Avoiding the Pitfalls of “Perfect-World Scenario” Fire Department Training
Published on December 3, 2021
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
Using Your EMS Simulation to Train Your Policy
Published on October 15, 2021
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
Taking EMS Simulation Beyond Dummies and Manikins
Published on October 1, 2021
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
EV Bus Driver Training to Combat “Range anxiety”
Published on August 20, 2021
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
Stress Inoculation, Use-of-Force Training, and “Deescalation Behind the Wheel”
Published on July 28, 2021
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
EMS Simulation and “Teaching with Your Hands Behind Your Back”
Published on July 21, 2021
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
The Physiology of Situational Awareness Training
Published on July 16, 2021
As a practical matter, use-of-force training and situational awareness training must go hand in hand. We regularly ask officers to quickly assess a chaotic situation and then apply only the “amount of effort required … to compel compliance by an unwilling subject” (according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police). That’s not just … Continued