Computer Training For Emergency Services Personnel
Emergency Services personnel receive extensive training in
their respective academy. In the initial phase of training, the subject matter
is mainly academic. Law enforcement personnel, for one, cover topics such as
state law, drug recognition, hazardous materials recognition, and more through
hours of classroom instruction.
The remainder of the training cycle is hands-on training.
In a portion of the hands-on training, computers play a major role. For
instance, for law enforcement there are 'shoot or don't shoot' scenarios: These
are played out on a video game like system, in which the officer stands on a
padded surface that detects every movement (ducking, kneeling, shifting side-to-side).
While standing on the surface, the officer has a weapon
'holstered' and is provided scenarios in which he or she must decide whether or
not to shoot a subject. During this training, the officers every action or
inaction is monitored up to and including verbal commands given to the
'subject'. This type of computer training has proven vital over the years in
terms of evaluating prospective law enforcement officials.
In the world of Emergency Services, certification is
imperative. Included in the definition of Emergency Services personnel are
police, fire, and EMS. In most states these personnel are required to maintain
certification through a points system.
Personnel earn points through course
completion; annual certification in different subject matter and annual
re-certifications. In addition to the points earned for required academic
subjects, there are points awarded for similar training courses. These 'extra'
subject matter are often considered an acceptable substitution for required
subjects.
In the past fifteen years, due to budget constraints and
other factors, annual academic subject matter is being rearranged to
accommodate computer training. This has proven cost effective to state and
local agencies: budgets aren't stretched thin, leaving funds available for
special projects and such.
There are many examples of computer training received by
Emergency Services personnel. Of the many important classes, for example, are
Hazardous Material recognition courses. The benefit of completing a course such
as this is twofold: the materials can be covered easily during a shift, and
instant results are generated.
The fact that a computer training course can be
completed during a shift makes it cost effective for a small department in
terms of travel expense, wear and tear on a vehicle, and time lost to training.
For policemen desiring to obtain training on subject
matter that would normally require their attendance at a far off training
conference, this is a boon.
Computer training courses covering topics such as
drug recognition are relatively easy to find. These courses are generally
recognized by the respective law enforcement training division of the given
state. While a policemen may be discouraged from taking such a course during
duty hours, it is entirely possible to complete such a course during off-duty hours.
Again, this type of computer training course benefits not only the officer, but
the Department.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of computer training for
Emergency Services personnel is the one aspect of their lives that become the
most neglected: family time.
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