Tunnel firefighting procedures in three languages: Textbooks for lasting training

From the perspective of experiential learning, learning cannot be limited to the acquisition of knowledge. The focus is instead on experiencing relevant situations and challenges. At the same time, the importance of specialised knowledge should not be underestimated when firefighters want to tackle tunnel fires jointly. The necessary basic knowledge for tunnel operations as well as helpful background information are presented compactly in words and pictures in the specialist books «Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels» and «Firefighting Operations in Railway Tunnels». But how can they support a lasting training?

Narrowing down the required knowledge - also across «language worlds»

What additional knowledge should firefighters have for tunnel operations in the first place? This question was essential in the development of the two textbooks on tunnel firefighting procedures. The aim was to limit knowledge transfer to what is necessary. This task took up a lot of time for the Didactics and Development Team. The result is two compact textbooks, each available in three languages.

Inner view of a tunnel with handrail and alarm button
Knowing possible safety installations in railway tunnels: Handrail and alarm button (yellow box, centre) for signalling the operations control centre and switching on the emergency lighting

With the development of the operational procedure for railway tunnels, there was the additional complication that the «language worlds» of the railway and the fire service met and first had to be coordinated to enable a common language.

Consolidating the use of technical terms

A prerequisite for swift communication during operations is the confident use of technical terms on the part of all parties involved. Tunnels in general, especially the infrastructure and vehicles in rail transport, can only be described to a limited extent and often not with sufficient precision using everyday vocabulary. It is why it was so crucial for the International Fire Academy's Didactics and Development Team to specify technical terms and select those relevant to fire services.

This photo is used to clarify the terms overhead line and contact wire on railway infrastructure.
Overhead line or contact wire? Such terms are explained succinctly in the textbook «Firefighting Operations in Railway tunnels».
Interior view of a tunnel with labelling of fire service relevant details
This photo sheds light «into» the railway tunnel to show and name the details relevant to fire services.

The terms for communication during tunnel operations among firefighters and with other organisations are explained and illustrated with figures or photos in the two textbooks of the International Fire Academy. The textbooks are both a learning aid and a reference source for developing a «common language» within a fire service and in cooperation with other organisations.

Quickly renew what one has learned

Even what is learned in detailed lessons or experienced in training drills is forgotten over time. Repetitions are therefore indispensable. Refreshing what has been learned is supported by the repeated recalling of experiences. The textbooks make an important contribution to this, for example, by reading up on tactics and techniques or simply looking at the figures and pictures with the question in mind: Did I see or experience anything comparable during training? What is new about it compared to my previous operational experience?

Freight wagon with partially fallen load due to a fire in a railway tunnel
Fallen freight can block the way back: Such an operational photo of a train fire not only illustrates the danger but can also support the link to own operational and training experience.

Images guide perception and promote remembering

To support easy and lasting learning, the International Fire Academy places particular emphasis on figures in its textbooks for a number of reasons:

  • Photos provide the necessary visual material when something relevant has not been seen or consciously perceived before. This includes, for example, photos of technical details or damage after fire incidents in railway tunnels.
  • Interrelationships and processes can be clearly presented in a graphic and quickly grasped. They are much better suited for this than text.
  • Images are usually better remembered than descriptions.

Illustrations support sustainable learning and the gain of knowledge particularly well.

A figure of a railway line shows the danger zone and the required safety distance.
Making relevant things visible: In this figure, the danger zone on a railway line is marked. Dimensions illustrate the required safety distance to the track.
Close-up of a freight wagon showing, among other things, the UIC number. It is important for the identification of the freight.
Using photos to guide perception: The UIC number (27 80 ...) together with the train listing provides information on what a freight wagon has loaded.

Linking of (media) offerings

Although the textbooks are stand-alone products that can be used without the need for other International Fire Academy offerings. However, they unfold their full benefit in interaction with other media and offers. An example of this is the sample operational plan for incidents in railway tunnels. It was developed for the textbook «Firefighting Operations in Railway Tunnels». The sample operational plan and other helpful materials can be downloaded in the «Knowledge» section of our website. 

Sample operational plan for incidents in railway tunnels as a sketch for entering the relevant tunnel and incident data
The sample operational plan for incidents in railway tunnels was developed for the textbook «Firefighting Operations in Railway tunnels» and is now available for download.

The sample operational plan for incidents in railway tunnels is an example that illustrates the basic approach of the International Fire Academy: Information and tools are offered in different media and situations to make their use as easy as possible and to deepen understanding of the topic.

The benefits in different learning situations

The textbooks «Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels» and «Firefighting Operations in Railway Tunnels» can provide the first benefit in training preparation. They provide a simple and clear introduction to the subject and illustrate why special training is required for tunnel operations.

View at a railway station - an everyday scene from railway transport that provides emergency personnel with only part of the information relevant to them.
One's own everyday experiences provide only a snippet of the information that helps tackle an operation in underground railway facilities and tunnels.

In terms of content, a greater benefit can be expected from the books after an initial practical training or introduction. The knowledge from reading can then be directly connected with the experiences from the training and practice. Figures, descriptions, mnemonics and experiences can then explain each other and promote a more profound understanding.

Firefighters training in the railway training tunnel
Experiences from the training can be deepened and remembered more easily with the textbooks.

A great benefit is also to be expected in refreshing what has already been learned and preparing for further practical training. This is supported by the leaflets accompanying the two textbooks and summarising the core knowledge compactly.

Leaflets for training
Experiences from the training can be deepened and more easily remembered with the textbooks and the accompanying leaflets.

In order to offer these benefits to as many course participants of the International Fire Academy as possible, the textbooks and leaflets have been published in German, English and French.

Order online or purchase in the ifaSHOP

All International Fire Academy textbooks can be ordered online. They are delivered free of shipping costs within the EU and Switzerland. The textbook «Firefighting Operations in Road Tunnels» costs EUR/CHF 19.90, the textbook «Firefighting Operations in Railway Tunnels» EUR/CHF 23.50. Discounted volume prices apply for orders of 5 copies or more.

ORDER TEXTBOOKS

By the way: The textbooks, as well as all products mentioned on the order form, are also available in the ifaSHOP at the International Fire Academy in Balsthal. Check out our ifaSHOP on your next visit and discover other products as well.