Flame - Sim. Firefighting computer simulator

[JohnnyOV 2]

http://www.flame-sim.com/features/product-video.php

Anyone ever heard of this before? Looks like good old hands on training and hard physical work are trying to be replaced with computer simulation now. Hopefully this doesn't replace the way we train now, any time in the future.

[Scottyk107 9]

At $1500 per "seat" it seems a little pricey.

[FFPCogs 863]

At $1500 per "seat" it seems a little pricey.

This is my initial reaction as well since they also require $750 per seat per year for "upgrades". I'm going to give the demo a try for the hell of it...I'll pass along my thoughts in a few days.

Cogs

[Raz 14]

http://www.flame-sim.com/features/product-video.php

Anyone ever heard of this before? Looks like good old hands on training and hard physical work are trying to be replaced with computer simulation now. Hopefully this doesn't replace the way we train now, any time in the future.

I look at something like this, with the house layouts and tactical discussion, and think "there's a pretty good tool." That's all it can ever be, however. Unfortunately, there are idiots out there who think that "virtual" and online training can easily replace actual hands on training, and are working to undermine the training standards set by the NFPA and OFPC. It's ridiculous, would you go to a surgeon who only learned and practiced online? I played Call of Duty on my Xbox last night, does that qualify me as a soldier?

It's yet another example of common sense getting thrown out the window once the words "fire service" are mentioned.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

I look at something like this, with the house layouts and tactical discussion, and think "there's a pretty good tool." That's all it can ever be, however. Unfortunately, there are idiots out there who think that "virtual" and online training can easily replace actual hands on training, and are working to undermine the training standards set by the NFPA and OFPC. It's ridiculous, would you go to a surgeon who only learned and practiced online? I played Call of Duty on my Xbox last night, does that qualify me as a soldier?

It's yet another example of common sense getting thrown out the window once the words "fire service" are mentioned.

Can't argue anything about this post. Just as Raz said its another "tool." As far as playing "Call of Duty" and being a soldier....he's not that far off. The military uses computer simulations as a training tool as well as many law enforcement agencies or those tasked with training them. I find this to be innovative and a good way to supplement hands on training. What needs to be kept in mind and this is where the military use of computer based training simulations comes from and what good fire instructors aim for as well....you don't just want to train the hands with the mind...we want to train the brain and have it experience as much as possible as well. This is extremely critical to have successful responses to critical events where the brain will look for some experience to fall back on to. When it doesn't have something...that is where panic can evolve. This type of training tool can simulate things that cannot be reenacted anywhere else on the training ground.

[abaduck 123]

Looks like it could be interesting to play around with - I'm doing an officers course at present and the kind of situations presented here, it could be a useful tool. *Just so long as it doesn't ever replace so much as a minute of time on the drill field!*