building construction and all of those things.
0:13:29
We build that into the training that
Joann Ariola
0:13:30
we do.
0:13:31
Well, one addition is, you know, we there was a lot of talk over the summertime about using drones especially for water rescues.
