The Federation of American Scientists will develop a National Training Response Program to expand opportunities for training firefighters responding to Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) by harnessing advances in learning science and technology. The project will create a prototype single- and multi-user training game that combines realistic simulations with advanced training technologies for use in classrooms and firehouses.
Encompassing everything from terrorist attacks to environmental disasters, MCIs threaten urban and rural areas. As first responders, firefighters must be trained in different scenarios to prepare for the unexpected. However, keeping firefighters current with specialized information presents a considerable challenge, particularly for smaller departments whose personnel are largely volunteers. Field training exercises for MCIs are expensive, and compromises must be made to make the exercises safe. This project will identify training weaknesses in areas such as disseminating updated formation and increasing HAZMAT and WMD scenario-based training.
The project will demonstrate the use of networked deployment of new technologies to dramatically improve MCI training nationally. The innovative educational tools will provide an inexpensive way to maintain skills when field training is impractical. The gaming experience will be compelling, motivating the participants to practice using the system. It will provide efficient delivery of training material to geographically diverse settings and enable more accurate maintenance of the content. The project will use web-based collaborative tools; a repository for digital objects and learning content; conferencing capabilities; interactive simulations; and a question-and-answer management system.
The training simulation tools and instructional materials will be made available to firehouses and group training facilities throughout the United States, and will be customizable to local training needs. The National Training Response program will demonstrate the use of networking deployment of new technologies to improve MCI training nationally and serve as a model for other first responder training.
