Experiences of Training of Working in the Fire Service - Example

EXPERIENCES OF TRAINING OF WORKING IN THE FIRE SERVICE INTRODUCTION Fire service department is one of the most daunting and challenging arena one can ever think off. The training to the fire fighters and analyzing their work experiences has been chosen as the selected topic as it reveals its essence and worth in increasing the performance and productivity levels, improved organizational climate, reduced rate of stress, fulfillment of the personnel’s requirements, less operational mistakes improves quality which can be achieved all through training. Personal growth, enlarged skill, enlightened altruistic philosophy, obsolescence prevention all can be achieved through proper training measures. Hence the topic explore the value of training to combat the threat of unexpected and unwanted risk which may occur due to a fire outrage, it becomes an utmost necessity to be pre trained in order to identify the fire risks in the work place and other areas. It is an unpredictable task to envisage a disaster and its resulting impacts, consequences can be managed and controlled to an extent if proper training and pre hand experience is entailed while getting acquainted with such circumstances. Experiences of training of workers in the fire departments or fire services areas can be benefit to a number of different people including the organizations who can reduce the huge contingency costs associated with such outbreaks and securing the health and safety of their employees and customers, the public in order to generate awareness among the masses and promote alertness and responsiveness towards such untimely, unpredictable circumstances. The government is also benefited as it can facilitate the reduction in the frequency of occurrence of such disasters and ultimately preserve the valuable scare resources of the economy in meeting up many more necessary needs and requirements for public welfare rather than compensating people for events which can be prevented or timely controlled with a little consciousness and adequate training. A well communication strategy must be imbibed in the organizational structures and well communed to the concerned individuals or groups through right methods and channels. In the modern era where huge, massive structures are being built on a breakneck pace, it becomes a matter of great concern whether adequate amount of workforces which is specialized in the concerned area is available or not and if available is it sufficiently trained to combat the threat in an effective manner and if not then how much more is required and procedure to carry on such processes must also be identified along.. The topic under consideration relates with the experience of workers under fire training, which highlights certain common theories and practices which is not just related with fire control but in general with the disaster management as a whole, one of them being situational leadership application. Various kinds of experiences which are accumulated are based on the decisions taken at the spur of the moment in controlling the critical situation which brings out the concept of situational leadership traits needed in a life-threatening condition. Models and theories are useful to establish a link between the experiences analysis as they provide a strong link between an error possibility which may be a vital source of occurrence of the disaster and negligence on the part of the fire fighter, such as ‘Injury Causation Model’ (Tung. T, viewed on 15th November, 2008) are helpful in analyzing the related risk with the past incident. A Multi Hazard Approach can also prove to be a useful link in the identification of the interaction between the organizational system, firefighter’s intervention and assessing the vulnerabilities and finding out the remedial measures to reduce them (Barrell L S, retrieved on 15th November, 2008). The most basic and necessary input that observing systems initiate is the overall effectiveness of early warning systems which have been intervened The multi-hazard approach creates a space whereby opportunities for more coordinated development can be exploited (Barrell L S, retrieved on 15th November, 2008). The extent and degree to which the fire work experiences have undergone can be categorized into low, medium and high levels by applying the formula Risk = Threat Rating x Asset Value x Vulnerability Rating (Kennett M, 2006). Further a ‘Risk Based approach’ is also an important part of reviewing such fire training work experiences to draw conclusions whether the experience had any relation with the ‘responsible person’ who may be the owner, employer or the occupier to meticulously carry out the fire outbreak tasks or procedures. Training is another perspective of constant learning, as through learning, the behavior of the workforce or the individuals can be changed by channelizing the thought process towards more constructive areas, motivation through such learning can be introduced by positive reinforcement such as perpetual encouragement, hands on challenging tasks etc.. The John B Watson (1913) behaviorist model of learning is apt for deriving a link between the training and experience, as it supports the assumptions of observable behavior, contiguity and role of environment in molding one’s behavior which has been especially highlighted by the people who have been surveyed to find out the impact of training on their work experiences. Hypothesis H1- Training enhances motivation and improves productivity at the time of fire outbreak H2- Training does not affect the fire work experiences of individuals. METHODOLOGY To generate the database for experiences of different people, both primary and secondary methodology has been imbibed. Secondary methodology was mainly used to extract the importance and use of training, the fire surveillance