Description

The Feedback Instrument for Rescue Force Development – Tabletop Exercises (FIRE-PL-4) is an evaluation tool designed for the systematic assessment of the effectiveness of tabletop simulation exercises implemented within rescue force training and development programs. The instrument collects information regarding critical aspects of the educational process, including the clarity of scenarios, collaboration among participants, the applicability of acquired knowledge and skills, and overall satisfaction with the training experience.

The systematic utilization of the results contributes to the continuous improvement of simulation-based training activities and supports the enhancement of operational readiness among rescue teams by identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the FIRE-PL-4 is to collect structured feedback from participants regarding the effectiveness of tabletop simulation exercises.

The collected data can be used to improve the quality of training exercises, strengthen collaboration among participants, and increase overall satisfaction with educational programs. Through the evaluation of participants’ experiences, the instrument supports the development of more effective training approaches and contributes to the preparation of rescue personnel for managing real operational incidents.

Structure and Characteristics of the Scale

The FIRE-PL-4 consists of 4 items that evaluate fundamental dimensions of tabletop simulation exercises.

The statements focus on the clarity of training scenarios, the effectiveness of collaboration among participants, the ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge in practice, and the overall evaluation of the educational process.

Participants respond using a five-point Likert scale, with response options ranging from:

1 = Strongly Disagree
5 = Strongly Agree

Higher scores indicate more positive perceptions regarding the quality and effectiveness of tabletop simulation exercises.

The available material does not provide additional information regarding specific subscales or the distribution of items across different dimensions of the instrument.

Data Analysis and Use of the Data

The analysis of FIRE-PL-4 data focuses on evaluating the quality and effectiveness of tabletop simulation exercises used in rescue force training programs.

The results allow researchers and training coordinators to assess the clarity and effectiveness of educational scenarios, the quality of teamwork and collaboration among participants, the transferability of acquired knowledge and skills to operational contexts, and the overall satisfaction with the training experience.

The collected information can be utilized to improve the design of simulation exercises, develop more effective training interventions, and ensure quality assurance within professional rescue training programs.

Furthermore, the instrument supports evidence-based evaluation of simulation-based learning activities and contributes to the continuous improvement of operational training procedures.

Validity and Reliability / Psychometric Characteristics

The available documentation describes the purpose, structure, and scoring procedure of the FIRE-PL-4, but it does not provide specific psychometric characteristics of the instrument.

No information is reported regarding Cronbach’s α values, exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis results, validity indicators, test–retest reliability coefficients, or other psychometric measures.

Therefore, based on the available material, specific numerical psychometric indicators of the FIRE-PL-4 cannot be presented. Further empirical research would be required to establish the reliability and validity of the instrument across different rescue training environments.

Scoring and Statistical Evaluation

The scoring of the FIRE-PL-4 is conducted using a five-point Likert scale, where responses range from:

1 = Strongly Disagree
5 = Strongly Agree

Individual item scores can be used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of tabletop simulation exercises and participants’ perceptions of the educational experience.

Higher scores indicate more favorable evaluations of the simulation exercises, including greater perceived clarity, effectiveness, applicability, and satisfaction.

The available material does not provide information regarding the calculation method of the total score, cut-off values, or predefined categories for interpreting the results.

Applications

The Feedback Instrument for Rescue Force Development – Tabletop Exercises (FIRE-PL-4) can be applied in the evaluation and improvement of simulation-based training programs for rescue personnel.

The instrument is particularly useful for organizations involved in emergency response training, where realistic scenarios, teamwork, decision-making, and effective knowledge transfer are essential components of operational preparedness.

Its applications include the assessment of training scenario quality, evaluation of teamwork effectiveness, identification of educational strengths and weaknesses, improvement of simulation design, and support of quality improvement processes in rescue force development programs.

By incorporating participant feedback into training evaluation, the FIRE-PL-4 contributes to the development of more effective tabletop exercises and enhances the preparedness of rescue teams for complex operational challenges.

References

Kirkpatrick, D. L. (1996). Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Gibson, C. B., & Cohen, S. G. (2003). Virtual Teams That Work: Creating Conditions for Virtual Team Effectiveness. John Wiley & Sons.

Scholtes, P. R. (1998). The Leader’s Handbook: Making Things Happen, Getting Things Done. McGraw-Hill Education.