As Baby Boomers continue to retire from the firefighting field, ensuring the next generation of leaders are properly trained will be vital to the industry’s success and sustainability. In partnership with Catapult Tactical XR, IDEX Fire & Safety is working to address the issues of training and safety with a fresh perspective. Embracing creativity has the potential to lead to more young people entering a field they haven’t typically considered. In partnership with Catapult Tactical XR, IDEX Fire & Safety is working to address training and safety with a fresh perspective.
SAM Waterflow XR Experience
With 150 years of combined experience across multiple businesses and products, IDEX Fire & Safety is continuing to move towards technology and innovation as top priorities. The relationship with Catapult Tactical XR is the beginning of a long journey in taking technology to the next level in an industry that is known more for its dedication to tradition rather than its willingness to accept and embrace change. The collaboration between the two will enable IDEX Fire & Safety to showcase how firefighters can make smarter, more data-driven decisions. IDEX Fire & Safety Product Manager Maria Hovanes says this partnership allows two like-minded teams to work together in great alignment while advancing technologies in the fire industry.
Together the two are building an approach to training that the firefighting industry has never seen before. The innovative SAM Waterflow XR training module enables firefighters to experience potentially dangerous situations without having to put themselves in harm’s way. The training also allows IDEX Fire & Safety to reach firefighters without having to be there in person with them. With both teams dedicated to advancing technology in the fire industry, more firefighters can receive the training they need which will ultimately lead to saving both lives and property.
FDIC Attendee using SAM on the XR.
Taking Training to the Next Level
Sheldon and Robyn Simpson, Co-Founders of Catapult Tactical XR, founded the organization to help fill the massive gaps in fire safety and training. As fire departments large and small face budgetary challenges, training is often one of the first things cut. Sheldon, a career fire captain in Ontario, Canada, noticed that a lot of training was taking place via PowerPoint presentations, when it should have been more hands-on. In an industry that can be incredibly dangerous, the Simpsons felt strongly that the training firefighters receive needed to be taken to the next level. He wanted both firefighting recruits and veterans to be equipped with all the necessary tools that would keep everyone safe. Adequate training is the first step in making that happen. For Sheldon and Robyn, their primary goal was to create a real-life experience, because there isn’t time to stop and think about what you’ve read or a video you watched during an emergency.
While nothing can truly replace putting out an actual fire--technology can now play a major role in filling some of the training gaps. The XR technology developed by the Simpsons creates a realistic experience that leads firefighters to believe they are actually on the scene of the emergency. The SAM Waterflow scenarios tests just how quickly they can get water on an active fire.
Training with SAM
Catapult and IDEX Fire & Safety collaborated on an immersive XR experience that allows firefighters to physically experience what it is like to use both the SAM System and Smart Nozzle. Sheldon says, “It is a no-brainer, the SAM System should be on every fire truck.” Fire doubles in size every 90 seconds and the SAM System allows firefighting teams to get water on a fire at a rate that will put the fire out faster. The training technology prepares teams for how to change their tactics and track their overall movements when they are on the scene of an active fire. With technology changing at a very fast pace, the way firefighters are trained also needs to evolve.
Hovanes says this approach also provides financial benefits, specifically for smaller fire departments:
“It is much more affordable, especially for volunteer fire departments who might not have a budget. The training is a lot more accessible to those that might not be able to send people to training programs. Now, they no longer have to worry about travel costs.”
A demonstration module built by Catapult Tactical XR for IDEX Fire & Safety, showcasing the SAM Nozzle.
The Next Generation is Different
With the so-called “video game generation” preparing to come into the firefighting industry and potentially move into leadership roles, this new approach to training speaks to how they learn. For generations, practically born with computers and smartphones in their hands, having something that is fun and engaging is the very first step in getting them excited about a field they have recently dismissed or overlooked. According to a recent survey conducted by IDEX Fire & Safety, 86% of those polled believe technology will have an impact on the recruitment of future generations of firefighters--further confirming the value and importance of a commitment to technology in the fire industry.
The firefighting industry is now fighting for candidates in areas like computer science and other highly skilled technical industries. Recruiting young people now requires a very different way of thinking. Industry leaders like IDEX Fire & Safety will need to be able to demonstrate a willingness to be innovative and connect with young people in a format they are familiar and comfortable with. Between video games and phones, technology is now rooted in everything we do and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
Steeped in tradition, now is the ideal time for leaders in the firefighting industry to make the industry more relatable for younger generations. The partnership between IDEX Fire & Safety and Catapult Tactical XR will begin to provide a unique edge in recruiting the next generation into the field where they are truly needed.
To learn more about IDEX Fire & Safety’s commitment to recruiting the next generation of firefighters visit, https://www.idexfiresafety.com/recruitment/toolkit.