Once the initial training is completed, recurrency and regular practice are important components to maintain long term performance and improvement. A rotation every 1-2 years will strengthen performance, improve consistency, practice, and learning new skills and experiences. Departments may choose to assemble and maintain internal instructors to maintain on-going inservice training. Importantly, refresher training is shorter while still producing great results. The overall outcome is a very cost effective way to train and maintain personnel proficiency.
How does this training change behavior that translates to real decision making?
Emergency services (law enforcement, fire, EMS) traditionally take the test before teaching the lesson. On the job experience is the litmus test for most command officers. However, when over stressed, each individual will fall back on training and/or experience for answers. Having the ability to repetitively practice proper decision making under simulated stress build predictable responses to new/sudden decisions.
At the close of a training session, the objectives learned, because of the simulated “real time” practice, will become normal procedures the following tour of duty.
Why would I consider this training?
Responders inherently want to perform at or above 100%. They listen to real time incidents that impact future actions, some good, some not so good, and too often adding to cultural “norms” unsupported by policy or procedure. By conducting simulation supported training, the department reinforces and strengthen best practices, inserts desired behaviors and gains consistency and predictability. Training and repeatable practice provides the head space to meet new, unusual or very complex challenges that are infrequent in occurrence or sudden in presentation.
Simply put, practice provides experiences that reduces anxieties in emergent situations because of improved mental models and muscle-memory.
How does it benefit operations?
- Provides clarity of departmental desired responses to situations
- Provides predictability of decision making in stressful circumstances
- Adds to and sharpens problem solving skills
- Allows the ability to formulate and test new operating procedures prior to implementation