At the Faculty of Law Sciences of the National University of Public Service, the Institutional Scientific Student Conference was held again this fall, at which a total of fifty-four projects were presented by the students of the Disaster Prevention Institute. In the fire protection, rescue management and disaster prevention operations department, Szeged firefighter Attila Demeter brought the first prizenot just any study.
Firefighter in disaster management
– I am a third-year correspondence course student at the disaster prevention department of the public service university, where such academic competitions are regularly organized. I have now become the first in one part of this, namely with a study about how virtual reality can be used in fire departments and in training, the young firefighter told our newspaper.
Attila Demeter said that virtual reality is spreading more and more and is used by many disciplines. This is useful for firefighters because they can simulate an emergency without danger.
Virtual reality
– Imagine that if I approach the fire wearing the VR glasses, the appropriate vest will warm up on me. This is very exciting. And in the meantime, I also assessed how the disaster management team is dealing with virtual reality, how receptive they are to it. In other words, the work was diverse - said the firefighter, who claims that virtual reality is far from the future, but the present.
By the way, Attila Demeter is just finishing university, but he wants to continue his education. Which he will somehow have to reconcile with the fact that he likes to be a paramedic firefighter. He said that he is in his place in the barracks in Szeged, he feels good, but that further education is also important to him. The firefighter did not rule out the possibility that a thousand people would quit and find some other job in disaster management. But that is further away.
What innovative techniques are being used in firefighter training to simulate real-life emergencies?
Interview between Time.news Editor (T.N.) and Expert Firefighter Attila Demeter (A.D.)
T.N.: Welcome, Attila! It’s great to have you with us today. Congratulations on winning the first prize at the Institutional Scientific Student Conference at the National University of Public Service. Could you tell us a bit about your project and what inspired it?
A.D.: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here. My project focused on improving fire protection strategies through simulation training. As firefighters, we often face unpredictable situations during emergencies, and being able to simulate these scenarios without any real danger can greatly enhance our preparedness.
T.N.: That’s fascinating! How do you create these simulations, and what kind of scenarios do you aim to replicate?
A.D.: We use a combination of physical models and digital technology to create realistic scenarios. This could involve everything from structural fires to natural disasters. The goal is to replicate conditions that firefighters might encounter in the real world, so we can train effectively while ensuring everyone’s safety.
T.N.: Communication is key in emergency management. How does your project address the teamwork aspect among firefighters during such simulations?
A.D.: Absolutely, teamwork is crucial. During our simulations, we incorporate roles for each participant, emphasizing the need for clear communication. We analyze group dynamics and decision-making processes to identify areas of improvement. This way, when faced with actual emergencies, our team can coordinate more effectively and efficiently.
T.N.: That makes sense. Following the conference, what feedback have you received from your peers or instructors about your project?
A.D.: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many expressed interest in implementing some of the simulation techniques into their training routines. They appreciated the practical applications of the research, especially regarding enhancing safety and operational readiness.
T.N.: It’s encouraging to see that your work has the potential to impact real-life practices. Looking toward the future, how do you envision your project evolving or expanding?
A.D.: I envision incorporating more advanced technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to create even more immersive training experiences. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with other disaster prevention departments to broaden the scope of our training programs and address new challenges we face in modern firefighting.
T.N.: With your innovative approach, it seems you’re paving the way for future advancements in firefighting. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to share with aspiring firefighters and students interested in disaster prevention?
A.D.: I would tell them to stay curious and never underestimate the importance of research. Our field constantly evolves, and staying informed is key to effective disaster management. Collaboration and continuous learning will always lead to better outcomes for our communities.
T.N.: Thank you, Attila, for sharing your insights with us. Your passion and commitment to enhancing fire safety and disaster prevention are truly inspiring. Best of luck with your future projects!
A.D.: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.