BALTIMORE -- Training of firefighters remains challenging especially in these desperate economic times.
But, that may change soon with the launch of a new project -- "EZ Training."
The program-- unveiled Monday during a session at Firehouse Expo -- will be Beta-tested later this fall. Officials say the pilot test with participating states is set for January 2010.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the National Fire Academy, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, North American Fire Training Directors Association, International Fire Service Training Association and National Response Team Training Committee.
Officials from those organizations who are developing the curriculum participated in a session to explain their roles.
The training will be featured on a server at the National Fire Academy.
Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Dennis Rubin said there are many reasons why firefighters are under-trained. Some can't attend the training because they are working two jobs, the travel involved as well as other obligations.
"Many cannot use online training that is currently available because of lack of knowledge of where sites are..." he said. " We need to bring the training to them."
Features of the EZ program include easy access to everyone, short online micro-training, direct portal to state training and connect with local drills.
Rubin explained that departments will enroll through the state to download an EZ button with connections to their computers.
By clicking the button, the student will be taken directly to the state EZ training site. There, they will have options of courses to choose from.
To entice students, officials are developing short training blasts. The interactive teasers will last about 15 minutes followed by additional information should the person be interested..
In addition, lesson plans for the specific topic also will be available.
MFRI Director Steve Edwards said students who complete online courses typically score higher than those who attend classroom sessions.
The EZ program is free, and with three clicks of a mouse, the student is in.
Edwards said there will be record-keeping involved so officials can determine the most popular topics.
"There is no excuse to avoid this program," he said.
Retired Phoenix Chief Alan Brunicini said training is of the utmost importance, adding that it's essential that the delivery keep up.
He added that he was proud to be part of the development team, and that he wants every fire station in the country to have the information available to everyone.
Brunicini said he also was pleased that the training includes prevention. Identifying and correcting problems save firefighter injury and deaths.
The program also will have sessions on lessons learned following major incidents.
But, it's not just about tactics, operations, prevention, command and Hazmat either.
People will have the opportunity to watch emotional interviews with fire officials.
NFFF Executive Director Ron Siarnicki said he believes the program will touch many crews who do not have the opportunity to travel to take training.
Unfortunately, he said, there are many firefighters out there who are in desperate need of training.
The EZ website will be online soon.
