Health First Partners with City of Melbourne Fire Department for Vital Training in Real-World Conditions

Training in a vacant commercial structure allows firefighters to adapt to realistic conditions

A soon-to-be-demolished building serves as a high-stakes training site for firefighters.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Firefighters train every day, but nothing compares to the experience of responding to an actual emergency.

Thanks to a unique partnership between Health First and the City of Melbourne Fire Department, firefighters had the rare opportunity to train in a vacant building set for demolition. This invaluable experience enhances their skills and strengthens community safety.

Clark Simmons, Division Chief of the Melbourne Fire Department, emphasized the importance of such training opportunities.

“We are fortunate to be able to train real-life scenarios at unoccupied buildings, which allows our crews to train as if it were a real fire without having victims,” said Simmons.

He further highlighted the advantages of working in an actual structure, stating, “Training in real-life buildings, hallways, and real doors presents real challenges.” The ability to train in a space with long hallways also provided valuable experience in maneuvering and response tactics, further enhancing firefighter preparedness.

Although the Melbourne Fire Department conducts daily drills at its own training facilities, there is no substitute for working in an unfamiliar, unpredictable setting. In a real emergency, firefighters never know what they will encounter—every building has different layouts, materials, and potential hazards.

Training in a vacant commercial structure allows them to adapt to realistic conditions and practice lifesaving techniques in an environment similar to those they face in actual fires.

This type of training is invaluable as firefighters can simulate a variety of scenarios in a controlled setting, but nothing compares to working in a real-world structure. This opportunity allows firefighters to test their skills in a dynamic environment where they must quickly assess conditions, work together, and respond as they would in an actual emergency.

Keila Stradtner, System Vice President of Facilities, Construction, and Real Estate at Health First, echoed the importance of this collaboration and the impact it had on her perspective.

“Understanding the conditions our first responders are exposed to daily was an eye-opening experience,” she said. “We strive to be good community partners for our first responders, and we understand that opportunities like this help build their skills to help protect the community.”

Stradtner also acknowledged the expertise and strategy involved in firefighting, explaining, “There is more skill and strategy behind what they do, and to see this drill firsthand was a very interesting experience.”

She further emphasized that Health First would continue taking fire safety into account when designing new buildings. “How they approach fires is something to keep in mind as we are building structures to be as safe as possible for our patients and community.”

Firefighters conducted multiple training evolutions throughout the day, including breaching doors and windows, conducting search-and-rescue drills in cold smoke-filled conditions, and practicing rapid response techniques. These scenarios help them fine-tune their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.

Health First and the City of Melbourne Fire Department are exploring future opportunities for collaboration, recognizing that strong partnerships between local businesses and first responders create a safer, more resilient community.

As today’s training wrapped up, firefighters left with enhanced skills and confidence, knowing they are better prepared for the next emergency—whenever and wherever it may come.

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