VIDEO: The Chippewa Valley Technical College is getting a new training experience in virtual reality for its firefighting program
“The FLAIM system is a virtual reality or immersive learning system,” Mark Schwartz, CVTC Fire, and EMS continuing education coordinator said.
Schwartz says CVTC is the first technical college in Wisconsin to have a VR firefighter simulator.
“It allows us to put not only students but current firefighters in virtual live fire situations,” Schwartz said. It lets students get a different type of hands-on experience. They will be able to see how it feels to hold a water hose and practice using the nozzle. A vest attachment allows you to feel the heat from the fire the closer you get to it in the simulation.
“They actually do what firefighters are supposed to do and 360 of whatever situation you’re in just to get an idea of what’s going on and then make your plan of attack,” Schwartz said.