This chapter discusses the importance of training for firefighters. It identifies key positions in a training bureau, including instructors, audiovisual technicians, and the training chief. Adequate training is determined by evaluating if tasks can be performed safely and efficiently. Skills are initially developed through basic training and then maintained through regular practice. Training helps firefighters perform safely and effectively at emergency incidents. It covers both technical topics and hands-on skills training. Safety is the top priority in all fire department training.

1. Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd Edition

2. Chapter 9 Training

3. Objectives Identify the personnel and positions that make up a training bureau Describe the need for training in the fire service Explain the difference between technical and manipulative training Describe how adequate level of training is determined Describe how performance standards are determined

4. Objectives (con’t.) Explain how skills are developed Explain the importance of skills maintenance Explain how training level applies to incident effectiveness List areas in which firefighters require training

5. Introduction In most firefighter fatalities, common denominators are identified Examine written reports to prevent future fatalities Constant innovations in firefighting lead to more efficiency and safety Training in new techniques should be a career-long commitment

6. Training Bureau Teaches you to do your job safely and efficiently You are ultimately responsible for your own safety and education Staff function More productive work time in office Operations function Can assess needs more accurately on-site

7. Personnel Provide flexible planning and scheduling Coordinate resources Research and develop information Require good communications skills Create course outlines and lesson plans

8. Personnel (con’t.) Present concepts and ideas (see Figure 9-1) Must have positive attitude toward the importance of training Must have wide background of experience Have the ability to change the department Credibility is key Work is seen by the whole department

9. Training Chief Is usually chief officer Provides unity of command Acts as point of contact for upper ranks Prioritizes demands May be liaison to local colleges

10. Company Officers Act as training officers Plan and coordinate programs Evaluate others May aid promotion Depend on cooperation of operations personnel

11. Instructors Can be from inside or outside department Subject matter experts NFA instructors teach all over the country Instructors are made, not born

12. A/V Technician Plans and produces training aids and department-specific materials Is cost effective Keeps companies in their response areas Speeds up dissemination of information

13. Light Duty For personnel who are restricted from active duty because of injury Allows department to recover expenses from paid injury leave Exposes firefighters to training and staff duties

14. Interagency Agencies working together need to train together to learn each other’s operations Can be between federal, state, local, or private sector Addresses problems/issues before incidents Sometimes includes joint recruit training academies

15. Ambulance Companies Provide joint training in equipment setup and extrication Allow firefighters to go to paramedic school and base meetings Assist in training firefighters to work with air ambulances

16. Training Facilities Can be improvised Classrooms are a necessity Parking structure can be used as drill tower Props are expensive Sites require preparation

17. Training Facilities (con’t.) Training can be done during preplans Smoke generators Safe, clean smoke Can smoke up different structures ARFF training Requires special knowledge Airport operations Communications with control tower

18. Off-Site Training Can occur in numerous locations Fire prevention inspections Driving around first-in area Wildland fire training High-rise structures under construction Pre-plan inspections of high-hazard occupancies (see Figure 9-5) Ships and aircraft Oil refineries

19. Purpose and Importance of Training Change behavior Learn proper use of equipment Perform safely Develop safety attitude Develop command presence

20. Technical Training Training in facts and ideas Technical subjects Chemistry Physics Hydraulic calculations Building construction

21. Technical Training (con’t.) Understand extinguishing systems Know how to use the incident command system Learn the design limitations of your equipment Price of failure is too great Exceeding limitations can lead to injury or death

22. Manipulative Training Training in the use of tools Under stress, you will perform as you have practiced Starts out simple with one tool at a time Progresses to multiple tools under stressful conditions Should be realistic, but within safety guidelines

23. Determining Adequate Levels of Training Questions to ask Is the job being done safely? Can the job be performed under realistic conditions? How complex is the job? How often is the job performed? How important is the job? Is the job mandated by law?

24. Performance Standards Performed within time and safety guidelines Performed with a minimum of errors Acceptable percentage of error varies with material Knowledge of form numbers: 30% error may be acceptable Safety: 0% error is acceptable

25. Skills Development and Skills Maintenance Master basic tasks quickly Once mastery is achieved with low level skills, move on to more difficult skills Learn to apply technical, manipulative, and decision making skills to more complicated situations Once learned, skills must be practiced

26. Skills Assessment Technical testing Written and verbal Manipulative testing Safety Completion of all steps Proficiency and efficiency Smoothness of operation Coordination of groups

27. Standard Operating Procedures Help achieve unity and coordination in operations Apply to many functional areas Increase proficiency and efficiency Reduce radio traffic

28. Training Records Maintained regularly Lists completed training (may be requested in a lawsuit) Can be reviewed to assess needs Used for apprenticeship program cost reimbursement

29. Relationship of Training to Incident Effectiveness Overall purpose of performance is incident effectiveness Training to achieve safe and efficient performance of operations Not possible to save every life or put out every fire Training focuses on minimum loss and injury

30. Required Training Federal requirements Hazardous materials training Aircraft firefighting FRO personnel Firefighting personnel Live drill every 12 months State and local requirements Emergency medical services

31. Training Safety In training, safety is of the utmost importance Realism should not compromise safety Common injury types Falls Being struck Overexertion Burns CO poisoning

32. Firefighters first master the basics and then learn to respond to more complex situations As a firefighter’s career progresses, the need for learning never stops Promotion adds responsibility of training subordinates Personnel who respond together should train together Safety is an essential aspect of training Summary