details and to find out the past practices and gain a deeper insight into the research problem. Both internal and external Steppingstones, 2004) secondary data resources were used, internal which were related to the organization where the employees were associated with external sources included the data available on net, journals, books which helped in linking various management theories and concepts with fire fighting training experiences. On the advantages of the secondary method of data collection are time savings and cost reductions as secondary research process can be completed in a shorter length or time duration, the data availability on a large scale helps in deeper understanding of the issue under consideration and does not requires the use of expensive, specialized, highly trained personnel or real survey participants etc which are difficult to locate due to various constraints (Steppingstones, 2004). However there are certain limitations and disadvantages attached with such source as, the accuracy and reliability of data can’t be verified; retrieving of internal data source is difficult process due to availability of the required concerns at a specific time (Steppingstones, 2004). On the other hand primary research is related with extracting original data about the experiences of fire work training as in this case. Primary data is something which is absolutely fresh and has not existed before; the main purpose of its construction is to answer specific questions of interest in regard to the related topic of discussion. Primary data collection requires field work, which requires modes such as face to face interviews, telephonic interviews, online surveys, questionnaires, focus groups and consumer panels. The main advantages of including such research methodology is that one is able to gather up to date and fresh information, the information is specific to the topic intervened as questions are framed as per the relevance, unlike of the secondary information where a rigorous exercise of searching relevant information has to be carry forward. In case of online surveys and telephonic interviews, quick data can be attained. Few of the disadvantages which are also attached with primary search are that it can be a tedious task to actually collect required data; it is an expensive exercise and may lead to biased and misleading results, in case the candidates are unable to understand the meaning or connotations behind the framed questions. As far as the topic under study is concerned both the methods have been used, however to collect primary data, the main channels adopted were telephonic interviews and online surveys where a closed ended questionnaire was preferred (refer to appendix) due to time and cost constraints. Face to face interviews were difficult to organize due to distance and time problems. The candidates were selected as per convenience sampling and a sample size of 100 was undertaken and a cumulative analysis was drawn based on the respondent’s answers. The basic problems which were encountered during the process were that it was difficult to trace the respondents and convince them to answer questions. Personal meeting was not a suitable method which might affect the end results. A lot of time was consumed in collecting data. In the secondary search, real life experiences of candidates regarding fire work experiences were difficult to find due to non availability of data. Presentation of results Tabulated Consolidated Result Sample Size: 100 respondents                             Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12                           Total 'Yes' 90 80 80 76 35 70 35 40 65 30 20 72                           Total 'No' 10 20 20 24 65 30 65 60 35 70 80 18 For questionnaire, refer to the appendix ANALYSIS: The analysis is done considering both the perspectives, secondary and primary. Secondary research reveals the pre conditions necessary for any candidate to get enrolled for fire training service. The candidate must have completed 18 years of years, he must be physically fit, he must not have any sort of criminal record, and the candidate must have a corrected vision 20/20 (Lawrence C, 2008). Firefighting is a very high spirited and aggressive profession requring a dedicated and sincere effort. Many organizations hire candidates for a time period of two years. The minimum requirment for admission is a high school diploma or a two years of college credits from an accredited college or university. Because of a firece competition, some departments also require aspiring candidates to possess an EMT or paramedic certification before enrolling for a firefighter designation, giving them an edge over other applicants. As per the current data, a large number of applicants possess a four-year degrees in Fire Science or related fields, which has made the profession even more challenging and exigent. Fire training work experience clealry reveals that candidates are made to think critically and clearly in order to solve problems effectively under extreme stress and panic. The candidates have gone through severe and rigourous live training drills, they are purposely indulged to set out the training exercises on intentionally fire set buildings, just to get hands on experience to explore opportunities to develop fir fighting skills. Candidates gets a chance to instill good and considerate behaviour through repeated exposures. Simulated structural fire buildings are advanced techniques through which candidates are trained to control the fire. The burn buildings computers are used to control built-in fire-producing devices that use propane and natural gas, alongwith non-flammable aerosol to artificially produce real smoke. If there's an emergency or a critical situation , the burn building is supported with systems to extinguish the fire and remove all of the smoke with the help of few switches