Applied Research Project Trainings
   By Christopher Matthews

Reprinted with permission from The Unwired Medic

   This popped into my e-mail today and I thought I’d share it with you. I subscribe to “Learning-Academic Materials and Programs (LAMP-POST) for U.S. Fire Administration”, which lets me know of new courses and general academic news for the USFA. If you plan on doing any applied research projects in public safety, this may be a good bit of reference for you (especially for you Paramedic interns and Fire/EMS degree seekers). The courses are online and free, plus you get them added to your FEMA USFA transcripts, so if you plan on going to the USFA for the Executive Fire Officer Program, or for participating in any FESHE (Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education) programs (typically, this term applies to graduate degree programs), these could amount to bonus points for entry or can help you be more successful in your program. If you know of any other courses that support training for research, please feel free to share in the comments.

National Fire Academy Adds Two New Applied Research Courses to NFA Online

USFA Press Office: (301) 447-1853

EMMITSBURG, Md. – The U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA) announces the availability of two new NFA Online courses: Data Gathering Instruments to Support Applied Research Projects (Q170) and Designing an Applied Research Project Proposal (Q171). Both courses are available to the public and will also support Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP) students in their completion of Applied Research Projects (ARPs). The EFOP requires the completion of an ARP following each EFOP course in the four-year program. The courses are available to fire/emergency services personnel who have an interest in further developing their research and critical thinking skills.

Data Gathering Instruments to Support Applied Research Projects (Q170) provides information and guidance on the use of common data-gathering instruments for applied research purposes (usually a questionnaire, interview process or survey). The course also includes information about when to choose such an instrument based on the research question(s) which the author seeks to answer. The course assists the student in developing and using a data gathering instrument.

Designing an Applied Research Project Proposal (Q171) provides information on how to complete an effective Applied Research Proposal. It explores the relationships between the problem and purpose statements, the research questions and the most appropriate research method to follow. A research proposal serves as a tool for the author to assemble important information regarding the research being considered, and then to receive feedback from another source regarding the relationships of information presented.

There are currently 54 online courses available through NFA Online with topics including Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Response to Terrorism, Fire Prevention, Incident Management, Management Science, Public Education and Wildland Firefighting. Students can access NFA Online at www.nfaonline.dhs.gov.

For more information about the Executive Fire Officer Program or other USFA programs and offerings, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.

Note from At the Ready:
The full course list may be viewed here; be advised that not all classes offer CEUs for completing the curriculum. To ensure that the training meets the needs of your department and continuing education program, contact your agency and verify their policy prior to enrollment.