Free Updated Training Guide Helps Volunteer Firefighters be ‘Combat Ready’
Firefighters train on a burning car at the New Baltimore Fire Station in New Baltimore, Virginia. Credit: Shutterstock
By Tammy Leytham
A lot has changed in the past 10 years for firefighters, but one thing remains true: Training saves lives.
“Training Volunteer Firefighters to be Combat Ready,” a free, new training guide, is now available. It updates the original training manual released in 2012, according to a press release from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
The guide is an effort of the National Volunteer Fire Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), and International Society of Fire Service Instructors.
“Training is a critical responsibility for fire departments,” Chief John M. Buckman III, co-author and member of VCOS, said in the release. “Everyone plays a part.”
Training must be relevant, as well as interesting and fun to keep students active and engaged, he said. “We encourage all fire department leaders to use this guide to make sure their operational training program best serves their firefighters and the community."
A lot has changed since the original training guide came out, Chief Brian McQueen, co-author and NVFC board member, said in the release. “We needed a new document that reflected the advances and knowledge that today’s firefighters need to know to be ready when the next fire call comes,” he said. “It is through proper training that firefighters can respond safely, effectively and appropriately when it matters most.”
The release further notes that training can be a constant challenge for volunteer and combination departments. It requires planning, commitment, and time. This can be particularly tough for volunteer departments.
About 65 percent of the 1 million firefighters in the U.S. are volunteers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Of the 70 firefighters who died on duty in 2021, 35 were volunteers.
The new manual expands and updates the original guide. It includes best practices to form a blueprint for a successful training program. Adapting to how today's students learn, the manual encourages online coursework and digital learning skills.
The new guide contains 10 sections that cover:
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
Appendices provide more resources, insights, and sample documents. Departments can use those to develop or enhance their training programs.