When should refresher training for vehicle rescue be conducted to make sure skills remain sharp?

Conducting refresher training for vehicle rescue skills on an annual basis helps ensure that all individuals involved remain proficient and confident in their abilities. Regular, structured training sessions reinforce critical skills and knowledge, allowing responders to stay updated on the best practices and techniques. This frequency helps to mitigate the natural degradation of skills that can occur over time, ensuring that personnel are prepared to act effectively in high-pressure situations when needed.

While other options may hold some merit—such as training after major accidents to address specific lessons learned or when new equipment is introduced to familiarize personnel with novel tools—annual training establishes a consistent baseline of competency. Training "as needed" lacks the proactive approach of scheduled practice, which can lead to unexpected skill erosion. Hence, the annual schedule fosters a culture of preparedness and keeps vehicle rescue skills sharp.