This manual is intended for SCDF personnel who will be using SUIT, system SCDF.

SUIT – Small Unit Immersive Trainer – is a virtual training system for training firefight units. The system enables firefight personnel to virtually train how to operate during situations that firefighters encounter in the field.

Use of the SUIT system is only permitted by qualified personnel. Read the safety rules and manual thoroughly before use.

Additions and/or changes
Comments related to supplementing or improving the instructions in this manual can be passed on to our local partner. Our local partner can pass these comments on to RE‑liON.

Questions about SUIT?
For questions or problems with the SUIT system, contact the local partner

Starburst,
6 Tuas View Circuit, 
Singapore 637599
Tel: +65 6862 2282
Fax: +65 6861 2282 
Email: mail@starburst.net.sg

System description

The SUIT system is suitable for 4 firefighters, consisting of:
3 participants and 1 instructor – if the instructor watches the training from the training field or
4 participants – if the instructor views the training from the side of the training field

The SUIT system consists of the following components:

Standard equipment per participant
consisting of:

  • Smartvest
    The vest, including the headset with Head-Mounted Display (HMD), which the users put on
  • Nozzle
    Quadrafog FQS125
  • Flashlight
    Princeton Tec sector 5
  • Explosimeter
    Polytector III G999C

Exercise Control (EXCON)
The computer on which the system can be controlled. Scenarios can be prepared, started and edited on this.

Spectator
The system for During Action View (DAV) and After Action Review (AAR). During and after the training, images of the virtual exercises can be played on this. Images are shown on both a projection screen and touchscreen. The touchscreen and game controller allow the instructor and bystanders to decide from which point of view they want to view the scenario and what additional information to display.

Positioning System
The tripods with radio receivers and access points that are set up around the training field.

Storage and charging station
consisting of:

  • Smartvest hanging rack
    Smartvest hanging racks on which the Smartvests can be hung after a training and in between trainings.
  • Battery charger
    The charger in which the Smartvest batteries can be charged.
  • Gear charging case
    The case for storing and charging the physical gear props.

Scenario Development Station (SDS)
A stand-alone laptop with the Urban Builder and SUIT software on it.

  • In Urban Builder, a 3D environment can be built in an accessible way and exported to SUIT.
  • In SUIT, the exported 3D environment can be used for creating and testing scenarios. This scenario can then be loaded onto the EXCON and used for training.

Task description

Within the SUIT system, different tasks can be distinguished:

Technician

The technician is responsible for preparing and building the SUIT system prior to one or more training days, and for dismantling the SUIT system after one or more training days:

  • Checking whether a location meets the minimum system requirements.
  • Unpacking and building the system.
  • Measuring the field and reading the measured data.
  • Dismantling the system.
  • Preparing it for transport.
  • Solving technical problems.

The technician can also maintain certain parts of the system and possibly replace them from stock. If a problem cannot be solved yourself, our local partner can contact the supplier RE-liON.

Manual Technician

Operator

The operator is manning the EXCON and is responsible for operating the system and guiding the participants during training:

  • Booting up the system.
  • Collecting and entering the names, heights and arm span of the participants.
  • Supporting the participants in putting on and calibrating the Smartvests.
  • Creating scenario playlists.
  • Adjusting the scenarios according to the instructor’s wishes.
  • Changing and charging the Smartvest batteries.

In the case of several training days in a row, the operator is also responsible for the storage of Smartvests and gear props:

  • Packing up Smartvests and gear props for temporary storage.
  • Charging the batteries of the nozzle.
  • Unpacking and setting up Smartvests and gear props.
Manual Operator

Instructor

The instructor is responsible for the training course of the firefight unit:

  • Creating a lesson plan with specific learning objectives to be achieved.
  • Ensure that the set learning objectives are achieved.
  • Evaluating the training using the After Action Review (AAR) on the spectator.

The instructor can follow the training in two ways:

  • From the side of the training field
    The instructor has more options available to customize a scenario from the side of the training field. The instructor can follow the training from different camera angles via the During Action View (DAV) on the spectator.
  • From the training field in a Smartvest
    The instructor can experience the actions up close. He can be visible or invisible to the other participants. He can communicate with the participants through the radio channels. He can also take on the role of a Non-Playable Character (NPC).
Manual Instructor