Supporting Operational Readiness with Hybrid Training
27 January, 2026
The foundation of successful rescue operations is often the continuous development and reinforcement of the skills and expertise of fire and rescue personnel. In addition to equipment and technology, regular training enables safe, efficient and proactive actions in fire and rescue missions. Therefore, regular training and proactively developing the skills of firefighters play an essential role in everyday life at fire and rescue departments.
Firefighter Jarmo Nieminen and equipment engineer Samuli Ketola from Pirkanmaa Rescue Department in Finland, know how important it is to be trained and competent to use aerial platforms and other heavy equipment. According to Nieminen, callouts that require an aerial platform occur weekly.
“Aerial platform operators practice daily on every shift if possible and the unit delivery training was just a first introduction to using the platform”
Jarmo Nieminen, Firefighter, Pirkanmaa Rescue Department
As an equipment engineer, aerial platforms and their maintenance are also part of Ketola’s day-to-day routine.
“I always seek to operate and familiarize myself with aerial platforms whenever they come in for servicing or maintenance at the rescue department’s own workshop.”
Samuli Ketola, Equipment Engineer, Pirkanmaa Rescue Department
Both Nieminen and Ketola participated in the first hybrid training for aerial platform operators by Bronto Skylift, in which theory and practice were combined through independent online studies and hands-on training at the fire stations premises. Nieminen participated so that his station would have more trained aerial platform operators and thus more flexibility in rotation, while Ketola participated out of personal initiative and interest in the training.
Combining theory and hands-on exercises supports learning
The hybrid model allows efficient use of resources and suits well for the varied needs of rescue departments. Independent online courses give participants an opportunity to study theory at their own pace and review key concepts. During hands-on unit exercises, operators can apply the learned theory in realistic operational environments.
Both Nieminen and Ketola found the self-study phase to be an effective way to internalize the theoretical parts of the training.
“Being able to go through the material at your own pace is essential and works better than a lecture-based approach.”
Samuli Ketola, Equipment Engineer, Pirkanmaa Rescue Department
The hybrid model focuses on learning systematically step by step: first you internalize, then you practice. This builds both individual technical skills and group coordination. In practical training, the instructor can also answer questions and provide real-time, firefighter-focused feedback on the exercises.
“In the practical exercises, we can take the theoretical knowledge straight into action, which makes the learning concrete and immediately reveals any areas for improvement.”
Mikko Laiho, Product Support Engineer, Bronto Skylift
Continuous Training Ensures Readiness
According to Nieminen and Ketola, the primary purpose of training is to ensure that actions in real situations are automatic and error-free. With a skilled crew, operations flow instinctively and reliably.
“All training opportunities are more than welcomed to ensure operations are as instinctive and automatic as possible”
Jarmo Nieminen, Firefighter, Pirkanmaa Fire Department
“Operational training is the core of everything as the quality of the entire operation stems from proper knowledge of the equipment”
Samuli Ketola, Equipment Engineer, Pirkanmaa Fire Department
Continuous training not only strengthens the technical skills but also the ability to apply knowledge in various conditions and under pressure. Practical hands-on exercises emphasize operational reliability, cooperation and decision-making – all critical skills for effective fire and rescue operations.
“The importance of training is not limited to individual courses. It is part of a broader safety culture where continuous learning, sharing experiences and joint exercises build operational readiness. Every new training session is an opportunity to strengthen this culture and ensure that both personnel and equipment are ready for any situation.”
Mikko Laiho, Product Support Engineer, Bronto Skylift
Practical training can also be supported with simulator exercises, which allow operators to practice in a safe and controlled environment without always needing the actual unit on site. Simulators also offer repeatable exercises and individualized pacing, which can be valuable when training groups are large or access to equipment is limited.
Training development as part of safety
Continuous improvement of manufacturer-provided training, both in content and scope, is essential for safe and efficient equipment use. When training is regularly updated based on user experience and feedback, it can best meet real-world needs and support operational performance.
Nieminen and Ketola also have suggestions for future training.
“For large groups there could be an additional instructor. Good training topics could include fault situations, challenging levelling scenarios and for example knowledge and management of potential oil leaks.”
Jarmo Nieminen, Firefighter, Pirkanmaa Rescue Department
“More detailed content on tactical positioning and reach assessment would be particularly useful and could be practiced through case examples. The number of practical repetitions was limited so perhaps a simulator would have helped here.”
Samuli Ketola, Equipment Engineer, Pirkanmaa Rescue Department