The benefit of simulation exercises has long been understood by the aviation industry and the military; simulation exercises are also commonly used for teaching emergency medical skills. Although still in its infancy, the use of simulation exercises to improve decision-making in firefighting is rapidly expanding as the simulators become more effective in achieving that goal. Advances in technology now allow responders to practice in an environment full of real-world images, which more easily facilitates a collaborative and participatory learning experience.
Why Use Simulators?
Research has shown that incident commanders (ICs) make decisions based upon their knowledge and past experiences. The ability to make correct decisions is directly tied to the ability to acquire good information, transform it into a recognizable pattern and choose a predictable course of action. One way to artificially create these experiences and still improve situational awareness is through the use of simulated exercises. Inadequate situational awareness is often cited as a primary contributor to accidents; therefore, simulators that improve situational awareness also help to improve safety in emergency operations.
Types of Simulators
The use of simulators in the field of firefighting was led by wildland firefighters who’ve traditionally used sand tables to depict a fire event. For those who’ve tried to qualify as an IC through National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) measures, the use of a sand table simulator to develop and exercise certain skills has been the norm–up to now. Thanks to advances in technology, the use of more modern simulators has dramatically increased in recent years.
Sand tables are but one example of “human-controlled simulators.” There are two other types of wildland and wildland/urban interface (WUI) simulation tools: “animation-based” (virtual reality) and “agent-based.” Let’s take a closer look at all three.
Human-Controlled Simulation
The primary form of human-controlled simulation in use today is the tried-and-true sand table. The benefits of using sand tables: They’re independent of technology that can be limiting and costly; they’re cheap to build; they’re extremely simple and easy to understand; and simulations can be performed anywhere, by anybody.
That said, they do have their limitations. The direction and end result of a sand table session are determined by the moderator, not by the users. For example, the moderator will generally correct an error immediately after it happens to keep the simulation moving in the pre-scripted direction, rather than allowing the participant to continue so they can to see how their decisions will play out and learn from any mistakes.
Sand tables are adequate for exercising certain skills, such as how to use the Incident Management System (IMS) and basic strategies and tactics; however, there’s little evidence that sand tables really improve tactical decision-making skills. In fact, sand tables are most effective when reviewing lessons learned from tragic or near-miss events, or when reviewing local fires with crewmembers who didn’t work the given incident.
Animation-Based
The focus of animated simulators has primarily been on structural firefighting and hazmat incidents; however, wildland/WUI simulators do exist:
- With Fire Studio 5 by Digital Combustion, the user can download a photograph or digital video from their actual response area or use pre-designed events. The user can then add digital effects, such as smoke, flames or several other elements in order to add complexity and reality to the exercise.
- StageIT Emergency Response Fire Simulator from Action Training Systems is similar in design to Fire Studio 5, but it uses a Windows interface, which feels familiar to most users. Simulations using StageIT are saved as Windows Media files, which make networking simple.
- Dynamic Animation Systems has been working with the National Fire Academy and the U.S. Forest Service to develop interactive WUI scenarios that can be used online or made available on CD-ROM.
- The Total Immersion Simulation System (TIS2) by Bravo Delta is somewhat more complex than the previously mentioned simulators, as it is designed to surround the user by the simulated emergency environment. The simulations are all based upon pre-designed scenarios.
Overall, animation-based simulations are entertaining and realistic, they can be performed in real time and they can help firefighters focus on strategies and tactics, as well as the use of the IMS. However, they are generally pre-scripted and/or human-moderated, and are therefore limited in their ability to affect improvements in decision-making.
Agent-Based
In agent-based modeling, every bit of information has its own characteristics and can interact with all the other bits of information. The prime example of a simulator that uses agent-based modeling is the SimTable, which is unique in that it combines digital, computerized operation with a sand table.
Once purchased, the designers input GIS layers that you provide to create a virtual world made up of your response terrain, with your unique features, hazards and fuel types. Although the program can run pre-scripted scenarios, it’s most effective when you simply start a fire and let the decision-makers lead the show. The SimTable is also very collaborative. The decisions of all participants can be integrated, and each can have an effect on the others.
SimTable is ideal for training on strategies and tactics, but it’s also great for practicing the IMS. Not surprisingly then, agent-based simulators are highly desirable in the training division, but they can also be used to provide a unique and powerful visual during community outreach activities.
A Simulation Walk-Through
The process of a wildland simulation varies depending upon the learning desired, the audience and the technology. Animation-based simulations usually play out much like a video game; primarily they’re used for training on firefighting tactics, but they can also be used for exercising incident management. Agent-based and human-controlled simulations are often led by an experienced moderator, who sets the tone for the simulation by providing response information, resources assigned and current conditions. The user is then in control; their decisions, tactics and strategies lead to changes in the fire progression.
Simple simulations might involve a single user making decisions that are evaluated by a single moderator who moves props or adds simulated fire to a sand table. However, complex simulations can be designed to involve more than one user who works in multiple locations.
The changes that result from the user’s decisions are made by the moderator in human-controlled simulation; changes in incident progression are based upon the data that’s input during set-up for agent-based simulation. For example, the moderator of a SimTable exercise uses a laser pointer to change weather patterns, add allocated resources or perform structure preparation as requested by the user.
A well-designed simulation can help firefighters learn about fire progression, and the effects of fuel, weather and topography on fire activity. Furthermore, a simulation can help firefighters learn the importance of structural triage and preparation, practice the identification of escape routes and safety zones, and test evacuation plans.
One Caveat: Cost
The cost to put together a simulator varies greatly depending on the type of simulator and the complexity of the program. A sand table can be built by anyone; the cost is really limited to basic building materials: sand and whatever props are chosen. The basic version of StageIT or Fire Studio 5 can cost as little as $150 to $230; however, modifiable versions cost $900 or more. The TISS provides a much more immersed virtual environment, but will cost a significant amount more than the other animated simulators. SimTable also costs more due to its complexity, realism and flexibility. For some products, additional hardware or service fees will be required. Remember: Always get an actual estimate for the specific product desired.
Conclusion
Simulators take many forms, and as technology continues to improve, simulator possibilities will increase. Choosing the right simulator for your department comes down to some simple differences, namely, price, ease of use and intended focus. Human-controlled simulators and animated simulators can be used effectively to test the deployment of resources or demonstrate strategies and tactics. Agent-based simulators offer the user the opportunity to practice, prepare and plan, resulting in more realistic training experiences and improved situational awareness.
Simulators in general are extremely effective in teaching firefighters about wildland/WUI fire behavior and risk management, and can help promote coordination and cooperation in all-hazard emergency response. Most important, simulators allow firefighters to train in a realistic environment and make mistakes without consequence. No matter what format you choose, simulators provide realistic scenarios, but in a completely safe atmosphere. And as other industries have already discovered, that makes them an invaluable tool.
