All simulations are first managed as a dynamic scenario with units responding verbally to the Incident Commander on the radio. You will see and hear how to command an incident using proper Incident Command System terminology. Following the dynamic scenario will be a static version of the same incident. In a static simulation there is no radio traffic. The incident commander explains how he would manage the incident. These are the two most common types of emergency scene simulations that are used during promotional exams.
The current trend is moving toward the static fire simulation. The static fire simulation truly rewards the candidate that is the most prepared, because the candidate is expected to provide an in-depth description of what he or she is doing, accompanied with the logic behind each decision, in a short period of time.
Whether you are viewing the static or dynamic fire simulation, you will see how to use proper ICS to command an incident and address incident priorities. You will also hear the correct terminology used when the IC is communicating with units and assigning tactical objectives.
To give our members an in-depth understanding of how to excel in the emergency fire scene simulation portion of their fire assessment center, membership also includes access to eleven (11) custom made instructional videos related to the emergency scene fire simulator. Each of these videos has a very specific area of focus and is designed to help our members to build a solid foundation, and approach, to the assessment center and the position of fire officer.
Specific Simulation Videos include:
Emergency Scene Fire Simulations – This video breaks down the emergency scene simulation exercise. It explains the difference between a static and dynamic exam and shows you how to excel in either format. The emphasis is to teach you how to manage an incident and avoid all of the critical fail points that are present in your exam and show you how to maximize your score.
Two – Out – This video defines the Federal OSHA Two-Out standard and dispels many of the myths associated with the Two-Out/IRIC requirement. Whether or not your agency follows the OSHA Two-Out (IRIC) standard, it is a Federal requirement. The video will show multiple methods to address Two Out/IRIC allowing our members to select the best method to use for their organization’s fire assessment center.
Proper ICS – This video will help you understand the proper ICS that is accepted to managing emergency incidents.
8 Critical Fireground Factors – When managing an incident there are many factors a candidate must address to show competency on an assessment center exam. This video help to provide structure to what needs to be addressed in a logical manner.
Breaking Down an Incident – While preparing for your assessment center exam and most importantly, the fire officer position you are aspiring to become, it can be difficult to establish a starting point when preparing. This video helps explain to you the breakdown of incidents to make them easier when establishing a plan to manage them.
Pre-Arrival Considerations – A common component of the emergency scene fire simulation is to delve into a candidate’s thought process from the moment the alarm comes in until the time they arrive on scene. This video will show our members what to consider while en route to an emergency so that they are prepared to discuss the topic, in depth, during their exam.
The Initial Report – The initial report, sometimes called a size-up, is the first time the evaluators get to see you in action. It will set the tone for your emergency scene fire simulator and is the starting point for a good score. A strong initial report will help the raters form a good first impression of you and will get you started off on the right foot. This video identifies all of the important components of the initial report.
Tactical Developments – While managing an emergency incident, it is very common to have some type of “issue” you will have to address in your assessment center. This video help to identify some of those issues and guide you to the best practice to manage them.
Transfer of Command – Frequently, during the assessment center, after you have completed the emergency scene simulation, you will be expected to face the evaluators and provide a transfer of command. This video will show you how to complete a comprehensive transfer of command that covers all of the required elements to ensure the highest score possible.
After the Fire is Out – After you have completed managing your incident, there are topics that must be addressed to officially close out your incident. We have found the topics addressed in this video are areas where a candidate leaves points on the table at the conclusion of their assessment center exam during this station. The topics covered in this video may also help the candidate when they are verbalized to the assessment center panel and could be used as separator points from your competition.
Understanding Raters – as an added bonus, members receive access to our video, titled “Understanding Raters”. This video created just for members of AspiringFireOfficers.com provides insight into how the fire assessment center operates from the raters’ perspective and describes how the raters are able to effectively score your assessment center, even though they may be from an organization unfamiliar with your department.
The emergency scene fire simulation generally accounts for the highest point allocation in the fire department assessment center testing process. All of the key information you need to be successful in the emergency scene simulation portion is contained within this section.
