overcoming technology: helping the fire service conquer its aversion to online training
TRANSCRIPT
OVERCOMING TECHNOLOGY
Helping the Fire Service Conquer Its Aversion to Online Training and Other
Innovative Solutions
The Fire Service’s Aversion to Technology
Deep-Rooted Philosophies Based on Tradition
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Firefighters by age group(NFPA 2011)
Ages 16-29
Ages 30-39
Ages 40 & Up24%
28%
48%
“The fire service lives on tradition and change can be difficult. Change happens slowly. When I was hired in the 80s, we didn’t have a computer in the station. Fast forward 30 years and now all of our reporting for everything is done on the computer.”
Dan Collins Training Captain, Cal Fire San Diego
The Fire Service’s Aversion to Technology
Technology has Changed Everything
1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
1970s
Fire service becomes involved
in Emergency Medical Services;
considered a “game changer.”
1980s
HAZMAT arrives on the
scene
1990s
Technical rescue takes center stage
Post 9/11
Urban Search and Rescue
(USAR) became new offering for
many organizations
The Fire Service’s Aversion to Technology
Concerns with New-Aged Tools and Techniques
Many fire service veterans are resolute in their objection to the influx of technology into the profession, especially computers for day-to-day operations.
Risk of “technology overload” can over-complicate operations
Ignoring evolution of technology may risk reduction in safety as opposed to improving it.
Training in the 21st Century
Training Efficiently with Web-Based Solutions
Currently Use
Online Training
48%
Considering Online
Training 28%
Not Considering
Online Training
22%
Other 2%
Statistics taken from marketing survey of more than 350 fire service personnel of various ranks and categorized by answer submissions. Survey determined 76% of the industry considers online training to be a viable training alternative.
Top 10 Benefits of Online Training 1) Ensuring Compliance: Fire entities have requirements and training expectations; accredited online training gives ability to meet those standards.
2) Cost Savings: Online courses reduces expenses and when used in combination with classroom work, experts suggest online training is even more effective.
3) Overall Convenience: Online training is available 24/7 anywhere there is an Internet connection.
4) Improved Response Times: Emergency responders are able to complete training on their own time which eliminates the need for company-wide training.
Top 10 Benefits of Online Training 5) Increased Comprehension: Users are able to complete courses and videos at their own pace, helping increase material retention and memorization.
6) Confirm Delivery: Delivering training is simple and efficient. With just a few clicks, everyone’s training can be assigned and then monitored.
7) Alert Notifications: E-mail alerts keep personnel and management aware of upcoming deadlines and expirations.
Top 10 Benefits of Online Training 8) Training Management: Allows administrators to easily monitor assignment completions and generate comprehensive data reports, making recordkeeping and data tracking simple and efficient.
9) Reduce Liability: Creates paper trail to document compliance and serves as proof of completed training in cases of litigation or audits.
10) Go Paperless: Agencies can “go green” and store files electronically, eliminating the need for endless paper records through online training platforms.