Iowa schools may offer junior firefighter training to older students

School districts and accredited nonpublic schools may offer an elective junior firefighter program. The program may serve students in grades 11 and 12 at school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. Before offering the program, the school must agree with a local fire department on training, supervision, allowed and barred activities, and insurance responsibilities. Fire service training bureau personnel or an approved instructor must teach an approved curriculum. The school must coordinate with a local fire department to provide materials and training for all parts of Firefighter I certification.

Students who complete the program and required paperwork may take Firefighter I certification tests. This applies to students who complete the junior firefighter program and meet the stated certification testing requirements. Students must complete the program, submit required certification registration and local verification forms, and pay applicable registration fees. A student who passes all required exams before turning 18 cannot receive certification until turning 18.

The program sets limits on student activities and requires schools to provide participants with medical and liability insurance. These limits apply to program participants; some activity restrictions apply specifically to students younger than 18. Students under 18 may do only the listed activities, with stated safety conditions; certain activities are allowed only after training or under approved supervision. All students are barred from responding to emergencies, being dispatched with a fire department, or doing fire suppression or emergency medical services at an active scene. Students must submit a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian if they are minors. Students are not employees or firefighters, and program injuries are not covered by workers’ compensation. Schools must provide medical and liability insurance for all program activities. Students under 18 may do the listed activities only between 6:00 a.m. and midnight. Specific safety conditions apply where stated.