The Training Division coordinates daily/weekly department drills and ongoing officer training related to fire suppression. It is also responsible for providing training based on local, state, and federal guidelines at the Emergency Medical Technician level through Paramedic designation. Our goal is to provide appropriate training to our personnel and measure competency regularly.
The Training Division provides guidance in daily crew training to encompass all department members’ working shifts. It is designed to provide an average of 2 hours of training per 24-hour time frame.
The Reading Fire Department conducts weekly departmental training that is normally larger in scope and detail than the daily crew training. The Training Division assembles the training plans utilizing both internal as well as external instructors to provide the highest quality training for its personnel. Examples of fire/rescue training include:
- Fire suppression
- Ventilation
- SCBA drills
- Aerial operation
- Vehicle extrication
- Specialized rescue practices
- Hose deployment and advancement
- Hazardous Material response
- Pump operations and hydraulics are meticulously practiced and revised.
In addition to the previously mentioned tasks, the Training Division is charged with overseeing the continuing education courses, which are essential to maintaining the EMS division. This includes planning all monthly EMS trainings. Training is provided on a variety of trauma-related topics. It is not uncommon to have physicians from local hospitals as well as various field experts conducting training. Completion of certification programs such as ACLS and PALS programs are also coordinated through this department.