and buttons (Lawrence C, 2008). In an interview conducted with Commissioner Sir Ken Knight, London Fire Brigade(2007), it was found that four main reasons have made the fire training more essential , being the regulatory fire safety, community fire safety, fire and rescue operations and fourth dimension the terrorist threat. The commissioner quoted a fire incident which occurred in 2004, and lead to death of two firefighters due to lack of fire fighting safety measures. According to him a large amount of investment, (17 million pounds) is made for training especially in the areas of critical fire experiences, incident command and breathing apparatus. In an oilfield incident in Ohio, the importance of training was emphasized whereby it was indicated that lack of formal training or experiences at the time of incident occurrence lead to hazards of oilfield emergencies. The methods to minimize personal danger, containing the incident, inadequate knowledge of handling equipments and chemicals, miscommunication and dysfunctional organization lead to massive losses and destruction which could have been controlled if the workforce was properly trained (Fire Fighting training, 2008). Many fires training incidents result in fatal consequences such as on September, 2001, one firefighter was killed and two others were injured in live fire training exercise (Theil A, Stern J, Kimball J, Hankin N, 2003). The cause for the incident was that the trainees were new and did not receive any formal fire suppression training before live burning evolution. In another case which occurred on July, 2002, a new just two days old recruit died while being a part of training session where the candidate was passed through rigorous physical exercise which hampered his heart index to such an extent that he was pronounced as dead on examination (Theil A, Stern J, Kimball J, Hankin N, 2003). In 1998, one firefighter was injured due to the use of gasoline at a marine fire fighting training session which led to a vapor explosion. Few other experiences relate to devastation caused due to deviation from established training procedures, apparatus accident injuries, Chem- Bio training. The common hazards identified during the fire training sessions are live fire training, burn buildings, fire simulators, acquired structures , improvised structures, flashover simulators, physical stress, Improper Use of Personal Protective Equipment, Use of Accelerants, Attitude and The “Training Academy Way”, Failure to follow established guidelines in training (Theil A, Stern J, Kimball J, Hankin N, 2003) Primary data collected when analyzed , revealed that a major number of the respondents have received a qualifying degree more than just a minimum high school diploma. The hypothesis laid is confirmed that Hi is true “Training enhances motivation and improves productivity at the time of fire outbreak” while H2 is false H2 “Training does not affect the fire work experiences of individuals”. A large chunk of people have possessed a post graduate degree in fire related field. Many of them also have a fire fighting degree or certificate with them which shows that most of them have undergone adequate amount of training necessary for manging and controlling hazards. Many of them belong to the cadre of Fire officers who are a complete package to train their subordinates and guide them at times of crisis. Their experience levels are high which reveals that most of them have been through past experiences of critical and spontaneous actions which have added to their credibity and efficiency. Their individual experiences of the past all support the fact that training sessions which are taken up very seriously , certainly help in improving and enhancing one’ sperformance on the field and taking sensible and immediate actions without panic or confusion of any sort, facing incidents with complete confidence, courage and consiousness. The experienced candidates have added that improvements in public fire education, prevention, detection have reduced the frequency of accidents as well the resulting destruction of life and property. But the awareness has also ended in negative consequences as the amount of on-the-job training experience available to firefighters and officers has lessened. According to their personal experiences it could be well drawn that the adoption of training standards, execution of and observance to safety procedures, and proper supervision are quintessential in preventing training injuries. It was also revealed through telephonic sessions that there is a dire need for the fire service to develop new and dynamic ways of personnel training to protect lives, property and environment. CONCLUSION The results in a nutshell have supported the fact that training is a vital element in the effective performance of the fire service department. The experiences on the whole reveal that proper training can in practical sense help in avoiding fatal errors and unnecessary hazards. Fire fighting personnel carry on their shoulders a responsibility to protect thousands of lives and better training they receive, there are increased chances of saving more valuable lives. Simulated environments, saving dummy victims from the inferno, all are artificial milieu created where the trainees can get first hand experiences. So it can be very well concluded that there is no doubt that the highest levels of fire fighting training are absolutely significant for firefighters. The results when compared with the past literature included in the report and the current data is almost similar to the requirements needed for entering into the fire service department. The fatal incidents which have been reported in the available literature are also in sink with the real life experiences narrated by the candidates interviewed where training is highlighted. It has been agreed by the earlier researchers