New Training Approaches in American Fire Services - Case Study Example

NEW TRAINING APPROCHES USED IN AMERICAN FIRE SERVICES TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………..2.0 2. TRENDS OF THE PAST DECADE…………………………………………2.0 3. NEED FOR CHANGE……………………………………………………….3.0 4. APPLICATION OF VARIED APPROACHES……………………………...5.0 5. LIMITATIONS IN THE FIRE SERVICES OF AMERICA………………....6.0 6. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………….7.0 7. RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………..7.0 8. BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………..9.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In this dynamic world where nothing remains constant for a long time, even the practices applied for the fire safety and protection services has undergone a rapid transformation incorporating new approaches and methods for fire services used in America. As the old machinery is replaced by the new enhanced technology, simultaneously changes in training always follow. This case study deals with the trends of the past decades in the fire services training programs in America and the current corresponding changes in the technology and other aspects of training. The utmost focus towards the changing trends was on becoming an all-risk, and all hazard (Linstrom, 2006) rejoinder body working for the community welfare and safety. TRENDS OF THE PAST DECADES The training trends since the past decades have observed a remarkable change in the approaches applied to training. In the 1950s, the most common fire training methods was the Civil Defense training which imparted the basic knowledge and skills required by a fire fighter such as rope use, knots, ladders, hose streams drill workshops, followed by on-the-job training in the further sessions. 1950’s however failed to incorporate the modern techniques into their training approach. Emergence of a two way radio technology, establishment of the training colleges marked a beginning for the coming year’s development and growth. 1960’s went through a visible revolutionized approach in standardization for the fire training service programs. Special CPR training for non-physicians was embraced by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross organizations (Linstrom, 2006). In 1970’s major focus was laid on the Snorkels, fire prevention and the appropriate fire department planning for the future. 1980’s centered on the rescue operations and the instructional methodology required for the spreading of the awareness operations, technician and scene commander levels training for ‘hazmat’. Many of the worst fire incidents occurred in 1980’s and 90 are especially in the factory buildings. In 1990’s the center of attraction was the Firefighter Combat Challenge programme. However the new millennium marked the most tragic event of the history, the World trade centre demolishment on Sep 11, 2001. This day had changed the whole focal point diverging itself to the need for infrastructural protection, training and exercise, disaster management approach aiming to achieve a proper management between the local, and state movements. This era noticed an apparent change in the approach when the National Incident Management System training was established. NEED FOR CHANGE The fatal fire accidents of Texas fire, fire in the Our Lady of the angel’s school, Happy Land Social Club, Bronx led to the formation of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Past 50 decades have seen a significant change in the role of the fire services worldwide but to talk about America, Sep 11, 2001 has spouted out the need for a rapid change in the approach for the training. Earlier the training comprised of the use of equipments and techniques to fight with fires on remote and barren lands but today the need to combat fires includes training on using hazardous materials, urban, water and confined space rescue, rope rescue, cardio pulmonary rescue etc. There has been a distinct change not only in the use of apparatus and techniques but also in the role of the personnel department A firefighter is not merely a go-getter but now being groomed into a refined person who is skilled in industrial techniques or applying knowledge into practical confrontation with the disaster. A change is essential to cope up with new responsibilities of using hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, and advanced life support (Emergency Medical Services, 2002) Any fire service training division is also required to build career hierarchy tree for its trainees which is one of the most wanted need of the day. For this pre defined standards at all levels are designed and is constantly tried that maximum adeptness at all levels is achieved. Need for change has arise due to the emergence of new technologies , change in the approach for improvising organizational structures, use of appropriate equipments by the personnel, new role definition of the department functions, accurate statistics and effective reporting systems, and allocation of proper of finances and other resources. APPLICATION OF VARIED APPROACHES After the tragic event of Sep, 2001 it was suggested by the Federation of American Scientists that a well coordinated Interagency approach should be undertaken so as to impart training to a number of people who need it for a timely execution of the effective and pre-determined contingency plans for the critical situations. A coordinated interagency plan aims at providing timely information, consistent training standards, improved infrastructural facilities, imparting of prompt training technology. A Comprehensive Investigator’s approach is used to prepare the trainee’s for exchange of ideas, identification of the causes and elimination of the root cause of the fire occurrences. This kind of approach would also help in providing solutions to criminal or civil court case proceedings.America’s fire service program must have proper personnel training to effectively respond to the emergency situations, curbing or curtailing the terrorist attacks. The current firefighters of America are brawling to adapt to the cultural change which reflects its safety and protection measures. With the use of a Lesson-learned approach, a cultural change can be imbibed in the application of the modern fires services inculcating a sense of discipline among the trainees for an effective and safer design set for the operations conducted. According to Vickie Pritchett, Fire Team USA Project Manager, Use of ‘Fire Sprinkler’ is a good solution to fight with the fire problem as they would be able to control the damage before