Instilling Organisational Values in Firefighters through Simulation-Based Training

TL;DR

This paper proposes a framework to enhance firefighter training by integrating departmental values into simulation exercises, aiming to improve ethical decision-making and alignment of protocols in emergency situations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conceptual framework for embedding organizational values into simulation-based firefighter training, addressing gaps in traditional methods.

Findings

Framework promotes value internalisation in firefighters

Simulation-based training improves ethical decision-making under pressure

Tools can evaluate and refine operational protocols

Abstract

In firefighting and other emergency operations, decisions made under pressure carry profound ethical weight and can significantly impact incident outcomes and firefighter safety. Traditional training methods, while foundational, often fall short in adequately preparing firefighters for the complex ethical dilemmas and value conflicts inherent in chaotic emergency environments. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for enhancing firefighter training by systematically integrating departmental values into simulation-based training. This approach fosters deeper value internalisation and improves value-driven decision-making under pressure. Furthermore, the underlying tools can also be leveraged to evaluate and refine departmental operational protocols for better alignment with preferred values.