NVFC, IAFC’s VCOS And ISFSI Jointly Release New Operational Training Guide For Fire Departments To Train Firefighters

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) joined together to release a new operational training guide for firefighters.

The new operational training guide – ‘Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready’ is designed to help fire departments develop a training program that meets the needs of the community and the individual firefighter with safety and relevancy at the forefront.

New operational training guide for firefighters

Training can be a constant challenge for volunteer and combination departments

Training can be a constant challenge for volunteer and combination departments. It requires planning, commitment, and time to make sure it is done correctly. Recognizing the need for guidance on this topic, the NVFC released a training white paper in 2012.

The new guide is an update and expansion of that initial document, incorporating key considerations and specific best practices to form a blueprint for a successful training program.

Authors from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) contributed their expertise and insights to help direct department leaders in creating a strong foundation for fire department operational training.

Proper training important for responding effectively

“So much has changed in the 10 years since the NVFC released the original training white paper,” said Chief Brian McQueen, the Co-Author and National Volunteer Fire Council’s Board Member.

Chief Brian McQueen adds, “We needed a new document that reflected the advances and knowledge that today’s firefighters need to know to be operationally ready, when the next fire call comes. It is through proper training that firefighters can respond safely, effectively, and appropriately when it matters most.”

Training - a critical responsibility of all fire departments

Departments must ensure that training is relevant, as well as interesting and fun"

“Training is a critical responsibility of all fire departments,” said Chief John M. Buckman III, the Co-Author and Member of VCOS, adding “Departments must ensure that training is relevant, as well as interesting and fun, so that firefighters will remain active and engaged. Everyone plays a part.”

Chief John M. Buckman III continues, “We strongly encourage all fire department leaders to use this guide to make sure their operational training program best serves their firefighters and the community.”

The new guide contains 10 sections that cover the following topic areas:

• Training delivery and engagement methods
• Surviving the job
• Why training is important
• Roles of the training officer, instructor, and student
• Planning training
• Training policies and procedures
• Assessing firefighters’ capabilities
• NFPA standards and OSHA regulations
• Developing and implementing training best practices
• First due recommended firefighter performance criteria

Seven appendices offer additional resources, insights

In addition to the core subject areas, seven appendices provide additional resources, insights, and sample documents that departments can use when developing or enhancing their training program.