From digital, propane to carbonaceous (class A) fire training solutions, the realism of real-life training is a constant factor in training programme development. However, LION observed a rising interest in clean systems to reduce health and environmental risks during training exercises. It even became an extra guideline that anyone should consider when putting together a training programme.
Training programmes and courses are costly to create in time and resources, also to put in place and keep regularly going. A vast audience also needs to be addressed, from firefighters and army people to security professionals, training schools and training companies. And even if you managed to get all of the above together, the logistics and organization necessary to get the expected return on investment on the training programme isn’t always as high as we would like. For instance, power and fuel supply like electricity or gas (propane or natural) can quickly become a heavy budget.
On the other side, we also know that repetition creates ‘muscle memory’, and this is key to a successful training outcome. You need to train as often as possible and within a realistic environment, focused on realism, safe use and cost-effectiveness.
Digital fire training equipment when a real-life fire is not possible
Repetition is one of the most critical parts of good training. With digital systems you can constantly train without additional costs or exposing trainees to dangerous situations or harmful environments. Not all trainees are fire professionals with adequate protection (PPE, SCBA) that need to get used to intense flame and heat. Another great advantage is that the training can take place at the location where the fire hazard is. For example, exercises can occur in the trainee’s building, site, or area. Think of the kitchen in a hospital where the most significant risk is.
Realism is key
With the first generation of digital training equipment, it wasn’t possible to train with this level of realism. With those following generation products, you can use and get familiar with all firefighting techniques; within all environments such as offices, real-life airplanes and engine rooms. You can use water or adapted laser-driven portable extinguishers and nozzles or use your own and actual equipment – no simulation or virtual props, only actual and singular products. You can take the training to the next level, anywhere, anytime.
After several years on the market, digital fire training products are reaching a new level of realism. They can perfectly replicate the responding fire behaviour firefighting techniques used in most well-known/standard fire classes. You can now add smoke and heating elements to enhance your training scenario and create a combined simulation with the right amount of cold smoke behaving like real smoke.
What next? Give it shot
Don’t let suspicions stop you from trying digital fire training. Save on your recurring costs and get your training to the next level. Add LION digital products to your traditional training equipment. At this point, this is one of the most promising answers to the growing concerns and questions surrounding fire training, environmental impact and natural evolution in this challenging world.
For more information, go to www.lionprotects.com
