2023 Indiana Code › Title 36. Local Government › Article 8. Public Safety › Chapter 10.5. Minimum Training Requirements for Firefighters › 36-8-10.5-7. Training Subject Matter

Sec. 7. (a) The education board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 establishing minimum basic training requirements for full-time firefighters and volunteer firefighters, subject to subsection (b) and section 7.5 of this chapter. The requirements must include training in the following areas:
(1) Orientation.
(2) Personal safety.
(3) Forcible entry.
(4) Ventilation.
(5) Apparatus.
(6) Ladders.
(7) Self-contained breathing apparatus.
(8) Hose loads.
(9) Streams.
(10) Basic recognition of special hazards.
(b) A person who fulfills the certification requirements for:
(1) Firefighter I; or
(2) Firefighter II;
is considered to comply with the requirements established under subsection (a).
(c) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a), (d), and (f), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time firefighters and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of a basic or inservice course of education and training on sudden infant death syndrome that is certified by the Indiana emergency medical services commission (created under IC 16-31-2-1) in conjunction with the state health commissioner.
(d) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a), (c), and (f), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of an instruction course on vehicle emergency response driving safety. The education board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to operate this course.
(e) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a), (c), (d), and (f), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of a basic or inservice course of education and training in interacting with individuals with autism that is certified by the Indiana emergency medical services commission (created under IC 16-31-2-1).
(f) This subsection does not apply to volunteer firefighters. After December 31, 2024, in addition to the requirements of subsections (a), (c), (d), and (e), the minimum basic training requirement for full-time firefighters must include training, which may be completed online or by other means of virtual instruction, that addresses the mental health and wellness of firefighters, including:
(1) healthy coping skills to preserve the mental health of firefighters and to manage the stress and trauma related to employment as a firefighter;
(2) recognition of:
(A) symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder; and
(B) signs of suicidal behavior; and
(3) information on mental health resources available for firefighters.
(g) The education board may adopt emergency rules in the manner provided under IC 4-22-2-37.1 concerning the adoption of the most current edition of the following National Fire Protection Association standards, subject to amendment by the board:
(1) NFPA 472.
(2) NFPA 1001.
(3) NFPA 1002.
(4) NFPA 1003.
(5) NFPA 1006.
(6) NFPA 1021.
(7) NFPA 1031.
(8) NFPA 1033.
(9) NFPA 1035.
(10) NFPA 1041.
(11) NFPA 1521.
(12) NFPA 1670.
(h) Notwithstanding any provision in IC 4-22-2-37.1 to the contrary, an emergency rule described in subsection (g) expires on the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Two (2) years after the date on which the emergency rule is accepted for filing with the publisher of the Indiana Register.
(2) The date a permanent rule is adopted under this chapter.
(i) At least sixty (60) days before the education board adopts an emergency rule under subsection (g), the education board shall:
(1) notify the public of its intention to adopt an emergency rule by publishing a notice of intent to adopt an emergency rule in the Indiana Register; and
(2) provide a period for public hearing and comment for the proposed rule.
The publication notice described in subdivision (1) must include an overview of the intent and scope of the proposed emergency rule and the statutory authority for the rule.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.22-1994, SEC.5; P.L.62-2003, SEC.1; P.L.148-2007, SEC.7; P.L.93-2009, SEC.3; P.L.110-2009, SEC.17; P.L.1-2010, SEC.152; P.L.78-2013, SEC.10; P.L.10-2017, SEC.2; P.L.187-2021, SEC.141; P.L.139-2023, SEC.4.