and the current respondents that work experience introduces young cadets to the “world of work and is a valuable and essential part of their education” (The right start, retrieved on 15th November, 2008). The comparisons reveal that realistic firefighter training is essential for ensuring safe operations at true crisis. Realistic training remains though are hazardous in nature, but a proper follow up of the pre defined policies and safety procedures can provide a greater degree of safety as compared to in the past twenty year. The main strengths of the research were the positive results that were explored for supporting training sessions for the youth but with more meticulous and intricate safety and health measures in practice. The weaknesses of the research were related with its validity and reliability, as answers were subjected to the verbal responses which were given on telephonic surveys, the validity and authenticity are the loopholes because of the non face to face observations and documentation verification. Due to various constraints such as time, cost and availability of reliable data, the representative size was kept low which could have affected the findings of the research. The generalisability of the research was based on the responses of a very limited data which can be a possible weakness of the research. Implications for the future research The future researches could focus more on the impact of new technologies such as virtual realities etc that have become the upcoming trends of the training schools of the current times. Studies can actually explore whether such technologies can really substitute live fire evolutions or not. In order to meet the rising demands of the expanding fire service roles, there has been a noticed a significant fall in the availability of time for basic training evolutions, possible alternative to cope up with the problem could really help in the eradication of current deficiencies in the fire system. Live fire training buildings and simulators do not provide the quality of realism, future research on the issue can help in making training safer. Studies may focus on finding out new and dynamic ways to train workforce to act in the safest mode and decisive manner that best supports the fire service’s mission. References Barrell L S, Benefits, challenges and issues of multi-hazard approach to observing networks, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/dpm/ews_symposium_2006/documents/3.2.%20SusanBarrell,%20Multihazard%20approach%20to%20observing%20networks.pd f Kennett M, 13th July, 2006, the Risk Management Series: A Multihazard Approach – FEMA, Workshop on Condition Assessment of Critical Infrastructure ASCE/CCI/USACE, viewed on 15th November, 2008 http://ciasce.asce.org/files/pdf/Milakennett.pdf_The Risk Management Series Interview, London’s Fire Commissioner SIR KEN KNIGHT, April 2007, LFB Commissioner, Sir Ken Knight, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://www.kiddeft.com/utcfs/ws385/Assets/Moduloar%20FireTrainers%20for%20London%20Fire%20Brigade.pdf Lawrence C, 30th October, 2008, How Firefighter Training Works, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://people.howstuffworks.com/firefighter-training.htm . Fire fighting training, 2008, Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program's Oilfield Emergency Response Program, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://www.oogeep.org/firefightertraining.aspx Steppingstones, 21st December, 2004, Research using Secondary Data Sources, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://www.steppingstones.ca/artman/publish/article_60.shtml Theil A, Stern J, Kimball J, Hankin N, Special Report, 2003, U.S. Fire Administration Trends and Hazards in Firefighter Training, http://www.mfte.org/resources/files/Trends_Hazards_in_Firefighter_Training.pdf THE RIGHT START Work experience for young people: Health and safety basics for employers, INDG 364, Health and Safety Executive, retrieved on 15th November, 2008, http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg364.pdf Tung. T, OSH Principles and Risk Assessment, viewed on 19th July, 2008, http://www.cityu.edu.hk/fse/safety/Safety_training/Course/osh/index.html.OSH Watson, J. B. (1913), ‘Psychology as the behaviorist views it', Psychological review 20, pg 158- 177, http://www.enotes.com/1910-science-technology-american-decades-ps/psychology-behaviorist-views FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE QUESTIONNAIRE Higher Educational History 1. Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university? Yes No If yes, is the degree in a fire service-related subject area? Yes No 2. Do you possess a Master’s degree from a college or university? Yes No If yes, is the degree in a fire service-related subject area? Yes No Firefighter Training 3. Have you completed entry-level firefighter training? Yes No 4. Are you eligible for Firefighter 1 certification? Yes No 5. Are you eligible for Firefighter 2 certification? Yes No 6. Have you completed entry-level fire apparatus driver? Yes No 7. Are you enrolled in a course of study to obtain a license as an Emergency Medical Technician? Yes No 8. Are you eligible for licensing as an Emergency Medical Technician? Yes No 9. Are you eligible for certification as a Fire Officer 1? Yes No 10. Are you eligible for certification as a Fire Officer 2? Yes No 9. Are you eligible for certification as a Fire Inspector 1? Yes No 12. Do you have a combination of four or more years experience as a volunteer, paid-on-call, and/or intern firefighter on any fire department or departments? Yes No 10. Do you have two or more years of experience as a paid-on-call firefighter, limited term employee firefighter, and/or fire cadet? Yes No 11. Can you provide any experience which is an example of notable self-motivation, individual initiative or personal achievement? Yes No Read More