Remote Tactical Training: FDNY Brings Training to the Firehouses

BY JOSH RAEBEN

The fire service’s pivot to embrace technology has not been without its challenges, but it has become a necessity for many reasons. Prior to 2020, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) focused on its traditional firefighter training methods. While efforts had been made to leverage new technologies and develop a new learning management system (LMS), COVID-19 was the final push the FDNY needed to move forward. When in-person training halted and social distancing was required, the Bureau of Training had to quickly pivot and embark on a new technology-based mission set.

COVID-19 and the Technology Pivot

With the onset of the pandemic, the Bureau of Training prioritized its needs. The Learning Technologies team immediately began working to fast-track remote learning. They got it done in a matter of weeks. While many traditional in-person courses transitioned to hybrid or remote platforms, many of our other hands-on, in-service trainings at the Fire Academy paused.

The direction from leadership was that we had no option to stop training. We had to find a way to make it work. We discussed many ideas. New initiatives we considered included the development of the Remote Tactical Training Unit (RTTU) at the Fire Academy. The concept was that if units could not come out to training, we would bring training directly to the members in the firehouses. This began as a live stream that used existing on-hand audio visual equipment and a cell phone. It organically and extensively expanded to ensure a high-quality audio and visual training experience.

Learning Technologies: What We Do

Learning Technologies is responsible for maintaining and developing many training-related learning and technology initiatives for the 17,000 FDNY members. The value and emphasis of learning technologies cannot be understated. While we cannot replace hands-on training, using learning technologies augments and supports existing training models. We have also needed to adapt as we reach newer generations. We’re establishing a culture that values microlearning and interactive self-paced training modules.

The RTTU conducts and streams live training via commercially available streaming software to units during scheduled drill periods. This often happens twice daily at locations throughout the five boroughs. These live streams provide unique perspectives on buildings, neighborhoods, varying response area considerations, and other elements that personnel may not see on a regular basis.

Some of these drills have included filming at solar panel sites, cell phone sites, gas stations, mixed occupancy structures, and even at the Fire Academy. One well-received drill featured a car that was on fire between two buildings. Units performed different methods of fire attack. Visually showing the viewers the value of using a master stream device on the car and both involved buildings gave them a clearer understanding of this attack method when wood-frame structures with narrow alleys are well-involved in fire on arrival.

These 15- to 20-minute videos are designed around a particular topic and often provide related tips, information, and best practices. While these videos can be used as stand-alone training tools, their main purpose is to stimulate firehouse conversation and encourage hands-on drills among the members. We allow for questions and answers during each segment and encourage participants to have their cameras on.

RTTU has a very high impact, reaching firehouses and firefighters throughout the city every day with high viewership and minimal staffing requirements. The unit uses members who may have a particular background or skill set that complements the unit, which includes both full- and light-duty members. Estimates of 2023 indicate that peak viewership may have reached 4,000 participants and nearly 750 units per month. This has been a fantastic way to get information out to the field in a timely manner.

Behind the Scenes

How do we come up with topics for production? In many cases, unique, “hot” topics arise, along with other low-frequency, high-risk events that are worthy of becoming a drill. These include challenges with lithium-ion batteries, high-rise operations, and fire dynamics. In other instances, the unit takes the initiative to develop topics based on the subject matter expertise of our members.

Like many departments, the diversity and age in housing stock, as well as the varying response areas, create unique challenges. Members share their extensive knowledge from all parts of the city and operations from their engine or truck company assignments. Our units can be relocated at any time to another firehouse in a completely different neighborhood, with vastly different buildings and problem sets. Members need to be prepared for all types of emergencies, in all areas of the city. Sharing these experiences with the rest of the department helps increase our response capabilities and operational readiness.

The Production Process

Here is a basic overview of the steps involved in the production process.

1. The department approves the subject.
2. The department develops a lesson plan and script for the video segment.
3. Depending on the segment, the unit will bring in the subject matter experts on the material. They will facilitate the on-screen dialogue along with the team.
4. The team will storyboard, creating a visual representation of how the shoot will flow to augment the script.

We follow these steps for our live streams as well as for our produced and planned training videos.

Script and production development also includes site visits to shoot locations. This helps the team understand the access and limitations of the site. It also gives the team the opportunity to test camera angles, identify potential audio challenges, and ensure they have a strong cell phone network connectivity when they need it for live streams.

Camera Work

When the team is shooting, we typically have multiple cameras to ensure that we record different angles. While we can switch cameras during a live stream, in many instances this is used for post-production when we edit the video into a more complete package. Also, B-roll footage, which is all that isn’t the main action, is important to capture to augment the main storyline. The team adds this in post-production.

Audio/video members provide the instructors with wireless mics and record multiple camera angles to get the best content and professional viewpoints. We assign personnel to moderate the live stream and ensure high-quality audio and video for attendees in our videoconferencing application.

We save and store all our remote tactical training videos (both live stream and prerecorded). We review these videos so we can find the best footage to use for training recaps.

The training content is then placed into our learning management system (LMS) library. This allows members to view and watch training videos on their own devices, at any time, from anywhere. They can also view this information on the firehouse computer or their unit’s tablet. EMS units standing by at their response locations, awaiting their next call, may find this especially helpful. The FDNY LMS brings unparalleled access to the broad library of content that has been developed to be at the fingertips of its fire, EMS, and civilian workforce.

While some of the LMS content requires or mandates training modules, the goal of the LMS is to provide a library where members seek out training on their own accord. Our training environment evolved through COVID-19 and resulted in the shift to enhancing the department’s remote learning capabilities. Today, gaining access to our material is easier than ever before, and the department continuously produces high-quality content and converts existing content into the LMS.

Scalability

While the FDNY is often resource rich, including a deep bench of members with technical skills in audio/visual and production background, these remote learning concepts are very scalable for smaller departments. Departments with smaller budgets and limited personnel and equipment can still produce high-quality, valuable training videos. If you are unable to live stream, you can adjust the workflow to capture the training and make it available later.

Departments around the country likely have untapped talent within their memberships and should seek them out. We have personnel joining our ranks every day. Their incredible talents can help support these types of initiatives.

The Big Picture

In recent years, online learning has changed dramatically, and it continues to evolve. It increases dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Students do not want traditional slideshow-centric learning, and our department has found personnel from across the department with the skills and tools necessary to develop new content for online delivery. The FDNY has become a leader in the production and delivery of high-quality training content and we look forward to sharing our best practices with the fire and EMS leaders from across the country to help others develop and enhance their training platforms and experience.

REFERENCE

FDIC International [@fdicindy]. Video for “Remote Tactical Training: Using Technology to Enhance Training” class. Instagram. 7 February 2024. bit.ly/3Xj8FSD.

---

JOSH RAEBEN, an FDNY firefighter since 2014, is assigned to the Bureau of Training Learning Technologies. He also has more than 20 years of experience in volunteer/combination departments and is a volunteer chief officer. He has a master’s degree in emergency management and a bachelor’s degree in information studies. Raeben also has more than a decade of IT experience in corporate settings. He is a credentialed CFO by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and completed the National Fire Academy’s managing officer program.