Virtual reality training: Why don’t we use VR more in the fire service?

We are sometimes too rooted in our independence, dismissive of new ideas presented to us

June 07, 2023 05:49 PM •

In this episode of What’s YOUR Problem, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder answers the following viewer question:

What is the problem with the fire rescue service’s reluctance to using immersive virtual reality (VR) training? The U.S. military, and European and Asian fire services, have been using it for years.

Check out the chief’s response!

Do you have a question for Chief Goldfeder? Email editor@firerescue1.com or submit a question here.

Watch more What’s YOUR Problem? videos here.

Billy Goldfeder

Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO, a firefighter since 1973, serves as deputy fire chief of the Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Fire Department. He also serves as Lexipol’s senior fire advisor and is a member of the Fire Chief/FireRescue1 Editorial Advisory Board. Goldfeder is a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations: the IAFC, the September 11th Families Association and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). He also provides expert review assistance to the CDC NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. Goldfeder is the recipient of numerous operational and administrative awards, appointments and recognitions. He has served on several NFPA and IAFC committees, has authored numerous articles and books, and presented several sessions at industry events. Chief Goldfeder co-hosts the website www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com.