VGGM is training 2000 firefighters online
Acting decisively requires knowledge
From 2011, VGGM trained its fire brigade managers partly online.
As the experience was deemed very positive, work is now underway on the development of online training courses for around 2000 firefighters. Of this, Marko Bramme says, “If you have to fight a fire or respond to another type of emergency, then obviously that is a form of real-life practice. But the theoretical basis you need to do this should not be underestimated. Whereas knowledge has always been acquired through traditional means, such as PowerPoint and discussion of cases, nowadays we also do it online. The main advantage is that the course participants can do it in their own time and at their own pace. As a result, they are better prepared for the practical training sessions. The end result is that we have firefighters at our disposal who have had better practice.”
Learning basic knowledge more quickly and keeping it more up to date
Developments at VGGM are being closely monitored by emergency services and local authorities across the country. Marko Bramme: “It is correct that we have a good reputation nationally as a result of our approach towards getting emergency services to work closely together and to have them learn in multidisciplinary practical contexts. During the next few years, we will be fully committed to developing online training courses for specific emergency services. The added value will not just be in the fact that basic knowledge can be acquired more quickly and be kept more up to date. We are also thinking about online training courses that cover the various disciplines. It’s all about the response being as effective as possible, whatever disaster occurs.”
Marko Bramme
“The added value will not just be in the fact that basic knowledge can be acquired more quickly and be kept more up to date. We are also thinking about online training courses that cover the various disciplines. It’s all about the response being as effective as possible, whatever disaster occurs.”
Large groups of course participants
In the future, every employee affiliated to VGGM will get a digital passport. This will contain HR information linked to the employee’s portfolio and the practice programme that the employee must take. “We use the Moodle online learning environment and link it to the safety portal,” says Marko Bramme. “We make sure that the system landscape is in order, so that we are able to include well-prepared large groups of course participants. That cuts out a lot of hassle.
About VGGM
VGGM provides complete emergency service cover for sixteen local authorities in Gelderland Midden – the fire brigade, the ambulance service, and public health services. It identifies health and safety risks, informs residents, and takes action during emergencies. VGGM is organised on a regional basis with strong local representation. This means it provides effective and decisive help.
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