Fire Service College showcases key role in strengthening national resilience

Operated by Capita, the Fire Service College combines state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) technology with extensive live training facilities, thereby allowing firefighters and dedicated Emergency Services responders from the UK and allied nations to practice dealing with complex emergencies in realistic and controlled environments.

Capita’s 320-acre site includes ultra-realistic training structures such as a replica of the M96 motorway, a derailed train carriage and aircraft training frames. These facilities enable Emergency Services responders to practice their skills in scenarios designed to replicate the demands of real incidents: from transport-related emergencies through to complex fires and structural incidents.

The Fire Service College’s Immersive Skills Lab adds another dimension to this training by virtue of using VR technology to recreate challenging situations and allow trainees to develop their decision-making, situational awareness and incident management skills.

Given that the UK faces an evolving security environment, the Fire Service College is placing an increased emphasis on national resilience and preparedness. Capita and the Fire Service College have a key role to play in protecting RAF personnel and assets across 38 bases. Under the Defence Fire and Rescue Project, Capita supports Fire and Rescue Services and training across UK and overseas bases, working alongside dedicated RAF firefighters.

Skills, experience and confidence

Hume Jones, managing director for critical services at Capita, commented: “National resilience starts with preparation and that’s a major focus for us at the Fire Service College. Emergency Services responders need the skills, experience and confidence to make critical decisions under pressure. There’s a range of different challenges that they’re likely to face. For example, it could be a major transport incident, a complex fire or an emergency that’s affecting essential infrastructure.”

Jones continued: “Capita is proud that the Fire Service College brings together specialist instructors, realistic live training environments and innovative immersive technology to help individuals prepare for those challenges. As the threat landscape evolves, it’s vital that our civil Emergency Services and defence partners have opportunities to train together, develop their capabilities and strengthen their readiness.”

Since acquiring the Fire Service College from the Government back in 2013, Capita has invested in modernising its facilities and training programmes, including the introduction of VR technology to complement practical exercises.

*Further information is available online at www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk