Firefighter and rescue training does not end with certification and examinations. Weekly drills and simulations and ongoing training is vital to keeping your rescue team fully informed on the latest rescue techniques. Training films are an excellent tool to use in in-service sessions, because they make a visual impact that helps ingrain the lessons to be learned so that they will not be forgotten. Whether for classroom training or for ongoing continuing education, fire rescue training videos are excellent choices to help drive lessons home.

Choosing the best safety training videos can be difficult, though. It is important that the videos you use for training purposes present accurate information on the most current best practices in your field. One way to be certain that the training videos you choose are part of a comprehensive library that is approved for purchase using Homeland Security grants from the federal government. Other things to look for in choosing top safety training videos for fire rescue teams include:

• the experience and credentials of the technical team that consulted on production


• whether the subject matter meets technical standards and best practices


• how the training video fits into your current curriculum and needs


• the knowledge level of the audience for which the film is intended

In addition to basic safety training, there are specific areas that must be covered by fire rescue units that want to qualify for federal funding and grants, or for special certifications as first responder, terrorist response and rapid response teams. These top fire rescue safety training videos are all good choices for specialized training in the areas named.

Rapid Response and Intervention

Rapid Intervention Teams, developed by a technical team that includes the president of HazTech Systems and rescue team members with decades of experience, is designed to introduce the concept and techniques used by Rapid Intervention Teams. RIT are trained for immediate deployment to assist in the rescue and recovery of first responders and rescue workers who are trapped, injured or go missing during emergency response situations. The film covers:

• overview of responsibilities and circumstances under which RIT is called in


• skills needed by RIT members


• command structure and response to emergencies


• specialized equipment used by RITs


• communication systems and their use


• specialized rescue and extraction technique

The film included a Leader’s Guide to help plan lessons and ensure that you team gets the most use out of the film.

HazMat WMD Self Protection for Firefighters

Fire is not the only hazard faced by firefighters. Often, they are placed in situations where they are exposed to hazardous materials ranging from asbestos to PCBs to radiation and biochemical weapons. Understanding the need for protective clothing and safety techniques is vital to fire rescue workers – at least as vital as being taught the methods themselves. This film goes beyond teaching the bare basics of what to do and wear and explains the WHY, boosting team compliance with safety measures across the board. The subjects covered include:

• why protective equipment is necessary


• an introduction to respiratory protective gear


• EPA levels of protection for protective equipment


• Chemical protective clothing


• Donning and removing protective equipment – when and how


• Inspection, storage and maintenance of protective equipment


• Medical considerations and avoiding heat stress when wearing protective gear

Mass Decon

Terrorism and response to terrorist attacks is a subject much on the minds of any fire rescue workers these days. The Homeland Security office has made funds available to emergency rescue workers and fire rescue workers to help train them in recognizing and responding to terrorist threats and attacks. In the event that a terrorist attack includes chemical, radiation or biohazard poisoning, mass decontamination may be required. Understanding the principles of decontamination is a vital part of training for any fire rescue team that may be called in to carry out operations in the event of a terrorist attack.

The lessons learned from these training videos have far wider application than fighting terrorism. In the summer of 2007, for instance, rescue crews from half a dozen Massachusetts towns were called to the little town of Spencer, where an industrial accident at the water treatment plant had dumped extremely high levels of chlorine into the town’s water supply. Teams trained in mass decontamination controlled the situation, provided clean water and decontamination services for the community.

The training video Mass Decon provides a thorough grounding in the basics of decontamination after a terrorist attack or other community hazard. The film covers:

• Identifying the contaminating agents


• Setting up the decontamination area


• Preparing decontamination solutions


• Rescue vehicle configuration in various formations


• Dealing with sensitive issues of modesty and privacy


• Managing victims who are non-ambulatory


• Decon in cold weather and dealing with hypothermia


• Monitoring air quality and radiation


• Preventing cross contamination in medical and rescue facilities

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About Author: Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning emergency planning, safety preparedness and demonstrations for emergency response such as Safety Training Videos