Topical Session 6 13 September, Education and Professional/ Technical and Training Tools Co-Chairs Jim Narva, National Association of State Fire Marshals M.A. Delichatsios, University of Ulster

Blended Learning A model for training emergency responders Jim Narva National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Hydrogen Executive Leadership Panel (HELP)

National Association of State Fire Marshals State Fire Marshals –Senior appointed public safety officials –Authority: Code enforcement, arson and fire investigation, incident data collection and analysis, regulation of hazmats, responder training and safety, public education, policy guidance NASFM –Mission: Protect life, property and environment from fire and other hazards –Resources: 95% from Federal and State governments –Major focus: Residential, Catastrophic, Energy and Transportation

The Model: Pipeline Emergencies Safety training curriculum and materials –Textbook –Instructors’ Guide –PowerPoint with 10 interactive scenarios –Videotape, CD-ROM, dedicated website Results to date –28,000 packets in use –8,000 trainers trained (Train the Trainers) –Program part of standard training in 23 states Goal: All 1.2 million U. S. firefighters trained

Barriers to Overcome Emergency Responders learn best by doing Vast majority are volunteers in small under- resourced departments (limited time and money) Legal requirements for training may vary by jurisdiction – beyond federal requirements Time away from the job, both for volunteers and career Travel times to central training locations Turnover rates may be high in some departments.

Blended Learning Strategy fosters an “I want to know more mentality” what it is not “Click here for the textbook”

Blended Learning Strategy Foundation-efficiency and repetition –Accurate & standardized curriculum –Train-the-trainers –Institutional ties-accepted by individual states as qualified training for continuing education

Blended Learning Strategy (continued) Web-based strategy reinforces basics –Provides information and guidance – creates awareness –Allows for independent, self-paced learning –Repeats and reinforces key lessons via scenarios –Evaluates progress, identifies learning gaps –Opens doors to classroom and field training opportunities where responders learn best. –Helps NASFM identify new training needs

Blended Learning Website User friendly home page Overviews and how to obtain … –Hydrogen Emergency Responder Program –Textbook, DVD, CD Rom –Instructors’ guide –Scenarios Interactive training materials –Exercises –Testing based upon scenarios Data Collection: Help focus outreach efforts Related Links

Potential Scope of Blended Learning Strategy Hydrogen Natural gas and liquid pipelines LNG terminals Roadway, rail, aviation and marine hazmat transportation modes Bio-fuels

Thank You Questions? Jim Narva, NASFM-HELP