Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith is redefining the way we prepare firefighters to respond in high-stakes emergencies. His groundbreaking introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology into emergency services training and assessment has set new benchmarks for safety and innovation, ultimately saving lives.

“My career has been shaped by a clear and constant sense of purpose: how we can do things better to close the gap between contemporary training and the reality of an emergency,” Nathan says.

Nathan has spent over 24 years at the forefront of emergency services, much of this with Air Services Australia’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS). Responsible for ensuring his crews were operationally prepared, he quickly became frustrated with outdated training practices that failed to reflect the complexity of real-world emergencies.

Seeking out a role at the ARFFS Training Academy in Melbourne in 2013 was a turning point, not only for his career but the future of firefighter training. As part of a new instruction team, Nathan helped modernise the accredited training program and practical fireground training methodologies, including the development of virtual simulation to support Tactical Exercises Without Troops (TEWTs), traditionally conducted using a whiteboard and magnets.

As simulation technologies evolved, so did Nathan’s vision. While completing his Master of Emergency Management at Charles Sturt, he proposed a bold idea to develop a program using VR to assess new fire officers, embarking on months of testing and consultation to deliver a successful pilot project. The first of its kind in Australia, it established an immersive simulated learning environment for firefighters to engage and safely interact with realistic hazards.

“The platform enables firefighters to explore, discover and experience operational situations, practice critical response skills, develop situational awareness and improve decision making under pressure,” Nathan explains.

The initiative is revolutionising current emergency training and paving the way for innovative future training methodologies, capturing the attention of emergency services organisations in Australia and around the world. In 2024, it earned the ARFFS the National Gold Award for Innovation in Vocational and Educational Training for 2024 – a source of great personal and professional pride for Nathan.

After two decades driving transformation at Air Services Australia, Nathan joined Tigertail Australia in 2025 as Emergency Simulation Specialist, where he continues to extend the boundaries of immersive learning.

“I believe that progress requires us to respectfully challenge established norms; this is where I find my fulfilment,” Nathan says.

“Advancements in technology have increased my drive for innovation, looking for more effective, efficient and safer methods of preparing those who come after us.”