11 Training and Fire Department Services Beyond Firefighting Unit 9

11 Learning Objectives Discuss what is involved in comprehensive training in fire departments. Discuss the role and benefits of knowledge/skill profiles in planning a training program. Discuss the techniques for creating effective learning experiences and the guidelines for a satisfying and effective instructional program Discuss the components of emergency medical/paramedic services, special rescue operations, hazardous materials and their effect on the management of an incident Discuss the meaning of customer service for fire departments.

11 Introduction Realistic fire department training A life and death issue Fire department roles – Emergency medical/paramedic services – Confined space and specialized rescue operations – Hazardous materials – Airport rescue/firefighting services – Community disaster planning, preparedness, and response – Customer service concept – Consolidation of smaller departments

11 Introduction (cont.) Fire department roles – Emergency medical/paramedic services – Confined space and specialized rescue operations – Hazardous materials – Airport rescue/firefighting services Fire department roles – Emergency medical/paramedic services – Confined space and specialized rescue operations – Hazardous materials – Airport rescue/firefighting services – Community disaster planning, preparedness, and response – Customer service concept – Consolidation of smaller departments Incident command Creating relevant guidelines

11 Training in the Fire Service Importance of training Selection of fire fighters Comprehensive training Continuing training Training standards and professional qualifications Correlating Committee for Professional Qualifications Standards

11 Training in the Fire Service Training programs – Left to individual localities, chiefs, and training instructors – Training officer Basic training course Training schedules In-service training Drills and training work Training activities are recorded. Small departments Requirements for NIMS training

11 Management of Learning Shift learning responsibility from instructor to learner Instructor is manager of learning Concept – Already knows and can do – Needs to learn – Goals and objectives – Learning experiences – Measurement of progress – Follow-up Knowledge/skill profile – Topics and skills needed – Defines knowledge and skills required – Can serve as a foundation Learning goals, objectives, and priorities Learning assignments

11 Management of Learning Knowledge/skill profile alternatives Analyzing team learning needs Setting learning goals or objectives Delivering learning programs – Traditional classes – Field assignments – Self-study – Discussion and decision-making sessions – Distance instruction – Individual work projects – Action learning – Developmental work assignments – Supervised team work projects – Coaching Measuring learning

11 The Learning Experience Four phases – Acquisition – Demonstration – Personal application – Feedback

11 Fire Department Roles Emergency Medical Services Confined Space and Special Rescue Operations Hazardous Materials – Two challenges Preventing emergency incidents involving hazardous materials Responding to such emergencies Airport Rescue/Firefighting Services Community Disaster Planning, Preparedness, and Response

11 The Customer Service Concept Fire departments as reactive organizations – Not much attention to community needs not related to fire suppression – Late 20th century, fewer fire-related responses – Justify existing staffing levels Customers as focus of progressive fire departments – Customer service – Customer-based thinking and policies – Public support is crucial Broadening of services – New challenges for fire officers – Departments Provide additional training Maintain more equipment Deal with sudden work overloads

11 Summary Realistic training is essential. Fire personnel require ongoing training and reinforcement. Manager of learning pays attention to learning process. Management of learning shifts responsibility to learners. Effective learning experience: – Acquisition – Demonstration – Personal application – Feedback Management of training benefits from attention to all eight management/ leadership guidelines.

11 Summary Officers need to be aware of additional services in their departments. EMS provides victims of injuries and illnesses critical medical intervention. Need for more specialized forms of rescue has grown. Hazardous materials present two challenges: – Preventing emergency incidents – Responding to emergency incidents Public looks to fire department with even minor emergencies. Needs of people have become major focus of progressive fire departments. Growing complexity of services makes management competence more important. Effective guidelines become key elements in ensuring the most effective operations possible.