Ugh, Hazmat Training, AGAIN?

Teaching hazmat can be hard. Hazmat doesn't have the same thrill as live fire training or the TRT disciplines do. Many firefighters look forward to hazmat training as much as their annual HR mandated training. Firefighters want to use their hands, not sit in a classroom being talked to. Firefighters can also be very competitive. To break down the stigma surrounding hazmat training we must develop ways to create interest. Taking advantage of our members competitive sides, we can develop hazmat training that is challenging and dare we say "fun".

In this session we will discuss some ideas for creating that interest. Developing "hazmat" versions of popular games. Physical challenges between companies are very popular. Drills where the fastest time isn't the grading criteria, but total air consumption is. Not all training can be hands-on, so we must create interest for the drill grounds and in the classroom.

In "Ugh, Hazmat training, AGAIN?" we will share in our successes and failures as instructors in trying to keep our people engaged. While the human factor will always be an obstacle, we have the ability to make the hazmat training environment interesting. Interest creates engagement and that will lead to a better educated and prepared team.