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Back in 2011, Noel Maitland (at that time lieutenant and 15-year veteran with the FDNY) wrote an excellent fire department training op-ed for Fire Engineering. Maitland recalled: “I had an officer who taught me to always test the hydrant on a fire run, even if it’s for one of those annoying automatic alarms that always … Continued

We all know that the instructor plays a crucial role in maximizing the impact (and minimizing the discomfort) of any bus driver training program. That role starts with building the curriculum, designing the exercises and driving scenarios, and giving lectures. But it continues throughout each exercise, where the instructor can continually engage (and re-engage) individual … Continued

In a November article for Fire Engineering, Burlington (NC) Fire Department battalion chief Paul Watlington sang the praises—and spoke to the brain-bending complexities—of pump operations. It isn’t just that each department has a unique mix of equipment. And it’s not only that new equipment and apparatuses enter the market, altering some of the fundamentals underlying … Continued

Transit operators—especially senior operators—are notoriously hesitant to dive into public transport simulation training. The culprit: anxiety over simulator sickness. MTA Flint training instructor Dennis Hershberger is extremely familiar with those worries. Over his nearly two decades of experience using public transport simulation to train operators, he has almost certainly tried every trick in the book … Continued

In a recent article in EMS World Barry Bachenheimer (EDD, FF/EMT) wrote about how the first 60 seconds of a call—and the impression you make on the people at the scene—has an enormous impact on how that call will proceed. “A professional appearance,” Bachenheimer writes, “inspires confidence. If you have pride in your look, it … Continued

As we’ve discussed in the past, one key to the effectiveness of public transport simulation training is “presence“—i.e., the trainee’s convincing subjective experience of being in an actual vehicle. As Rob Raheb (an internationally published author and expert in simulation and driver training) has noted: “The more realistic the simulation is, the more ‘buy in’ … Continued

As Jennifer McCarthy (MAS, NRP, CHSE-A) noted in a recent post to EMS World, “Paramedicine is one of few health professions that utilizes simulation as part of its initial licensing process.” According to McCarthy, EMS simulation has clearly demonstrated that “evidence-based simulation activities [promote] identification of error-producing practices.” That, in turn, creates “a safe learning … Continued

It’s no wonder that coach companies and transit agencies are investing millions in new electric buses. In many regions, shifting to EV mass transit will be a game changer. And mass transit, with its emphasis on low-speed stop-and-go driving is perfect for EV buses relying on regenerative braking, turning that traditional fuel-waster into a valuable … Continued

  An increasing number of law enforcement agencies are engaging in increasingly lively discussions around use-of-force training. These are extremely important conversations—often difficult, always complex. Part of the challenge is that use-of-force training is a hot-button topic. But a good deal of complexity arises from the simple fact that it’s hard to have a national … Continued

  In a recent post on EMS World, Rommie L. Duckworth, LP reminded EMT instructors that “telling isn’t teaching … for students to be able to perform as emergency medical providers, they must be able to make their own connections with the course material.” This requires a student-centered approach. Ambulance simulators and EMS simulation, in … Continued