Hazards‐materials training is blended to perfection : Fire Service College adopts a less theoretical approach

Purpose – Describes a hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course at the Fire Service College and an incident‐command course at Kent Fire & Rescue Service, which have both won National Training Awards. Design/methodology/approach – Explains the reasons for the two courses, the form they take and the results they have achieved. Findings – Details how the hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course is helping to ensure that there are enough accredited hazardous‐materials officers to maintain round‐the‐clock cover at the UK's fire services, while the Kent incident‐command course is providing a robust and realistic method of assessing fire and rescue commanders. Practical implications – Reveals that fewer people are failing the hazardous‐materials and environmental‐protection course since it was made more practical, while Kent has seen a dramatic fall in the number of firefighters injured on duty since the incident‐command course started. Social implications – Highlights two initiatives that are helping to ensure a steady supply of trained people who are able to assume responsible roles in the crucial fire‐and‐rescue area. Originality/value – Details two courses operating in an area infrequently covered in the training literature.