Over the next several months (and beyond), we’ll be focusing on aspects of training to become an Alpha Volunteer Firefighter in ways we’ve never tried before. This article kicks off our long-term education and recruiting information effort by decoding some of the “ALPHAbet Soup” of acronyms faced by new trainees and the exciting curriculum they are challenged with as new Alpha Fire Company Volunteers.

Sure. PERT Means “Lively.” But For Alpha’s, It Means So More.

PERT stands for: Pre Emergency Response Training—a rather general and nondescript acronym for the beginning of a challenging and rewarding adventure of a lifetime. In PERT Training, the Alpha trainee begins their journey toward PA State Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Operations certifications, along with First Aid and CPR/AED Certification. In PERT training, new (probationary) Alphas learn the basic structure of the Company, the structure and role of the Engine Company, and learn or reinforce skills taught in preparation for state certification. With PERT training comes a host of new things to learn that might seem—depending on a Trainee’s previous experience—a little daunting. But very soon into the training process, the new recruits realize that the people training them ALSO went through the same process. Everyone was “new” at some point. Everyone had to learn… what things stand for inside a volunteer fire company.

The Acronyms – Like Firefighters – Stand For Something MORE.

As you read through some of these, you may initially be alarmed at what a trainee faces. But soon you’ll realize that accepting these challenges is what makes trainees so different and unique. They (like the men and women diligently training them) have within them a singular desire to do more, and be more, by learning skills that they’ll carry with them forever.

ICS = Incident Command System: This is the nationwide protocol for command and control of incidents. New members must take ICS 100, and ICS 700 classes as part of their probation.

SFA or PASFA = (Pennsylvania) State Fire Academy: The ‘mother ship’ for all fire and rescue instructors in PA.

CCPSTC or CPI = Centre County Public Safety Training Center; Central Pennsylvania Institute (of Science and Technology): This is the county’s training site in Pleasant Gap. Alpha Fire Company uses this extensively for practical exercises including live fire exercises.

ProBoard and IFSAC = National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress: These are the national accrediting bodies for Firefighter Certification levels.

NFPA = National Fire Protection Association: This body develops consensus standards for fire departments, and these standards have a significant impact on how and what we do.

PEMA = Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: The independent cabinet-level agency in Pennsylvania tasked with the response to, preparedness for, recovery from, and the mitigation or prevention of … disasters and other emergencies.

CREMA = Centre Region EMA: See above. Centre Region version.

CPR and AED = Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator: The method and a device used to treat (and hopefully revive) someone experiencing a heart attack.

GPM = Gallons per Minute: The flow rate of hoselines and the capacity of fire engines is expressed as GPM.

PSI = pounds per square inch: The pressure in hoselines and in breahing apparatus is expressed in PSI.

SCBA = Self Contained Breathing Apparatus: The thing we wear to enter dangerous atmospheres—and contrary to popular belief, it does not deliver pure oxygen; but rather, simply compressed air. (Think about it: If it was pure oxygen we would burst into flame!)

IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health: Usually expresses as ‘parts per million in air’ (PPM). The point at which a toxic vapor will likely kill or maim you. Yes. We worry about things like that.

Training Can Be Intimidating. Until You Realize You Accomplished Something By Being Accepted!

Fire Director Steve Bair has good advice for those reading this list and wondering if they have what it takes. “Sometimes our pace and our challenges can seem intimidating. But remember! You were investigated and interviewed so we already believe you are a good person, ready to learn the job. Take learning the job seriously and treat it as a craft.” It also helps if you don’t mind eating a little Alphabet soup. Click here for more about the Alpha training journey, experience and rewards that can last a lifetime.