IDEX Fire & Safety has completed a survey in partnership with Lexipol, where the teams aimed to uncover the value of embracing technology in the firefighting industry.
Earlier this year, nearly 700 firefighters shared their perspective about the future of firefighting and the role technology will play.
They were also questioned about other critical issues, including safety and the value of proper training as the industry continues to evolve. Rural and urban fire departments participated in this critical research.
Indications from the survey
The survey indicated something many already know: fire departments face some of the same challenges regardless of their size and location.
According to IDEX, now is the time to address what the future of firefighting is going to look like. Waiting will only lead to greater problems.
While the industry is in the midst of some dramatic shifts and changes, technology is proving to be critical in not recruiting Millennials and Generation Z, but it is also helping those already in the industry feel safe when they are on the job.
Recruiting with and embracing technology
Despite being labeled as an industry that is not most technologically savvy, those who participated in the survey overwhelmingly support and embrace technology and innovation and what it can potentially bring to the firefighting industry:
- 86% believe technology will have an impact on the recruitment of future generations of firefighters.
- 64% believe that the use of technology plays a positive role in their job satisfaction.
Embracing technology will be critical to preparing the next generation of leaders for this dynamic, challenging career path. The industry is competing for the top candidates in roles in science and technology, requiring a new approach to recruitment efforts in today’s competitive job market.
In an effort to support innovative, dynamic recruitment efforts, IDEX Fire & Safety recently launched a recruitment toolkit aimed at helping firefighting leaders find talent for an industry that needs the best and brightest.
The toolkit will play a supporting role in helping departments develop a talent pipeline that will ultimately strengthen the entire firefighting industry.
Firefighting in the future is going to look very different from what it did just 10 years ago. According to the survey, 87% of respondents indicated that technology has helped them save time in a dangerous situation, while 86% of respondents indicated that technology has helped them avoid or reduce risk in a dangerous situation.
Development and efficiency
IDEX Fire & Safety noticed this trend early on and has worked tirelessly to develop products that help firefighters become even more efficient.
This dedication to innovation, safety and technology has led to the creation of several products including SAM, SAM BOOST, E3 CONNECT and the Smart Nozzle.
These products and technologies put critical data in the hands of first responders at the moment they need it–helping them make critical, often life-saving decisions. Having this data at their fingertips has led to better outcomes for firefighters and the public they are saving.
Nearly 60% of survey respondents said they feel much safer on the job with technology. When firefighters feel safe, the more likely they are going to be able save more lives and property.
Trust and training
When respondents were asked specifically about trust and training surrounding technology, they expressed the following:
- 68% indicated that technology is reliable in high-stakes situations, with 26% indicating sometimes and 6% do not think reliable.
- 40% feel comfortable using technology on the job and 38% indicated they have received sufficient training.
For those who have been in the firefighting industry for an extended period, utilizing technology is new. The products and technologies that IDEX Fire & Safety is implementing are leading to a fundamental shift in the industry.
Conclusion
According to IDEX, the survey data shows there is still some apprehension and uneasiness when it comes to embracing technology.
But like any other industry, firefighters need to be willing to embrace change—even if it is in small doses. In an industry that serves the public and saves lives, being left behind simply isn’t an option.
Technology survey for firefighting industry shared by IDEX: Summary
IDEX Fire & Safety and Lexipol have shared the results from survey they partnered on surrounding the value of embracing technology in the firefighting industry.
