Introduction:  

Safety Heights & Rescue Training (SHRT) is a niche registered organization (RTO 5261) located in Naval Base, Western Australia (WA). Naval Base, known for its heavy industries, including energy, electrical manufacturing, shipbuilding, and oil & gas sectors, serves as the primary operating area for SHRT. Christopher Bedwell, CEO Manager of SHRT, is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in emergency services and training. In search of an innovative solution, SHRT discovered FLAIM Extinguisher, a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) training tool, to enhance their safety training sessions. 

Initial Encounter with FLAIM Extinguisher  

During the Oil & Gas Show in Brisbane, Christopher Bedwell had the opportunity to test the first version of FLAIM Extinguisher.

“When we discovered FLAIM Extinguisher, it was a breath of fresh air compared to other VR headsets that involved attaching a phone to your face with flimsy cardboard, looking at subpar graphics,” says Bedwell. 

Advantages Over Competitor’s Unit  

Before adopting FLAIM Extinguisher, SHRT utilized a competitor’s unit that had limitations in terms of functionality and safety. “Before FLAIM Extinguisher, we were using a competitor’s unit, which was quite costly. However, its functionality was limited as it required us to create fuel spill fire scenarios by igniting fires beneath the props. This approach was only suitable in specific situations, and given that most of our clients operate in the oil & gas industry, it wasn’t always practical or safe to set up fires on-site, deal with water spillage, or manage electrical cables for power sources, as they posed slip and trip hazards. Although our team appreciated the Intelligent Training Systems (ITS) offered by the competitor, they value the versatility provided by FLAIM’s VR technology even more,” explains Bedwell.  

Versatility and Realistic Training Scenarios  

FLAIM Extinguisher offers a range of virtual training scenarios that cannot be replicated easily in the real world. “FLAIM Extinguisher is a lightweight, user-friendly, revolutionary tool that offers a multitude of scenarios. Replicating these scenarios in the real world is impractical, and there’s only so much smoke one can introduce into a room before it becomes monotonous. Our customers appreciate the cutting-edge kinaesthetic learning technology provided by FLAIM during our training sessions,” adds Bedwell. 

Time-saving and Increased Productivity 

FLAIM Extinguisher has significantly streamlined SHRT’s training processes, resulting in time and cost savings. Bedwell emphasises how FLAIM Extinguisher has been a game-changer in terms of time-saving and increased productivity. “The preparation phase used to consume a significant amount of time. We would have to prepare and transport 10 to 15 extinguishers on a trailer, covering distances of 500 kilometres or more to reach client sites. In Western Australia, where distances are substantial, equipment relocation can be extremely time-consuming. Not having to transport gas cylinders and batteries or continually refill multiple extinguishers has made a real difference for me as a trainer. Previously, I would spend days solely preparing for a course. FLAIM Extinguisher has made my life easier and saved me a tremendous amount of time… and as a busy individual, time is of the essence,” Bedwell explains. 

Positive Feedback and Enhanced Client Satisfaction  

The implementation of FLAIM Extinguisher has garnered positive feedback from SHRT’s clients and trainees. As a small RTO, SHRT places great importance on efficient time management to deliver training sessions more frequently, enabling them to reach a broader client base and provide appropriate services. SHRT still offers live-fire training, allowing their clients to choose the training method that suits them best. 

“Our students love the fact that they can engage in various scenarios during our VR training sessions. Once they become familiar with the system, we give them the freedom to explore it for as long as they desire. We no longer rely on PowerPoint presentations; instead, we focus on practical scenarios and situations,” reveals Bedwell. “The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

Conclusion 

SHRT’s adoption of FLAIM Extinguisher has revolutionised their safety training sessions by providing realistic and versatile virtual scenarios. Overcoming initial issues with the headset, SHRT has experienced increased efficiency, time savings, and improved client satisfaction. The kinaesthetic learning experience offered by FLAIM Extinguisher has transformed the way SHRT delivers safety training, ultimately enhancing their ability to reach more clients and provide high-quality training services.