The role of emergency vehicle technicians has received a lot of attention over the past few years. State associations are hosting many well-attended training events, and several major manufacturers are offering a variety of maintenance-related classes. As the momentum to recognize and guide the development of EVTs continues, the question we should be asking is: Where do we go from here?

Part of the answer can be found in the expanding activities offered by some of the more progressive EVT associations. Another part can also be found in the new certification tracks offered by the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Here is a summary of those efforts, plus a few additional thoughts on the future of EVTs.

Certifications
The EVTCC has led the way in offering certification testing for personnel who work on fire, ambulance and ARFF vehicles. Recently, they added certification tracks for law enforcement vehicles, advanced electronics and shop management. EVTCC certifications are widely accepted throughout the United States, and they offer tangible proof of a person's qualifications to work on specific areas of emergency vehicles. Technicians should plan to take all the tests required to establish their qualifications in the areas applicable to their jobs.

At the same time, technicians also need to take the ASE tests to demonstrate their qualifications in more general vehicle-related areas such as engines and braking systems. The Florida Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians has recognized that need and now offers ASE test review classes at its National EVT Training Academy. (See Shop Calendar).

There are several other certification programs available from manufacturers of pumps, electrical systems, air brake systems and many other vehicle components. One important point for any program is that the certificate offered should provide proof of the participants' qualifications, not their participation. Proof of qualifications usually requires written testing or physical demonstration of knowledge and skills; proof of participation just requires a morning roll call.

Association membership
It’s clear that many state and regional EVT associations across the country are taking the lead in providing training and direction for emergency vehicle maintenance personnel. Notably, the associations in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Illinois, Colorado and elsewhere have outstanding annual training events that draw hundreds of students. Other local EVT groups offer quarterly or monthly training opportunities to meet the needs of their members.

One of the keys to the success of these groups is an active body of members who attend meetings and training sessions, as well as take leadership roles in organizing events. Most of these groups will tell you that this is a two-way proposition — active leaders attract active members, and vice versa. All fire service maintenance personnel are encouraged to join their state or regional EVT group and to take an active part in the group's activities.

Additional training needs
Some fire service maintenance personnel are being asked to take on added responsibilities for many pieces of fire and rescue equipment, and there is a need for training in those areas.

Several EVT associations recognize this change and now offer classes in small engine maintenance, rescue tool maintenance, nozzle maintenance and other topics. Other potential training topics include the maintenance and testing of ground ladders, hose, generator sets, small pumps and SCBA. Several days could be devoted to training technicians on basic electrical system troubleshooting techniques; ditto for multiplex electrical systems.

Departments operating large command units need trained personnel to maintain and calibrate a wide variety of communications equipment including radios, repeaters, landline and cellular telephone systems, computers and interconnecting networks. Departments operating hazmat units need maintenance personnel to take care of specialized nuclear, chemical and biological sensors and other instruments.

In time, these new roles may result in the need for a new type of fire service maintenance person known as an emergency equipment technician, or EET.

New NFPA 1911
The new NFPA 1911, In-Service Apparatus Inspection, Maintenance and Testing, is expected to take effect in late 2006. It will combine and expand on the requirements for pump testing, aerial testing and apparatus preventive maintenance programs currently found in three other standards.

Part of the expanded content of the new NFPA 1911 standard will be more comprehensive requirements for maintenance procedures and frequencies, component and system testing, and out-of-service criteria. In turn, administration of these new requirements will fall directly on EVTs, who must study the standard and decide how to implement the requirements in their departments.

The changes to the out-of-service criteria will probably be one of the most critical areas because, by definition, they require an apparatus be taken out of service immediately without question. This may require significant pre-planning and coordination between the operations staff and the maintenance staff to implement successfully.

Skill equals money
No matter which direction technicians take in the future, they should all have the same goal — namely, that skill equals money. Some departments already have a salary or incentive structure that rewards technicians who make the time and effort to obtain EVT and ASE certifications. Other departments require certain levels of certification for new hires. In time, all departments will adopt some form of hiring, compensation and promotion standards based on demonstrable skills.

Part of this change will be based on the simple fact that skill should equal money — that the person with better skills can usually do a better job and is therefore worth more money. And if one department doesn't offer that increased compensation, then a qualified person will go to work for someone who does. Another part will be based on the fact that some jobs require a higher level of skills, and that having someone without those skills perform the work can place a department in a position of liability if the work isn't done correctly.

Whatever the reason, skill equals money is a worthy goal and it reflects the growing sense of professionalism that characterizes emergency vehicle technicians today.