it reaches the flashover. It is supposed to be a good initiative as it involves the entire crew and team of leaders for participation in the community welfare. Modern Approach to control the fire problem in the current times requires that apart from putting stress on the equipment and tools , emphasis should also be laid on proper Management of organizations and human resources , Innovative methods of Fire prevention and protection, adequate resources to challenge the Terrorism incident management and coordination between Strategic management and internal policy The most important part to be changed for putting the approach into practical terms is the reformation of the attitude of the people, their behaviour and plunging a sense of responsibility among the people at large. To add on there must be well run political framework at the national level which identifies the core of the problems dealing with the social and the economic issues related to the protection and rescue operations. The approach also includes a constant research department which is involved in the development of innovative fire suppression systems. It aims at collecting accurate data for interpretation and analysis of fair solutions to problems faced in due course of time. Proper definition and clarity of roles and responsibilities will help the working environment to strengthen its rots firmly with a clear vision and goals to achieve. Limitations of the Fire Service in America It is observed that America is trying to improvise the fire fighting techniques and measures however few of the places such as Native American Community still faces a profound fire problem due to the lack of timely information receptivity towards the fire issues(Fire CHIEF,2002). The barrier to proper communication due to language results in distortion of command. Need for adequate and effectual literature is required to cope up with the problem of fire prevention in such American tribal areas. The fire problem facing the tribes is complicated and intricate related to cultural issues. The problem needs to be fixed using modern approaches as the issues here have flouted the traditional and conventional fire fighting approaches in reality. Americans have in actual sense still not being able to adopt the basic keys of safety , various sources reveal (Tresemer ,2007)that little norms such as the fighter-style helmet is adapted as a customary norm in Great Britain and Europe, but the American Fire service still has not accepted and implied it in its policies. An erratic management policy leads to misleading market strategies. It is seen that unlike in the past, now the fire departments are not accountable for their failures or fault which prompts them to shirk their responsibility; or hold them liable for the injuries, death or property loss caused due to their negligence. In June 2002, A journal was released named ‘America at Risk’ where it was stated the fire problem in America was the same as 30 years ago with almost negligible changes for improvement. It was also mentioned that the severe rate of loss or destruction in America was not only caused due to the inadequate means of prevention or suppression but also because of wrong implications of the loss reduction strategies. CONCLUSION America’s constant struggle for improving its fire service operations will certainly aim for a more secured and prudent futuristic approach. Usage of satellite technologies, strong coordinated and well led communication system, growth of superior technology at an even higher pace than today will give a new shape to the American rapid intervention service. It is observed that after the 11 September attack, The American emergency response still lacks an appropriate training to deal with the critical situations of mass destruction. Firefighters must be trained to face wide range of perilous challenges apart from the normal residential and commercial inferno. It can be concluded that inspite of a drastic change in the American Fire Services from the past, it still requires a constant change. The decisions made have to be firm and for the welfare of all the stakeholders and the people. Leaders should be rewarded for putting up high quality ideas and suggestions and boost up a constructive, optimistic approach among the trainees. RECOMMENDATIONS It is suggested that the practical realities of providing the training necessary to maintain the required level of skill, knowledge and aptitude should be sustained in future. Tactics and strategy needed should be well addressed and executed to apply the training acquired in real terms. There should be a use of proper decision making methods, and developing a quick combat plan to meet the needs of the incident. A thorough review on the legal aspects of the American fire service, their social and the political impact on the issues of employment, administrative and operational matter should also be considered. To deal with the problem of mass destruction a coordinated interagency approach should be employed. A well refined training system can help in reaching the people in a quick and prompt manner meeting the needs of the local situations. It is also recommended that strategies for implementation of on-scene rehabilitation should be enforced. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Emergency Medical Services, 2002, COUNTY OF MARIN, Fire Department Programs, File Last Updated: Oct 27, 2002, viewed on 19th May, 2008, http://egovwebstg.marinpublic.com/depts/FR/main/fire/history.cfm 2. FAS, Federation of American Scientists, New Report Finds Urgent Need for Emergency Medical and Emergency Response Training to Deal with Weapons of Mass Destruction , Last modified on 9th Sep, 2002, Viewed on 19th May’2008, http://www.fas.org/press/news/2002/2002sept_emergencytrng.html 3. Fire CHIEF, New partnership forged to improve Native American fire safety, International Association of Fire Chiefs, modified on May 13, 2002, viewed on 19thMay’2008, http://firechief.com/news/firefighting_new_partnership_forged/ 4. Linstrom. J, Oct 2006, As Decades Change, So Does Teaching, Penton Media Inc.http://firechief.com/training/ar/firefighting_decades_change_teaching/ 5. Tresemer, 2007, Leadership, Begin with a Spark, modified on 1st Sep, 2007, Penton Media Inc., viewed on 19th May, 2008, http://firechief.com/leadership/managementadministration/firefighting_begin_spark/ 6. Vickie Pritchett, 2007, Our American Fire Problem: Growing Everyday, modified on 16th Feb, 2007, viewed on 19th May, 2008, http://www.fireteamtennessee.com/PDF%20Files/America's%20Fire%20Problem%202-17-07.pdf Read More