Simulation training is proven in the aviation industry, and it’s beginning to become more popular within the fire service as well. In their seminar at FRI today, “Using Tactical Decision Games and Simulation to Improve Incident Command Decision Making,” William Sturgeon and Ron Tarr demonstrated how simulation training can be effective and discussed strategies for implementing a simulation training program.

Today, the wildland/urban interface (WUI) is exploding in size and population. But because the concept of large conflagrations destroying whole neighborhoods in a matter of hours is fairly new, many departments don’t realize the danger that may be lurking in their own backyard—literally.

One exciting event from this morning’s General Session was a validation drill for the Illinois Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).

Get an overview of General Motor’s approach to engineering and testing safe vehicles, with a focus on the new extended range electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt. Plus, see a live extrication of this new vehicle.

“My concern speaks to what is in place for those who suffer either from long term effects from an incident or the root of the problem has nothing to do with an emergency response, as was my situation.”

We’ve changed the model when it comes to education, come see for yourself.

Want to attend sessions you won’t find anywhere else? Check out some of the emerging topics being covered at FRI.

On Friday afternoon, the fire service and Tri-Data researchers went head to head in a debate about the report released last April stating there was no connection between firefighting and cancer. Representatives from Tri-Data included Dr. Harold C. Cohen and Clara Kim. Chief Billy Goldfeder represented the fire service, with assistance from Dr. Sarah Pyle and IAFF representative Alex Forest.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate addressed an attentive crowd during FRI’s general session Friday, offering some key messages to the fire service.

Before a crowded arena at Fire-Rescue International during Thursday’s general session, Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), outlined three things fire service personnel can do for the DHS to ensure the country’s continued safety and preparation for all types of events, from natural disasters to terrorist events to the spread of the H1N1 virus.