Regional Training Grant

[Catch22]

I'd like to get some input, advise, ideas, whatever on a project I'm working on. This is actually something another Instructor and I have been looking at for a bit and the new training requirements have opened the door to.

First, I have a question. Can FDs and non-affiliated EMS join together on a training grant? You'll understand why as I proceed.

What we're looking at doing is asking for a regional grant to do alternative delivery of the NFPA 1001 and 1002 training (as well as other courses). The delivery we're looking at is interactive through a broadband connection.

If we can pull this off, we could do a class in one location, then broadcast it via a broadband connection to satellite locations throughout the county (or beyond for that matter). Each location would be equipped with the video/audio equipment in order to make it interactive on both ends. This should help facilitate questions and discussions between the locations.

The benefit of this is going to be that we'll get more guys to partake in the training. It's going to eliminate the "it's too far to drive" complaint (as well as some others), especially with gas exceeding $3/gallon.

A side benefit of this is we may be able to deliver first responder and/or EMT courses by this means (which is why I ask about non-affiliated EMS). We may even be able to do CEUs or refreshers.

This is something I see a lot of potential in. I'm just wondering what you guys may have to say. Two minds are better than one, and dozens are better than that.

[DeW514]

That is a heck of an idea, should work well. I found this in FAQ's, might be some help:

Are organizations or agencies normally considered ineligible for an AFG grant, eligible to be included as a beneficiary of a regional application?
Yes. Law enforcement, public works, or the local emergency management offices could be beneficiaries of Assistance to Firefighters grants. For example, local law enforcement could be users of a new dispatch system funded by the grant program or the emergency management staff could be issued radios by the grantee in order to foster interoperability.

I would think that the responsibility and eligibility would fall on the host department only. You may wait for more informed responses though...

[WJVaughn]

Catch I think this came up in a thread a couple of weeks ago. I remember someone saying that they had recieved a grant to do something similiar to what your are talking about. I think the last big regional that was awarded was for the this type of project.

[Catch22]

I actually hadn't thought too much about the LEO's and stuff like that, but there's considerable potential there as well. We do have a local Vo-Tech/Career Center and a community college that are willing to work with us on this, too.

[BC79er_OLDDELETE]

There have been several video-conferencing awards for this, although training was focused across the board not just two classes.

[Catch22]

There have been several video-conferencing awards for this, although training was focused across the board not just two classes.

That's our plan, to do a lot more than just the two classes. That's just the two stand out as far as getting out to the FDs around here.

[quaker49]

I think this is a great idea - in another life (8 years ago) I worked on a similar effort as part of the State University system (NH) - the key selling point would be to make this available to the community so that there is more bang for your buck... You want to focus on areas where there is constant need for training - we were using the network for K-12, teacher education, and professional groups (especially funeral directors). But a part of the problem was how do you open up buildings for outside groups - the firehouse is typically a community building that is open to outside groups - it has a system in place to allow that.

So I think a value added could be some education opportunities for Seniors or High School students - two target audiences for fire prevention or potential recruits. We used to use as an example giving Seniors an update on the new tax code or even the new medicare choices. So this can easily become a public resources (similar to how exhaust systems are a higher priority in firehouses with a high use).

The added benefit would be to take this to a local politician and have them champion it - there are many potential funding sources - from USDA, Rural Electric, even the Commerce Department.

S. Kelleher
QSFD