Abstract
Abstract Since members of rescue forces such as firefighters have to deal with sometimes extreme and dangerous situations, high-quality basic trainings are indispensable for their professional success. There is therefore an obvious need for standardized tools assessing the training quality. This paper aims to develop and validate such an evaluation instrument. In Study 1, a qualitative analysis (N = 21) was used to identify core characteristics of good firefighter basic trainings and served as theoretical basis for the generation of corresponding items. In Study 2 (N = 257), the item set was piloted and reduced, its structure was assessed in exploratory factor analyses, and first validations were conducted. Study 3 (N = 451) tested the proposed factor structure via confirmatory analyses and validated the questionnaire comprehensively. Factor analyses showed a six-factor structure. The scales of the newly created Feedback Instrument for Rescue forces Education – Basic education (FIRE-B) are to be judged as reliable. Moreover, there are several clear indications of validity. Thus, the present research contributes to the understanding of critical factors and processes of basic trainings. Furthermore, the FIRE-B has a high practical relevance, both in the assessment of training quality and in the identification of opportunities for improvement.
Highlights
IntroductionFirefighters, along with other rescue workers, need a variety of skills to be optimally prepared for their specific work requirements
Worldwide, numerous people work in rescue services and fire brigades
We developed an adapted questionnaire for the evaluation of firefighter basic trainings
Summary
Firefighters, along with other rescue workers, need a variety of skills to be optimally prepared for their specific work requirements. These skills include cognitive, physical and social skills (Burke 1997; Henderson 2010). The main way firefighters develop the necessary knowledge and skills is through a good firefighter basic training. When such a training is subpar, the likelihood of both mistakes and workrelated injuries increases (Moore-Merrell et al 2008), which, in turn, is significantly associated with symptoms of burnout and PTSD (Katsavouni et al 2016). High-quality trainings for firefighters serve the interest of society, which expects competent personnel to respond to critical incidents, but they serve firefighters’ own interests, as they help to minimize their risk of personal injury while protecting their mental health (e.g., Katsavouni et al 2016; Moore-Merrell et al 2008)
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