By Anthony S. Mangeri, MPA, CPM, CEM, Faculty Member, Fire Science Management at American Military University
Evidence-based decision making and emergency operations have arrived in the fire service. As with many professions, future educational needs must take into account the transition to evidence-based operations.
It has long been said that the fire service is proudly steeped in tradition unhampered by progress. However, it is time for change; research is changing the ways emergency services processes the scene of a crisis and how fire and all emergency services respond. Fire professionals will need to understand emerging research. Education will require a strong focus and understanding of the natural sciences, mathematics, and technology.
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations defines fire as, “A rapid oxidation process, which is a chemical reaction resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities.” While chemistry explains the process that causes the rapid release of heat and energy, physics provides insight into how these processes interact with other natural elements.
Full story: Your fire science education should prepare you for evidence-based operations
