Search for academies in Nevada that prepare students to become firefighters. For example, consider attending the University of Nevada Fire Science Academy in Carlin, the North Las Vegas Fire Department Fire Training Academy in North Las Vegas or the Fire Service Training Bureau in Carson City. Complete an application/registration form to enroll in your chosen training program.
Study information such as basic firefighter skills and emergency medical services during the 18-week academy program at the North Las Vegas Fire Department. Meanwhile, if attending the University of Nevada, take classes that are designed for entry-level industrial firefighters, in which you study effective streams, the chemistry of fire/fire behavior and critical incident stress management.
Review the National Interagency Incident Management System and complete hazardous materials training at the University of Nevada and the North Las Vegas Fire Department. Go over confinement operations, prevention of exposures and fundamental decontamination techniques.
Study Federal Aviation Administration airport firefighter requirements at the University of Nevada. Also, learn about technical rescue procedures at the North Las Vegas Fire Department. In addition, go over the use of personal protective equipment, and review fire department communication devices, forcible entry tools, ladders and water supply information at the Fire Service Training Bureau. Master this material so that you can pass a fire department written entrance test, which can last two hours to three hours.
Complete hands-on experience during your firefighter training program. For example, get experience with managing incidences during real-time simulations of industrial emergencies while at the University of Nevada. In addition, practice doing technical rescue knots, rigging and using lowering and hauling systems in industrial rescue. Make sure you can lift and carry 150 pounds with assistance so that you can pass a fire department physical agility test as well.