Immersive digital training improves safety, efficiency and accessibility for first responders
At a glance
GHD helped BNSF Railway digitally transform their emergency response training needs so they could deliver accessible training from any location at any time to over 4.6 million first responders. Using gamification and a virtual environment, we replicated real-world emergency response scenarios, enabling first responders to navigate through the intricacies of responding to a railroad emergency, sizing up an incident, and reading a train consist.
The challenge
BNSF HAZMAT faces the complex task of providing emergency response training to first responders across the numerous communities adjacent to the railroad tracks they operate. The inherent challenges in this service include reaching the multitude of community locations and managing the logistical complexities of scheduling and travel for both instructors and community responders. In addressing these hurdles, BNSF HAZMAT sought a collaborative partner to develop a training solution that could efficiently reach a broadly distributed audience, offer scheduling flexibility, and ensure impactful learning on emergency response procedures.
Our response
GHD’s combined team of digital and emergency response specialists proposed a groundbreaking gamified approach to BNSF HAZMAT's community responder training. The gamification involves incorporating game elements into education to create an active learning experience that enhances learner engagement and provides immediate feedback, ultimately leading to better achievement of learning objectives and improved retention.
Together with BNSF HAZMAT’s experienced instructors, our teams designed a virtual environment that replicates real-world emergency response scenarios. This virtual setting enables community learners to navigate through the intricacies of responding to a railroad emergency while receiving instructions on safety and the correct task sequence. Learners are prompted to assess their knowledge and progress towards learning objectives, receiving immediate feedback that reinforces their understanding.
The impact
The emergency response training developed by GHD for BNSF HAZMAT has transformed the client's ability to deliver immersive and enhanced training to all community first responders without the constraints of a physical classroom or travel. This innovative training solution can be accessed at BNSF HAZMAT’s website from any location at any time, offering unparalleled flexibility. The incorporation of gamification and a virtual environment not only enhances learner engagement and retention but also aligns seamlessly with the preferences of a modern workforce increasingly composed of digital natives juggling diverse work and life responsibilities.
Contact us today to learn more about transforming your training procedures to improve the safety of your community and learner engagement.
Immersive learning for emergency responders
BNSF VR training