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Praetorian Digital Acquires EVALS

Praetorian Digital Acquires EVALS to Expand Training Management Capabilities in Public Safety and Beyond

Combination extends Praetorian’s LMS platform and content library with the leading tool for in-person skills development and tracking

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Praetorian Digital, Inc., the leading digital media company in the public safety and local government market, today announced it has acquired EVALS, the leader in tracking skills development and field training in fire departments and EMS organizations nationwide. EVALS will immediately be added to Praetorian’s online training portfolio, which includes the FireRescue1 Academy, PoliceOne Academy, EMS1 Academy, CorrectionsOne Academy and LocalGovU.

The combination creates the first complete training management solution for public safety that combines online learning content, training workflow and training event management with skills development tracking. Departments and academies will be able to address the full spectrum of their training needs, from online course delivery and credential tracking to managing their field training with video accountability and mobile app-based forms and task books.

EVALS will be immediately available to Praetorian’s online learning clients at a special rate through single sign-on (SSO) functionality, with further integration planned. EVALS customers will likewise have the option to add Praetorian content and LMS features. The acquisition also further enhances the depth of tools and services Praetorian offers first responders through its industry-leading news and information sites FireRescue1.com, EMS1.com, PoliceOne.com and CorrectionsOne.com – the top websites in the world for first responders, with more than 1.5 million members and 5 million online visitors per month.

“Fire, EMS and Police departments nationwide have increasingly been requesting tools to manage and track their field training – a significant pain point that continues to be managed through paper-based solutions in many agencies. We are thrilled to expand our ability to meet their needs with the addition of EVALS to our platform,” said Alex Ford, CEO of Praetorian Digital. “Along with the EVALS team, we’re committed to delivering high-quality training tools and content that help departments and their personnel be fully prepared, better protect their communities, and come home safe.”

Based in Sacramento, CA, EVALS was founded in 2013 by Captain Matt Cole of Sacramento Metro Fire to address the workflow and tracking challenges he was experiencing day-to-day delivering skills-based training at his department. He developed EVALS though a grassroots effort, bringing together many of the leading fire instructors in California and applying the latest concepts in software as a service (SaaS) and mobile technology.

The result was a solution that enables instructors to set clear expectations, create supporting documentation, eliminate paper-based task books and more effectively measure performance in the field to maximize real-time training opportunities. Shortly after launch, EVALS was adopted by organizations outside of the fire service, including several in law enforcement, utilities, EMS and college education, who saw the benefit and the applicability of its features.

“There is a huge skills gap that needs to be bridged in our country. Nowhere is this more critical than in public safety,” said Matt Cole, Co-Founder of EVALS. “By merging EVALS with the quality content and training management tools within Praetorian’s online training and media platforms, we’ll be able to provide a very unique training solution and take ‘Plan/Do/Reflect’ learning to the next level across multiple industries.”

To learn more about the combined solution, please visit FireRescue1 Academy.com.

About Praetorian Digital

Praetorian Digital is the leading digital media company in the public safety and local government market, with a suite of properties dedicated to the distribution of trusted information that helps first responders and government officials better protect and serve their communities. We run a robust network of media sites dedicated to providing up to date news, analysis and training information, including PoliceOne.com, FireRescue1.com, EMS1.com, CorrectionsOne.com and EfficientGov.com.

Praetorian Digital also has a thriving Online Learning division, which provides critical training to departments, agencies and other organizations via PoliceOneAcademy.com, FireRescue1Academy.com, EMS1Academy.com, CorrectionsOneAcademy.com and LocalGovU.com, with more Academies in the works for 2017 and beyond.

Praetorian also operates a Grant Services division that works closely with departments and companies in the public safety and local government markets. To date, the division has assisted in more than $100 million in secured grant funding for departments.

For more information on Praetorian Digital, visit www.praetoriandigital.com.

About EVALS

Founded in 2013, EVALS was developed out of necessity within the fire service when firefighter Matt Cole paired up with a longtime family friend, software developer Jake Toolson, to help develop a smarter training tool. They started with the idea that there is a better way to administer training in a more transparent and consistent fashion and built the EVALS software into a dynamic skills based Learning Management System. EVALS now works with hundreds of fire, EMS and police as well as public utilities.

For more information on EVALS, visit www.EVALS.net

Contact Information:

Amanda Champion
Director of Marketing & Business Development
415.735.2986
Amanda.Champion@praetoriandigital.com

Channing Way Mayday After Actions Video

Following the mayday at the Channing Way fire last fall, the Berkeley Fire Department identified a number of factors that contributed to both the near-miss, but also factors that possibly saved a firefighter’s life once he was in a bad situation. The forward thinking department partnered with EVALS (Learning Management System) and Cahill Multimedia in order to share their story with their own agency, as well as the entire Fire Service.

