Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department – Volunteer Recruit Training (General Order 04-03)

Vocabulary flashcards highlight key terms, programs, forms, and agencies related to Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Volunteer Recruit School and training procedures.

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Atmosphere

An environment likely to cause death, serious health effects, or impair escape; recruits with only VRS may not enter.

Target Solutions

The county’s official web platform for tracking, managing, and delivering all fire/EMS training and ISO hour documentation.

Volunteer Recruit School (VRS)

Entry-level program—five online modules plus in-station practical—required before a new volunteer may ride apparatus.

FEMA IS-100

Independent Study course introducing the Incident Command System; completion certificate is mandatory for VRS credit.

FEMA IS-700

Independent Study course on the National Incident Management System; certificate must be emailed to the Fire Commission.

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Life-saving certification each recruit must obtain and submit to complete VRS; now issued through ASHI instead of AHA.

Technology & Information Services Office (TISO)

County office that creates official email and Target Solutions accounts for approved volunteer applicants.

Fire Commission Administrative Aide

Staff member who enrolls recruits in VRS, verifies paperwork, and schedules issuance of PAT, ID, PPE, and SCBA mask.

Personal Accountability Tag (PAT)

Identification tag issued after VRS completion that authorizes the member to respond on emergency calls.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

County-issued turnout gear (coat, pants, boots, helmet, gloves, hood, suspenders) required for operational participation.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Face Mask

Individually assigned respirator face piece issued after fit testing at Apparatus Maintenance Division.

Letter of Equivalent Training

Document provided to recruits whose prior certifications meet accepted standards, allowing modified VRS requirements.

Application for Equivalency (Attachment B)

Form used to request credit for prior fire/EMS training; must include course records and department letter.

National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NBFSPQ)

Accrediting body whose certified courses are acceptable for training equivalency in Prince George’s County.

Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB)

State agency that certifies fire service training; its credentials qualify for equivalency approval.

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

International organization accrediting fire service programs; its certifications are recognized for equivalency.

Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Level Refresher

Online refresher course required (via Target Solutions) before an equivalency recruit may ride apparatus.

General Orders (G.O.’s)

Formal departmental policies—introduced in VRS—that govern fire/EMS operations and member conduct.

Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.’s)

Detailed instructions outlining the specific methods for performing departmental tasks safely and effectively.

Logistics & Supply Services

Division that schedules fittings and issues PPE to volunteers after paperwork is verified.

Apparatus Maintenance Division (AMD)

Facility where volunteers schedule annual fit tests and receive their SCBA mask and regulator.

In-Station Portion of VRS

Hands-on training at the volunteer’s station covering PPE, SCBA, ladders, tools, hose, HazMat, and ambulance ops.

ISO Training Tracker

Built-in Target Solutions feature that records training hours toward Insurance Services Office compliance.

Confidentiality / WHAT Forms

Documents recruits download, sign, and email to the Fire Commission acknowledging workplace and privacy policies.

Volunteer Chief Verification (Form #3899)

Signature by the station’s volunteer chief confirming that the member completed all in-station VRS requirements.