Firefighting Training: Filling Dump Tanks

Source: Training for Failure

We engaged in some dump tank training and piggy backing of firetruck pumps for boosting power. What I'm going to say is that this fire department is out training every week and has a core active group of dedicated firefighters that keep the hall going. As a department that keeps up-to-date on safety and training they are one of the most skilled and agile in the area. They are often called for back up support for many of the other departments and often help train other departments. They are an asset to our community. 

 (Yes, even those who haven't trained much in years still need updated training. Whether full-time, part-time or volunteer the training is what helps develop a professional department and saves lives. Also why I advocate for funds to make this department a central training hub for the other departments. A little more resources, materials, and rotating fire lectures/training and we would be in an A game in a constructive way that better protects current local resources and future local infrastructure. Pipelines or Pipedreams?) 

Since we are in a rural and cold environment we have a lot of similarities with Canada and other rural environments. You can see one method in Canadian Firefighter Drop Tank Training and where firefighters get their water in Firefighter Insider Water Source. (Also why I like the idea of shared cross culture-boarder training in this region for some incidents. i.e. large forest fires and larger disasters.). If you search around you will find a lot of other examples. I thought it was good because of the environmental characteristics.

Training is vital to consistent high performance and outcome management. The margins of error are low when your dealing with lives. Its not just the type of training but how one trains that influence performance. Just like an athlete succeeds through training, fire departments succeeds through training. When live performance time comes (as a normal aspect the field), reactions should be near automatic to ensure performance under extreme duress when focus narrows.

The International Fire Chiefs Association's (IAFC) Ed Rush gives us two quotes to consider the importance of training in his article Training as If Your Life Depended On It!,

1. "Let no man’s ghost return to say his training let him down."

2. "Don't train till you get it right; train till you can't get it wrong!"

These quotes are important because this is how firefighters practice and if they are not practicing that way they should be. The essence of training is important in this department and departments throughout the country. We train, train, and train and there are lots of other things we do but the more we practice, the more lives saved, and the more we can help the community. We have much more we can do and are doing great with the resources we have (Sometimes there is a knowledge and a resource issues. That is common in rural departments. Bringing us to the local training hub concept again.).

We can see a few different types of training and their effectiveness from a Naval Post Graduate School thesis entitled 'Training for Failure in the United States'. The study explores challenges of different training methods and the stress, cognitive processes and decision making during performance situations. Such studies are important because they help us understand the need for diversity in training methods and solidifying concepts through sensory engagement.

I agree with many of the findings of the study (I also love the graphical explanations on learning.) Having different ways/methods of training, relaying and incorporating training information is important for skill retention and the ability to rely on those neural networks when the poo poo hits the fan! Things need to move quickly and operate like a well greased machine because seconds count. That requires some creativity in training (With rural departments its going to require a little more creativity I think.).

For example VR and kinetic actual training leads to greater retention through muscle memory and sensory encoding. Adding to that classroom and/or virtual training on fire theory, terminology and processes rounds out tactical kinetic knowledge with theoretical learning to give wider context to tactical activities. In other words, train often and train in different ways using different layers of knowledge (Why I'm thinking about donating VR Goggles through my small business.)

In this case going through the actual physical practice of using the drop tanks, mixed with instruction, and mixed with training in poor rainy conditions was helpful. It mimics better the elements beyond the classroom. The class room, along with other forms of training is important, but hands on training leads to muscle and sensory memory. It also teaches the softer leadership skills from natural human interaction. When action comes, they already know who knows how to do what! This can only come from training as a team (There is plenty of room for improvement but this is some good training.). 

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn"

~ Benjamin Franklin

(*FYI. Too bad we couldn't get government-private entities an opportunity to try out ideas with our department. Of course that should come with increased funding and support. As our area grows, the fire fighting needs and training needs to handle more commercial/industrial properties becomes apparent and important. Fire buildings, VR equipment, traffic items, and manuals/materials are all helpful. We do have the basic facilities. Just a thought. )

(** If you like the article feel free to share. We are looking for donations and other resources so consider doing something good for a worthwhile institution that protects business and people. $15K Electric/Cordless Spreader, $100K grass truck, $3K misc. equipment (ballpark), $3K training materials (ballpark). These are the things I'm thinking about right now that would put us in pretty good shape for a little while (I'm not defining little.).

There are other expenses though that will be coming for repair and replacement. If you want to donate as an individual or a company feel free to check us out on Facebook or give us a call/letter at Map. We are a community over here so warm wishes are also welcome. :)