Study of the Fire Service Training Environment: Safety, Fidelity, and Exposure - Acquired Structures UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute

Those involved with fire training often ask what is needed to develop the knowledge and subsequent skills necessary for a safe and effective operation on the fireground. Following are critical learning outcomes which directly relate to this issue including: 1) developing an understanding of fire development in a compartment, 2) dynamic risk assessment regarding recognizing critical fire behavior indicators, 3) selecting appropriate fire suppression tactics, 4) developing competence and confidence when operating in a hazardous and immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) environment, 5) developing skill in nozzle operation and technique, and 6) evaluating the effect of tactical operations on victim survivability and incident mitigation. Taking all of these concepts into consideration leaves instructors with the lingering questions of how to create fidelity (constancy) within the constraints of NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions during interactive or demonstrative hands-on, live-fire training evolutions. This study addresses these and other issues relating to safe and effective live fire training in acquired structures. 

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