CPS Firefighter key terms

The central point a passage conveys, usually stated in a topic sentence or implied across several paragraphs. Readers should identify it before answering detail questions about the text.

A specific fact, example, or statement in a passage that explains, proves, or illustrates the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, or how questions.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage plus the reader's own knowledge, even though the author does not state it directly. Inferences must be supported by text clues.

A word, phrase, or sentence nearby an unfamiliar term that helps readers guess its meaning. Examples include definitions, restatements, contrasts, and examples embedded in the text.

A fact can be verified with evidence; an opinion expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Fire service passages mix both, so candidates must tell which statements are provable.

The reason a writer produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain. Recognizing purpose helps readers judge tone and choose the best answer.

The order in which actions or incidents occur in a passage or procedure. Tracking order helps candidates answer questions about what happened first, next, or last.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as 2:3 or 2/3. Ratios describe relationships such as staffing levels, mixture strengths, or gear sizes.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 1/2 = 2/4. Proportions let candidates solve for an unknown quantity when scaling values up or down.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as feet to inches or gallons to liters. Conversion factors multiply or divide the original value to keep the same amount.

A ratio that compares two quantities with different units, such as gallons per minute or miles per hour. Rates describe how fast work, flow, or travel occurs.

A fraction expressed as part of 100, written with the percent sign. Percentages compare proportions and are used for grades, interest, and concentration calculations.

The sum of a group of numbers divided by the number of values in the group. The mean helps summarize data such as average response times across several runs.

Area measures the surface of a two-dimensional shape in square units. Volume measures the space inside a three-dimensional object in cubic units.

The volume of water or other fluid moving past a point per unit of time, often measured in gallons per minute. Fireground calculations use flow rate to estimate water supply.

A simple machine made of a rigid bar that pivots on a support called a fulcrum. Applying force at one point moves a load at another, trading distance for effort.

The fixed pivot point on which a lever turns. Moving the fulcrum changes how much force is needed and how far the load moves.

The ratio of the load a machine moves to the effort applied, showing how much a tool multiplies force. A higher mechanical advantage means less effort is needed.

A grooved wheel with a rope or cable that changes the direction or size of a force. Multiple pulleys can lift heavy loads with less effort.

The comparison of the number of teeth on two meshing gears. It determines speed and turning force changes between the gears in a device.

The amount of force acting on a given area, often measured in pounds per square inch. Fluids push against container walls, and pressure affects hose and nozzle performance.

A device that starts, stops, or regulates the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe. Common fire service valves include gate, ball, and check valves.

The pressure lost as water moves through hose, pipe, or fittings because of friction against the walls. Longer or narrower lines lose more pressure.

A twisting or turning force produced when force is applied at a distance from an axis. Tool length and angle affect the torque available.

The point where an object's weight is balanced in all directions. Loads shift and tip when their center of gravity moves outside the base of support.

The clear line of authority from the top of an organization down to each member. It defines who reports to whom and who gives orders.

The principle that each worker should report to only one supervisor at a given time. It prevents conflicting orders and confusion on the fireground.

The number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage. Narrow spans are used for complex or dangerous incidents; wider spans may work for routine tasks.

A communication skill where the listener gives full attention, asks questions, and restates the speaker's message to confirm understanding. It reduces mistakes and builds trust.

A set of verbal and nonverbal techniques used to calm a tense person or situation before it becomes violent. Speaking calmly and giving space often help.

The process of addressing a disagreement so both parties can move forward, often through listening, compromise, and a shared plan. Supervisors should resolve issues early.

Stepping in when a coworker is about to make an unsafe or unethical decision. Intervention can be direct, such as suggesting a safer method, or by alerting a supervisor.

A standardized management structure used to coordinate emergency response across agencies. It assigns clear roles for command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance.

Behaving with honesty, respect, and responsibility while representing the fire service. Professionalism includes appearance, communication, reliability, and ethical conduct on and off duty.

The act of noticing details in a scene using all the senses. Good observation requires focus, systematic scanning, and recording what matters.

Retrieving information from memory without prompts or with limited hints. Firefighters use recall to remember addresses, procedures, and observations under stress.

Grouping items into larger units so they are easier to remember. For example, phone numbers are recalled as three chunks rather than ten separate digits.

The ability to notice small but important features in a scene, document, or procedure. Missed details can cause errors in reports, equipment checks, or emergency response.

A memory aid that links information to a pattern, phrase, or image, such as an acronym. Mnemonics make lists and procedures easier to recall later.

Systematically moving the eyes across an area to check for hazards, victims, or changes. A consistent scanning pattern helps observers cover the whole scene.