No Budget for Training?  Call on the Factory!

By John M. Stofa  copyright 2012

It’s no secret that the economic downturn has caused significant changes to the fire service and forced all departments to do more with less.  One of the first casualties due to funding shortfalls has always been the Training & Education budget.  So how do you continue to provide your team with the most meaningful and up-to-date educational information available, but do so on a shoe string budget?  Simple, ask your product and apparatus manufactures to help out.

First Shift Engine, Truck and Rescue Company being trained on fire alarm and sprinkler systems at a state of the art training facility in town.

Manufactures and Product Sales Representatives are always looking for opportunities to provide training not only on their products, but also on trends in their industry and new and emerging technologies.  This training can easily be changed and edited to remove the “sales pitch” and deliver education and informational sessions that your team will appreciate.  The best part is most manufactures reps are more than willing to do the training, they often times will issue certificates for the training session, and they do not charge for their time!  This is a win/win for all involved and should be a resource that is tapped into as often as necessary. 

Some of the available training topics are listed below.  This is by no means an all inclusive list and you should ask all manufactures what they can offer.  Topics such as:

-         Fire Alarm Operations

-         Elevator Operations & Rescue Tactics

-         Mass Notification Systems

-         ADA Requirements & Life Safety

-         Voice Fire Alarm System Intelligence Testing

-         Sprinkler System Corrosion Prevention

-         In-Building Fire Pump Operations

-         Special Hazard Systems

-         Video Smoke Detection

-         Air Aspirating Detection Systems

-         Carbon Monoxide Detection

-         Industrial Gas Detection

-         Turnout Gear & Fall Protection Innovations

-         Fire Apparatus Innovations

-         Safe Driver Training

-         Bloodborne Pathogens & Communicable Disease Training

Another benefit of receiving training from your product manufacture is the fact that they are up-to-date on the latest codes and regulations as well as being aware of trends coming down the pike and future legislation.  This will give your staff the ability to learn about technologies and tactics that are emerging before they need to deal with th1em in the field.  This “getting ahead of the curve” if you will, could prove vital and valuable during an emergency operation and help give your team the edge that they need.

As a manufacture’s rep myself in the fire alarm and detection industry, it is always exciting and refreshing to be asked to speak to a fire department about the products and technologies available today and what is coming out tomorrow. It also helps to make the connection between the drawing board for products and the first responder who ultimately interfaces with the product.  It gets everyone onto the same collective page which is priceless especially when everyone’s mission is to save and protect people and property.