Lakeland College's Emergency Training Centre (ETC) has taken another bold step forward in emergency services education, becoming the first academic institution in Canada to implement the FLAIM Trainer an immersive virtual reality (VR) system that simulates real-life fire and emergency scenarios with extraordinary realism.
Developed in Australia and used by fire services around the globe, the FLAIM Trainer uses a combination of VR visuals, haptic feedback and heat simulation to replicate the sights, sounds and sensations of being on the fireground without exposing trainees to actual danger.
"This technology is not a replacement for live training, it's an extension of it," says Shawn McKerry, dean of the Emergency Training Centre. "Our ETC is known for its world-class live fire training grounds and immersive hands-on experience. The FLAIM system adds another layer, enabling us to enhance skill development, accessibility and innovation across all levels of our programming."
Lakeland's ETC will integrate the FLAIM Trainer across multiple areas, including:
- Full-time firefighting training, including both the firefighting certificate and emergency services technology diploma program.
- Specialized leadership, strategy and tactical workshops.
- Continuing education and custom industry courses.
The portability of the system allows Lakeland to bring training to communities and fire departments that may not have access to live-fire facilities. This includes remote, rural and Indigenous communities across Alberta and beyond supporting local capacity building while maintaining safety and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, the FLAIM Trainer will be deployed for career fairs, school visits and recruitment events, providing a powerful, engaging way for future students to experience firefighting firsthand.
"We've seen how institutions like the Fire Service College in England are using this technology," adds McKerry. "We're applying the same global best practices here, in a distinctly Canadian context, and pushing the boundaries of what training can look like effectively, safely and with greater flexibility than ever before."
