Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
Training Records and Record-Keeping
NFPA 1401: Recommended Practice for Fire Service Training Reports and Records is the minimum national
standard for departments to maintain training records. The Department previously used IMC to track all
training data. Currently, Nashua Fire Rescue utilizes Alpine Red NMX software to track all training activities.
During the course of conducting interviews with members of the Division, it was apparent that the current
software has been frustrating as it does not allow for easy tracking of training and analytical data. Current
staff in the Division would like to switch to the Target Solutions data platform as it would be much more
efficient in tracking training.
Training Schedule
Based on the services provided, it is very difficult for the Division with current staffing to meet all of the
training competencies for the services that they provide. This is a challenge for countless fire departments
throughout the country. Currently, the Training and Safety Division set forth yearly goals for training, which
is on par with the minimum national standard. This has ensured that the Department meets current
guidelines and keeps its personnel on the cutting edge of ever-evolving techniques and technology.
Strong training programs rely on clearly defined schedules and objectives in order to meet the needs of the
Department.
Training Methodologies
In order to ensure the effective delivery of training programs to the members of the fire department, there
are necessary resources and tools that an instructor must use to meet these requirements. This includes
audio visual technology, a proper classroom environment and a hands-on training facility. Nashua Fire
Rescue currently has these resources in place.
Interviews with Nashua Fire Rescue members revealed that the majority of training is delivered by the
company officer in between emergency responses. This can make it extremely difficult to practice the
manipulative skills that are necessary to ensure that members of the Department remain efficient in the
delivery of highly skilled services. Task proficiency should be reviewed on a continuing basis to ensure that
the members of the department are meeting minimum performance requirements.
Training Facilities
Training facilities are a vital part of reinforcing what members learn in a traditional didactic learning format.
These facilities allow members to apply hands-on learning skills that are a critical component to ensuring the
effective delivery of the vast emergency response capabilities that Nashua Fire Rescue delivers to the city
and its surrounding mutual aid partners.
The current training grounds are located on West Hollis Street at the Four Hills Landfill. ln 2016, Nashua Fire
Rescue applied for and received a Fire Act Grant to replace the previously condemned live fire training
grounds. The grant was written as a regional grant to also offer training to Nashua Fire Rescue’s mutual aid
partners. The new facility consists of a modern Class A and Liquified Petroleum Gas live fire training Conex
building, a standpipe system, SCBA maze, confined space prop, high angle tower, and windows for bailouts.
The training ground also includes a tank car for members of the hazardous materials response team for
training.
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