Fire and emergency medical services adaptive capacity: A content analysis of training and education provision in Colorado

Abstract

This study analyzes adaptive capacity in regard to training and education of firefighters and EMS providers in Colorado. Adaptability is required for successful careers of public safety practitioners, but it is commonly acquired through experience and passed down knowledge of those who have been in the field for some time. The problem in lies that there is both a decrease of applicants into the field and more of the experienced practitioners are leaving as well. Creating a gap in institutional knowledge.

A semi-structured interview was conducted with firefighters and EMS providers, various levels of management of public safety entities, and educators to gain insight of various organizations entry level education and training for new recruits in attempt to close the gap of expert institutional knowledge from someone just starting their career.

Recommendations are made for policy change for both public safety organizations and educational programs with a large focus on how training and learning is performed. Developing a culture of being ‘change positive’ and a thirst for knowledge so that practitioners of all levels continue to learn. That new ideas are accepted so that the outcome is a positive one.