Episode 289: Enhancing Firefighter Training and Exploring AI with John Oates

Episode • Sep 4 • 23m

How can we strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods?

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy!

In this episode:

What immersive learning’s role should be in firefighter training
How to provide safer, more realistic, and repeatable training experiences
Tips for setting appropriate expectations for different stages of a firefighter’s career

Hear from John Oates - the CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI).

John shares how immersive learning and simulation can strengthen firefighter training without replacing traditional methods. He emphasizes using technology as an enhancer: bringing training to more places, engaging multiple senses, and improving knowledge transfer through tools like video and simulation.

John also discusses the importance of calibrating expectations for firefighters at different career stages and using rubrics to reduce subjectivity. The conversation closes with his perspective on how artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool for sense-making in public safety.

So take a listen to hear what he has to share!

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