From 2008-2019, 109 firefighters lost their lives due to training injuries. While many of these may be attributed to personal health issues, the majority comprise a senseless loss of life.
If someone is a training officer looking for a practical, safe alternative to dangerous live fire scenarios, take a look at virtual reality (VR) training.
Conserving valuable resources
VR technology is raising the bar in firefighter training while helping save lives and conserve valuable resources.
The use of VR technology allows training for incidents that cannot easily be replicated
The use of VR technology allows training for incidents that cannot easily be replicated or may be very costly to recreate, not to mention eliminating the hazards involved in ‘live training.’ VR can be used for individual and group learning using 360 media (2D and 3D) and creating 3D VR objects and environments. It can also be used for virtual meeting spaces.
Virtual meeting spaces
VR benefits to the fire service:
- Safe training environment with 360-degree views.
- Less wear and tear on personal protective equipment (PPE) and response equipment.
- First-line equipment remains available in its response area.
- Create VR 3D spaces from photographs and videos of actual buildings in the response area.
- Repeat after-action response scenarios.
- Training anytime/anywhere.
- Improved safety inspections and 3D visualizations of buildings within first-due areas. This gives the ability for walkthroughs and ‘what if’ scenario development.
- VR technology allows the user to keep the learner immersed and present in the moment, thus tapping into a truly experiential moment.
Adopting Virtual Reality
- Use the coffee break bulletin evaluating the need for new technology to help evaluate a VR program for the department and to help choose hardware and software.
- ‘Off the shelf’ VR equipment and apps can be adopted for use in the fire service with a low entry cost. At a higher price point, ‘Enterprise’ business VR solutions and custom software for emergency services are available that will provide a robust VR system.
- Virtual environments are not without risk. A VR-specific policy and training materials should be in place to outline responsibilities and review safe operation prior to use.
- Critical to the use of VR is the quality. Sound and visual quality with intuitive interactions creates a truly immersive experience.
Alleviate safe practices
Of course, VR does not alleviate safe practices. Always maintain:
- Proper health and fitness.
- PPE, SCBA, and response equipment.
- A safety mindset. Preplan scenarios, keeping in mind situational awareness and real-world hazards.
