A new platform for delivering Fire Fighting 1 (FF1) Training to Bushfire Brigade Volunteers
Bushfires NT, in conjunction with their third party Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Charles Darwin University (CDU), have developed an online training package to deliver Fire Fighting 1 (FF1) training to Bushfire Brigade Volunteers.
Bushfires NT delivers a range of fire-fighting training to authorised bushfire brigade volunteers, including accredited units Prevent Injury and Respond to Wildfire. The training programs are typically delivered
in-house over a weekend, and traditionally feature paper-based assessments.
The Bushfires NT training team recently reviewed the training program and developed an innovative and contemporary online training package, a new and exciting initiative for the training program.
The suite of programs will feature online course theory and knowledge based learning. Designed to keep volunteers engaged, and provide the opportunity to work closely with volunteer brigades to gain hands on,
in-house real life experience!
The Bushfires NT training team will introduce the contemporised package of Prevent Injury and Respond to Wildfire in online and practical modules. The online modules can be completed at the volunteers’ own pace over an eight-week period. Once completed, the students will have to complete 2 practical wildfire scenarios offered at various locations across the Northern Territory, with additional ‘hands on’ practical learning and assessments required to achieve the qualification.
The Bushfires NT training team has worked very hard to produce a new ‘Learners Guide’, an online theory assessment of 20 questions and information flyers so prospective volunteers can access, participate and be assessed online.
The team also worked with the CDU film crew to produce a number of training videos showing skills sets and drills, including how to operate a drip torch (used to ignite fires for back burning or planned burns). 2 other videos showing scenarios of how to prepare for the fire line, and what to do on arrival at a fire line have also been produced.
CDU staff travelled to Bushfires NT Headquarters for 2 days of filming, which saw a number of fire management officers and volunteers acting in various roles and displaying their knowledge in the use of all the fire-fighting equipment, vehicles and of their fire behaviour knowledge – thank you to all involved!
