Education Requirements of Firefighters

• State Certified Fire Fighter II/Basic
• Certification includes knowledge in 23 subject areas, including:
• Fire Department Orientation
• Ladders
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
• Building Construction
• Hose
• Communications
• Public Education
• Fire Cause
• Hazardous Materials

This includes both classroom and hands-on practical training. A state-administered test is required to receive certification from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Continuing Education

• Monthly training on fire-related subjects
• College of Lake County offers an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology
• Additional state-certified training includes:
• Fire Apparatus Engineer
• Fire Instructor
• Fire Officer
• Fire Investigator
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Public Safety Diver
• Roadway Extrication Specialist
• Technical Rescue Specialist
• Juvenile Firesetter Intervention

Education Requirements of Paramedics

All paramedics are licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Personnel must first complete Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) training and become state certified. Training is provided locally through the College of Lake County and area hospitals.

After EMT-B certification, personnel must complete Paramedic training and earn state certification, also offered through College of Lake County programs.

Continuing Education

• Monthly in-house paramedic skill training
• Vista Health provides additional continuing education classes every other month
• Personnel must meet the state requirement of 30 hours of CE annually
• A current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card is required