Computer Training For Emergency Services Personnel
In their professional schooling, emergency services personnel receive extensive training. In the initial phases of training, the focus is mainly academic in regard to subject matter. For example, law enforcement personnel go over topics such as drug recognition, hazardous materials recognition, state laws, and many more hours of classroom instruction. The rest of the training occurs in hands-on situations.
For some of the hands-on training, computers are central. For example, law enforcement students encounter "shoot or don't shoot" scenarios. These situations are played out similar to video games, in which the officer stands on a padded surface that can detect every movement, such as kneeling, ducking, or shifting side to side. While the officer stands on the surface, he or she has a weapon "holstered" and then is provided a scenario in which he or she must decide whether or not he or she should shoot a subject. While the training happens, the officer's every action or lack thereof is monitored, including verbal commands that are given to the "subject." This computer training is invaluable and has been over the years because it provides such significant evaluation of 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.
Besides the points earned for required academic subjects, prospective officials are also given points for completing similar training courses. These are of "extra" subject matter and can often be substituted for a variety of required subjects.
In the past 15 years, budget constraints and other factors have meant that subject matter is being reorganized in order to accommodate computer training. This has been cost effective for both state and local agencies. Because budgets are not stretched as then, funds can be made available for special projects and other needs.
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.
If policemen wish to get trained on a subject that normally would require attendance at a distant training conference, computer-training courses can provide a significant benefit. These courses can cover topics such as drug recognition and are easy to find. In general, each state's law enforcement training division also recognizes these courses.
If policemen are discouraged from taking these courses during on duty hours, it is still possible that they can complete these courses while off duty. Again, this is of benefit not just to the officers, but to the department as well.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of computer training for emergency services personnel occurs off the job. That is, they have more time for often-neglected family life.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Ian Traynor is a computer veteran, working with computers for over 25 years from now and has been continuously involved in computer training (both receiving and delivering training). He shares his experience of computer training at Computer Training Secrets:
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by: IanTraynor
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