“The intention of the video is to provide first-hand accounts from the people involved in the Mayday and to stress the importance of training in the outcome of the incident and in preventing future incidents. The video is not intended to critique or criticize tactics or individuals,” said Deputy Chief, Dave Brannigan of the Berkeley Fire Department.

Watch the video here: Channing Way Mayday AAV

Find directions for the ladder escape drill and mayday procedures that Firefighter Record used here: FF Survival Manual

Read the official report here: PIRR

*EVALS will NEVER monetize the After Actions Video Series. As firefighters ourselves, our pledge to you is to deliver amazing products and content. The After Actions Video Series is an example of the quality of content we expect, and that the Fire Service deserves. The AAV is not intended to replace any formal investigation document.

Special thanks to the Berkeley Fire Department, Cahill Multimedia, and Firefighter Raven Record for sharing his story.

Music from Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I Track 6 and Ghosts II Track 12. Creative Commons license here :http://ghosts.nin.com/main/faq

EVALS at the unveiling of the GoPro Developer Program

Last week we were lucky enough to be a part of the unveiling of the GoPro Developer Program. For the last year, a handful of developers like BMW, Fisher-Price, Periscope, and EVALS, have been creating solutions that integrate with GoPro cameras. It is a brilliant move by GoPro to solidify their control over the wearable camera market, and also widen their user base from extreme sports enthusiasts.

At EVALS, we are especially excited about this integration because it provides an exciting new way to train students, and develop proper techniques for occupational skills.

Now, with GoPro, we can show the learner, from multiple perspectives, how they can improve their performance. It is a huge step forward in teaching specialized and complex, critical psychomotor skills. Both the first-person perspective, and the wide angle of the GoPro camera, give students the ultimate view of what success looks like from the professional example, and also gives them crucial feedback on their own performance, which is necessary to improve their skill execution.

EVALS’ Digital Evaluations that connect to a GoPro, allow educators and evaluators to control GoPro cameras from within the EVALS APP, and to upload these videos directly into the cloud-based, Digital Evaluation for self-reflection and/or formative evaluation of the learner.

“The GoPro Developer Program was designed to enable companies to create new and important ways for our collective customers to use a GoPro. We are excited to see GoPro used to help train the public service professionals that make our communities safer.”

– Adam Silver, director of strategic product partnerships at GoPro

22nd Ave Mayday and Rescue After Actions Video

At EVALS we create training tools. One of the key components that got us started are digital evaluation sheets that take real-time video of your performance, allowing you to watch later and compare your performance to a standard. The video component provides a humanizing aspect, which has proven to be a highly successful method to conduct training as it fits perfectly with the plan / do / reflect learning method.

In addition to our current innovations, our users have asked for custom content provided by professional instructors. We listened. The following is what we are calling an After Actions Video (AAV). It was created in collaboration with Cahill Multimedia, and the Sacramento City Fire Department. It explains what occurred to Sacramento City Firefighters following a catastrophic floor collapse, trapping two firefighters in a basement heavily involved with fire. One firefighter was able to self extricate while the other needed to be rescued. A mayday was given and firefighters employed several rescue techniques to finally lift the firefighter safely out of the hole. This AAV is a gripping account of what these firefighters experienced, and is the first in what EVALS plans to make a series.

(Clockwise) FF Alex Galang, Capt. Adam McKahan, and Capt. Gary Pimentel

The idea of the After Actions Videos is to, again, leverage technology and video to provide that humanizing effect of seeing and hearing first-hand accounts of those involved. EVALS firmly believes that AAVs provide an engagement level far beyond the traditional method currently being used in post incident training. Watching AAVs can enhance learning by creating more interested and vested participants.

“The Sacramento Fire Department, like much of the fire service, has a long standing tradition of being critical on it’s own activities for the sake of growth. If we can learn from our own close calls and modify our tactics to find new ways to train and prepare – we always will. If we can share our close calls and how we are growing to benefit the fire service, we’ve found true success. By allowing our members to share their stories through videos instead of just words on an after action document, we were able to transmit their thoughts, emotions, and passion for their great work, which wouldn’t otherwise be captured. The video provides a more detailed account of what transpired, and a better tool for training.”

– Niko King, Assistant Chief of the Training Division for the Sacramento Fire Department.

To Watch the Video follow the link on the photo below.

The Complete SART report is also located below in PDF for download.

22nd Ave. SART (Full SART Report PDF)

* EVALS will NEVER monetize the After Actions Video Series. As firefighters ourselves, our pledge to you is to deliver amazing products and content. The After Actions Video Series is an example of the quality of content we expect, and that the Fire Service deserves. The AAV is not intended to replace any formal investigation document.

Special thanks to FF Alex Galang, Capt. Adam McKahan, Capt. Gary Pimentel, FF Dave Robinson, FF Marcos Mejia, DC Loyd Ogan, BC Greg powell, BC Stanley Compoginis, AC Niko King, and the Sacramento Fire Department for sharing their story.

