Computer Training For Emergency Services Personnel
Ian Traynor
Oftentimes, emergency services personnel receive extensive training when they attend academy. With the initial phases of training, the subject matter is mostly academic in focus. For example, law enforcement personnel cover topics such as drug recognition, state law, hazardous materials recognition, and many more thorough hours of classroom instruction. The remainder of training comes from 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 officer's 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.
Within the world of emergency services, certification is mandatory. Emergency services personnel include fire, police and EMS officials. In most states, these people are required to maintain certification through a points system. Emergency services personnel must earn points through course completion. There is also annual certification in different subject matter and annual recertification for those courses already taken.
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 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 ways in which computer training is received by emergency services personnel. Among the many important classes, for example, are hazardous material recognition classes. These courses are beneficial to complete for two reasons. First of all, the material in question can be covered easily during a shift, and instant results are given. Because a computer-training course can be completed during a shift, it's cost effective for small departments and saves on such things as wear and tear on vehicles, travel expenses, and time lost to training.
For those who wish to obtain training on a subject that would normally require on-site attendance at a training conference, this is of significant benefit. Computer training courses such as those that cover drug recognition are quite easy to find and are generally recognized as valid by the respective law enforcement trading divisions in various states.
While policemen may be discouraged from taking these courses while on duty, it's entirely possible to do so while off duty. As stated previously, this type of computer training benefits not just the officer, but 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.
About the Author:
Ian Traynor has been training people in the use of computers and in internet marketing for many years. In more recent years, he has focused more attention on online training. He has brought together a collection of computer training articles at: Computer Training Secrets:
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