Fire Service Exploring
Fire Service Exploring is one of the career-oriented programs offered by Learning for Life, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America.
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
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 sharing their knowledge on a less than standardized level.
Medical training
Most Explorer Posts offer First Aid and CPR/AED training. Medical training is provided while following strict local, state, and federal requirements which may vary vastly depending on location.Explorers may be permitted to respond with their sponsoring fire department, but under Learning For Life regulations, Explorers are prohibited from performing both as trained emergency personnel and as rescue personnel.
Explorers should remember that this program is for "exploring" the possibility of a future with a fire department and that they are not permitted by law to perform as firefighters or emergency medical personnel.
Uniforms 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.| Official Uniform Name | Description of Typical Uniform | Occasion |
| Class A | Light blue/Black/Gray/Orange dress shirt, Dark blue dress pants, dress shoes | Public events such as parades, funerals, fairs, etc. |
| Class B | Light blue/Black/Gray/Orange T-shirt/Polo shirt, pants | Station/Duty Wear |
| Turnout Gear | Bunker coat, bunker pants, bunker boots, hood, gloves, and helmet. | Field Wear |
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 the television series, Code Red, the child character, Danny Blake, is a Fire Explorer who enjoys unusually privileged access to Fire Department activities due to his father being a Battalion Fire Chief.