IFE 2012 AGM and International Conference

New Technologies – Friend or Foe?

Paul Hancock

Chief Fire Officer

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Simulation in Training

“Sharing the Cheshire journey and experience”

Cheshire’s Journey and Vision

Started in 2007 – local and national incidents

Competency of firefighters and Incident Commanders

Established a Resilience Unit – Mobile Incident Commanders

Assessment of command competency – in the workplace (fireground) and during selection (Vector)

Cheshire’s Journey and Vision

Assessment and evaluation of what (simulation) was available and being used and what was being developed

Additional research – principles and benefits of simulation

Members support and financial commitment – firefighter safety

Vision realised and the Incident Command Training Suite was officially opened by the Duke of Westminster on 4 June 2010

Suite Layout

Simulation - Principles and Benefits

An imitation of a real-life process, usually via a computer or other technological device in order to provide a lifelike experience

Proven to be a very reliable and successful method of training in thousands of industries worldwide

Can be used to allow specialisation in a certain area

aim is to educate and inform in an exciting and memorable way – the whole experience

Simulation – Principles and Benefits

Has a competitive element to motivate and inspire – self confidence and command presence

Experts in the field state that the rivalry between teams or individuals improves the learning experience and adds a sense of fun and drama

Evaluation and feedback extremely positive – no confusion or doubt over personal performance

Incredibly versatile – supervisory, middle and strategic levels, multi agency, media and business continuity

The Simulation Process

Arrival and briefing – plenary room

Basic scenarios building up to more complex scenarios

Final assessment

Feedback and evaluation

The Simulation Process

Arrival and briefing – plenary room

Basic scenarios building up to more complex scenarios

Final assessment

Feedback and evaluation

The Simulation Process

Arrival and briefing – plenary room

Basic scenarios building up to more complex scenarios

Final assessment

Feedback and evaluation

New Technologies – Friend or Foe?

Questions

Thank you

paul.hancock@cheshirefire.gov.uk