Decision Under Fire™: The Fire & EMS Training Game

DECISION UNDER FIRE™

TRAIN. THINK. COMPETE.

Decision Under Fire™ is a fast-paced Fire & EMS training game created to bring crews together, sharpen knowledge, and make training engaging.

I’m Eric Ivasiecko—a volunteer firefighter and fire-service instructor. I created Decision Under Fire after seeing the need for a training tool that encourages discussion, teamwork, quick thinking, and friendly competition. It is designed for firehouses, EMS crews, academies, instructors, and anyone who enjoys Fire & EMS knowledge.

This isn’t meant to replace hands-on training. It adds another tool to the training toolbox—one that crews can use around the station, in the classroom, or during downtime.

HOW TO PLAY

Split into +or - 6 teams, roll the six-color category die, and take on the category it selects. Teams earn points by answering questions, drawing, acting out terms, and working through Fire & EMS scenarios.

The orange side gives players a choice: use it to select any category or configure the Special Card deck for unpredictable game-changing moments. The first team to reach 500 points wins.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Decision Under Fire™ comes packed with 550 cards and everything needed to get crews playing:

• 100 Red Cards — Basic Firefighter & EMS Knowledge
• 100 Blue Cards — Fire/EMS Movies, TV, History & Trivia
• 100 Green Cards — Fire/EMS Charades
• 100 Yellow Cards — Fire/EMS Drawing Challenges
• 100 Black Cards — Advanced Incident Command & Officer-Level Decisions
• 50 Special Cards — Game-changing rewards, penalties, and surprises
• One six-color category die
• One one-minute sand timer
• Complete rule sheet

Designed for 2–6+ teams, ages 16+, with gameplay lasting approximately 20–60+ minutes.

WHY I CREATED DECISION UNDER FIRE

As a volunteer firefighter and fire-service instructor, I understand how important repetition, discussion, and quick decision-making are to the job. I also know that training is most effective when everyone is involved.

I created Decision Under Fire™ to give Fire and EMS crews another way to sharpen their knowledge while building teamwork and camaraderie. The game brings firefighters, EMS professionals, instructors, recruits, and officers to the same table—learning, laughing, competing, and talking through real fire-service concepts.

This game is not intended to replace hands BELONG ON training, department procedures, or formal instruction. It is a tool designed to support them by keeping important knowledge active and encouraging conversations that might not happen during a traditional lecture.

My goal is simple: make training engaging, memorable, and accessible to crews everywhere.

FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRODUCTION

Decision Under Fire™ is more than an idea. The game has been fully developed, a professional prototype has been produced, and it has been tested with firefighters and EMS personnel.

Their participation and feedback helped confirm that the game creates the mix of competition, teamwork, conversation, and learning I set out to achieve.

The manufacturer has been selected and production pricing has been obtained. Kickstarter funds will help:

• Complete the first full production run
• Cover manufacturing and ocean freight
• Purchase packaging and fulfillment supplies
• Cover Kickstarter and payment-processing fees
• Provide a contingency for unexpected production and delivery costs

With your support, the tested prototype can move into full production and reach firehouses, EMS stations, academies, classrooms, and training programs.

PRODUCTION TIMELINE

• Campaign ends: Finalize order quantities and production details
• Months 1–2: Manufacturing begins
• Months 3–4: Printing, assembly, and quality-control inspections
• Months 5–6: Ocean freight, customs, and delivery to the fulfillment location
• April 2027: Begin shipping rewards to backers

This schedule includes additional time for possible manufacturing or transportation delays. Backers will receive regular updates throughout production and fulfillment. Note: this can go faster or slower.