EVALS at Urban Shield 2015

The annual Urban Shield Training Exercise kicked off in the Bay Area earlier this September with a new player, EVALS.

This important exercise tests SWAT, Fire, EOD, and EMS/Medical personnel during a grueling, 48-hours. The “Fire Branch”also referred to as “Red Command,” was ultimately responsible for all of the scenarios testing Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Teams, US&R Canine Teams, Hazardous Materials Teams, and Maritime Fire/Rescue/EMS Boats and Crews. It also put to task the EVALS training program.

EVALS in use at USAR, and HAZMAT scenarios

“For Urban Shield 2015, my team and I were tasked with evaluating more than 30 teams across 18 different locations spread across the Bay Area. We needed data collected in real-time, in a simple to use, mobile application. We also needed a way to present the results quickly to participating agencies so they could use the information for their own training needs. EVALS stepped up and offered a web-based solution that just worked. Not only could evaluators enter their scores and notes in real-time from iPads in the field, they could immediately upload videos as well. We saved 6 hours worth of administration time from the last system we used for the Urban Shield event.

The most beneficial part of the system was the streamlined user creation, evaluation creation, and feedback to trainees. The ability for the system to have all of this prepackaged and ready to distribute once entered was tremendous.”

An added bonus: “After the event, EVALS packaged up the feedback and videos into an easy to access web-based portal where teams could see their scores, videos, and feedback as soon as it was finalized. EVALS’ team gave us incredible support and made sure that our evaluations went smoothly. Their support team handled every issue we had quickly and were very friendly. I would recommend considering EVALS’ product to any department looking for a solution for training and evaluating their staff.”

– Stephen Albonico (Public Safety Systems Administrator)

East Bay Regional Park District

We had a great time, and it was a personal honor to be involved in an event which bears the slogan, “Honor the Past, Train for the Future.”

This was the first year since I’ve been on the job as a firefighter that I missed the 9/11 Stair Climb in Sacramento, where 343 firefighters carry the names of our Brothers lost on that fateful day, up 110 floors to a memorial on the roof of the Renaissance Tower. (RFB). Upon realizing that the events conflicted, I was heartbroken that I would be unable to honor the fallen this year. Just a few short hours into the Urban Shield Event however, my dismay, turned into pride as we watched these exceptional firefighters, police officers, and EMS professionals truly prepare themselves, and each other, to protect our nation’s citizens during her next crisis. It was sincerely an honor to be involved with Urban Shield, we are already looking forward to next year!

Maritime scenarios using EVALS. Even the iPads get their own flotation devices!

EVALS in CANADA

EVALS just returned from a great trip in beautiful, British Columbia. Our purpose was to assist Jeff Seaton, Josh Calista and the Nobody Gets Left Behind Training Group (NGLB) as they delivered a course on Commercial Fireground Operations to the British Columbia Fire Training Officers Association‘s 2015 Conference. NGLB’s mission is to prevent FF LODD’S by challenging the Fire Service through evidence-based realistic, scenario and interactive-based training programs.

The EVALS program allowed participants of the hands-on training to see documents and example videos of course material the week prior, provided lines of communication between the NGLB team and participants, allowed for post course reflection with video of the participants conducting the skills, and gave the opportunity for the participants to share their training with members of their organization.

I was honored to work with the NGLB team, an eager participant class, and a very accommodating host organization, the Township of Langley Fire Department.

The Future of Learning Development

We live in a world where technology plays an important role in our everyday lives. We are either on a computer, tablet, or smartphone for a good part of the day. This interaction with technology is only going to increase in the future. These technologies are being utilized by organizations to train their employees in an interactive learning environment. 91% of learning development leaders think learning technologies should enable a quicker response to changing business conditions and organizational change. [1] Technology will not only create a better way to disseminate information to employees through training, but it will improve an organization’s overall working conditions and enable positive change.

In 2015 98% of organizations are predicted to use E-Learning courses as part of their learning strategy. [2]
By 2016 98% of organizations are predicted to use video as part of their digital learning strategy. [2]

These statistics are important for organizations to ensure that they have the right learning development staff in place to incorporate these new technologies. Unfortunately many organizations are finding that their learning development teams are not qualified to implement these new technologies. According to the Worldwide Mobile Learning Market three out of five organizations cannot implement a technology enabled learning strategy due to lack of skills. [1]

Only 49% of organizations have the Instructional Design skills they need. [1]
Only 28% of organizations have a Learning Development staff confident in using new media in learning design. [1]
Only 31% have staff who are capable of developing digital content in-house. [1]

This lack of skilled staff is the reason organizations need to hire the right individuals to head their learning development departments, so they can implement a technology enabled learning strategy. This will enable their employees to receive the highest quality training possible and give them the ability to enhance the business conditions and implement organizational changes in an effective and timely manner. Make sure your organization is ahead of the curve and ready to meet the needs of your employees and customers by adopting these new technologies.

