A new operational training guide for firefighters has been released. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS), and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) joined together to create Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready 

The guide is designed to help fire departments develop a training program that meets the needs of the community and the individual firefighter with safety and relevancy at the forefront.

NVFC said that the guide recognises that training can be a constant challenge for volunteer and combination departments as it requires planning, commitment, and time to make sure it is done correctly.

The new guide is an update and expansion of a training white paper released by NVFC in 2012, incorporating key considerations and specific best practices to form a blueprint for a successful training program.

Authors from the NVFC, VCOS, and ISFSI contributed their expertise and insights to help direct department leaders in creating a strong foundation for fire department operational training.

Chief Brian McQueen, co-author and NVFC board member commented: “So much has changed in the 10 years since the NVFC released the original training white paper. We needed a new document that reflected the advances and knowledge that today’s firefighters need to know to be operationally ready when the next fire call comes. It is through proper training that firefighters can respond safely, effectively, and appropriately when it matters most.”

Chief John M. Buckman III, co-author and member of VCOS, said: “Training is a critical responsibility of all fire departments. Departments must ensure that training is relevant as well as interesting and fun so that firefighters will remain active and engaged. Everyone plays a part. We strongly encourage all fire department leaders to use this guide to make sure their operational training program best serves their firefighters and the community.”

The new guide contains 10 sections that cover the following topic areas: 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; and first due recommended firefighter performance criteria.

In addition to the core subject areas, seven appendices provide additional resources, insights, and sample documents that departments can use when developing or enhancing their training program.

Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready can be downloaded from the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org, the VCOS web site at www.iafc.org/about-iafc/sections/vcos, and the ISFSI web site at www.isfsi.org.