Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is expanding its training arsenal with the rollout of technology that simulates real-life emergencies and tests how senior firefighters respond to them.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the new virtual reality (VR) software featured life-like animations of incidents including house and building fires, motor vehicle accidents, structural collapses and bushfires.
“Through wearing VR headsets, fitted with sensors tracking their movements, firefighters can immerse themselves in highly realistic scenarios and complete a series of challenges, as if they are occurring in the real-world environment,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“It complements existing training programs which combine classroom-based education with hands-on lessons at FRNSW’s Emergency Services Academy (ESA) and other facilities.”
He said the training allowed senior firefighters to make crucial decisions during simulated high-risk situations, identifying their strengths and potential weaknesses in a safe work setting.
“This technology is an ‘out of the box’ approach to firefighter training and another example of how Fire and Rescue NSW is leading the way,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“Our firefighters can now fine-tune their responses to a variety of emergencies, without having to risk their safety,” he said.
“This will enhance the already comprehensive training and development programs available to our people as they work every day to keep our communities safe.”
Commissioner Baxter said planning was underway to trial the VR equipment in a regional fire station later this year and it may be expanded to all FRNSW zones across the State if its implementation proved successful.