The Ambient insight 2012-2017 Worldwide Mobile Learning Market – Executive Report.
The Ambient insight 2012-2017 Worldwide Mobile Learning Market – Longitudinal Trends.

EVALS Attends the SMUD/APPA Lineman Rodeo

The APPA Lineworkers Rodeo is the ultimate venue for utility workers to showcase their skills and knowledge. This year it was hosted by SMUD, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and held at Gibson Ranch on May 16th. Journeyman and apprentice lineworkers competed in 10 separate events such as the Hurtman Rescue, Deadend Transfer, and 4kV Crossarm Changeout. However, the Rodeo is not all about the competition, it also helps bring Lineworkers together in order to attend training courses and practice safety, exactly what EVALS prides itself on.

EVALS partnership with SMUD has brought forth a new era in the use of our product, enabling utility companies to train their employees in a more efficient manner. We were honored to share booth space with them at the Rodeo and meet some great attendees from all over the world. Many of those that visited us in the booth saw great value in EVALS as they too are searching for ways to bring technology to training in the utility industry. EVALS is proud to be a partner in the courses offered by SMUD Power Academy (SPA) as they bring their world class training to other utility districts and happily take us along with them. SMUD recently completed its two-week Climbing School using the EVALS platform, customized to their needs, and it was a great success for students and instructors.

We would like to thank all parties involved, including SMUD, SPA, APPA, and those of you who stopped by the booth.

www.SMUD.org

www.publicpower.org

Thank You FDIC

Attending The World’s Largest Firefighter Training Conference and Exhibition, FDIC, in Indianapolis was an experience I won’t soon forget. Having never been to FDIC or the city of Indianapolis before, I really didn’t know what to expect. I am happy to say, I was overly pleased by both.

My first interaction with the people of Indianapolis was my Uber driver who gave me a bit of a history lesson during our ride into town. Along the drive he pointed out spots of interest, fun things to do and how 2016 will be the 200 year anniversary of the city. As excited as this fella seemed to be with his city, he was equally excited to share with me how there was going to be over 30,000 firefighters in town for a fire fighting conference. I was incredibly honored knowing I was one of those 30,000.

The purpose of our trip to FDIC was to showcase the EVALS Training Platform within the Wolfpack Solutions exhibit booth space. Having done this earlier in the year at the Firehouse World Conference, I was excited knowing our booth would be staffed by dedicated, passionate people who collectively create a vibe that is contagious. All of the companies in the Wolfpack booth are firefighter owned, providing solutions, made by firefighters for the Fire Service!

Between booth set up on day one and booth tear down on day five were three incredible days of exhibit hall madness. I stood beside an incredible group of people, sharing innovative, industry-changing, products to some of the most influential members of the Fire Service.

We discovered that the frustrations we experience on the West Coast are no different on the East. We all want to be the best firefighters we can, we want our training solutions to be beneficial for all members of the organization, we want to leverage technology, but also get back onto the drill-ground and out of the office (away from check-box training).

The buzz we created in Indianapolis has followed us home and the past few weeks have been busy with follow-up and training for our new clients.

I’d like to thank FDIC, the City of Indianapolis and the whole group within the Wolfpack Solutions booth for making our first FDIC conference such a memorable and successful one. We look forward to what the future holds!

SMFD Demo Day: EVALS In Action

On April 16th, 2015, EVALS teamed up with Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District in order to showcase the EVALS platform in a Fire Academy setting. This joint effort had a great turnout – 26 individuals from 12 different agencies including Sacramento Police Department, Modesto Junior College, Southern Marin Fire Protection District, San Jose Fire Department, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), Los Angeles County Fire Department, to name a few.

The morning began with our CEO and co-founder, Matt Cole, describing why the EVALS platform was developed, how EVALS started, and the direction EVALS is headed. From there, Evals COO, Mike Johnson, described some of the key functions EVALS current customers and partners are utilizing and the benefits these have created for their students.

The Staff/Evaluator views on the platform were shown on the iPad browser, and through our native app. After a brief instructional period, the entire presentation was moved outside where participants could not only watch the program being used by the Metro Fire Academy Cadre but were given the opportunity to use the iPad Application themselves; seeing first hand why EVALS is being sought after by so many different groups and agencies.

The demonstration was moved back into the classroom, where our participants were able to see the Administrator’s view, along with the records and videos of the evolutions they had just scored out on the drill ground.

Lunch was catered by the Squeeze Inn…and once everyone managed to chip the cheese off their faces and hands, we found ourselves back inside for questions and answers.

We will be conducting another EVALS Demo Day in Southern California in the near future. If you wish to attend, please get in contact with an EVALS Representative.