2010 Thursday Conference

FIREHOUSE EXPO 2011 WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 19-23 IN BALTIMORE, MD. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR EVENT DETAILS.

CLICK HERE FOR A 4-PAGE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE.

Conference sessions are 90 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Program subject to change.

July 22, 2010
8:30 AM	Are You A Survivor? John J. Salka, Jr., Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEGORY: SAFETY Why are some firefighters able to get themselves out of critical and dangerous situations while inside a fire building and others are not? Why are some firefighters able to control their reactions to extreme situations and others panic and die? We are constantly examining the technical and tactical reasons for firefighter injuries and fatalties yet we rarely look at the physiological impact that critical situations produce and how this may affect the chances that a distressed firefighter has to survive. This class reviews research that has been conducted on how and why humans react to distress and panic and how we may be able to apply some of this information to our own firefighter fatality training.
8:30 AM	Developing Exceptional Fire Officers…Critical Areas of Focus Dennis Compton, Chief (ret.), Mesa, AZ, FD; IFSTA CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP This session explores key areas of focus and critical leadership concepts that will contribute to the success of fire officers and simply improve their performance. It is well established that fire departments cannot outperform the capability of their leaders. Current and aspiring fire officers of all ranks will find this session unique and practical.
8:30 AM	Driver Training With Your Eyes, Head, Hands and Feet!! Richard Bowers, Fire Chief; Mike Clemens, Assistant Chief; Deerrell Walker, Captain & Driver Training Coordinator; All with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, MD; Mike Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: SAFETY This class will provide driver training classroom instruction techniques, actual "hands on" driver simulator techniques, and exposure on an apparatus skills driver course. All of these interactive components will provide the participant with the opportunity to establish basic, intermediate and advanced driver training techniques and programs for fire, rescue and EMS apparatus in their departments.
8:30 AM	Fire Dynamics for Firefighters Daniel Madrzykowski, PE, FSFPE, Fire Protection Engineer CATEGORY: FIRE BEHAVIOR This presentation will cover how building geometry, materials, furnishings, ventilation and firefighting tactics can influence fire growth and spread leading to untenable conditions for firefighters. Fire behavior will be described using a combination of videos, data and LODD case studies to characterize the thermal environment that firefighters may be exposed to.
8:30 AM	Fire Safety Solutions for People With Disabilities Nancy J. Trench, Assistant Director, Fire Protection Publications Oklahoma State University CATEGORY: FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION This presentation will highlight home fire safety education materials and a model smoke alarm installation project for people who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with mobility impairments, and people with mental retardation or other cognitive disabilities. Included will be a videotape presented in American Sign Language produced for people who are deaf. "People First Language", accessible formats, selection of residential smoke alarms that meet the needs of people with disabilities, and identifying program partners will all be included. The project Implementation Guide which includes an etiquette guide for firefighters working with people with disabilities will be part of the handouts.
8:30 AM	Fire Service Thermal Imagers Robert Athanas, FF, FDNY and President of SAFE-IR, Inc. Robert Knabbe, FF, FDNY and Vice President of SAFE-IR, Inc. CATEGORY: THERMAL IMAGING This class will provide you with what to expect from the new NFPA 1801 Standard; what it means for the manufactures; what it means for the cameras; and what it means for the users. Revolutionary changes for manufactures and simplification for users so that they can focus on tactical applications.
8:30 AM	Fireground Command Situation Awareness Richard B. Gasaway, Ph.D., EFO, CFO, Gasaway Consulting Group CATEGORY: COMMAND Some think that situation awareness is as easy as paying better attention to what's going on around you. If it were that simple, commanders would pay better attention and firefighters would not get hurt or killed fighting structural fires. This program focuses on the process of establishing and maintaining your situation awareness, how it is lost, and how to regain it. Participants will learn the four essential ingredients to making effective command decisions, five ways commanders get into trouble, and ten best practices commanding safe emergency incidents.
8:30 AM	Introducing the Contemporary Fireground Mark Emery, Battalion Chief, Woodinville, WA, Fire & Life Safety District CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS During the last 40 years the North American fire service missed a number of significant changes to the traditional fireground. These changes represent a call to action for the fire service to adapt strategically and tactically. You will learn what these changes are and contemporary tactical alternatives that will achieve traditional strategic outcomes.
8:30 AM	Operational Networks for Effective Response: A Case Study of the Shootings at Columbine High School Bill Pessemier, Fire Chief (ret.), Littleton, CO CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY The presentation on the shootings at Columbine High School details the response of fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services to what at the time the worst school shooting in American history. Participants will learn about what went well during the response and what did not go so well. The presentation is an open and straightforward appraisal of what happens when fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical service departments fail to develop strong operational relationships. The presentation will also inform participants about how to develop regionalized operational networks for effective response to large scale incidents.
8:30 AM	Search Operations for Today’s Standard & Complex Structures Jeff Seaton, Department & Recruit Academy Instructor, San Jose, CA FD CATEGORY: SEARCH OPERATIONS Today's fireground is a dynamic environment that can become deadly in a matter of seconds. The Unites States fire service reports that "Fire Fighter Disorientation" is a leading cause of close calls and LODD'S in our nation. Firefighters are in desperate need of ensuring that safe, effective, and coordinated search operations are practiced daily in today's standard and complex structures.
8:30 AM	The Challenges of Extrication Involving Vehicles with Advanced Steel Structure Ron Moore, Training Chief McKinney, TX FD CATEGORY: AUTO EXTRICATION Fire departments are reporting an inability to cut through common structural areas such as the B-pillars of late model vehicles. Normal rescue cutting tools, whether hydraulic, electric, or air-powered are stalling out. They may be essentially out-gunned by new ultra high-strength steel alloys called advanced steels, such as Boron, which can be found in the roof pillars, roof rail, or rocker channels on a wide array of late-model vehicles. Find out how rescue teams can prepare themselves to meet the challenges presented by the presence of advanced steels. Also learn about new alternative extrication techniques for departments that do not have advanced steel cutting capabilities to implement when faced with an advanced steel vehicle rescue incident.
8:30 AM	Thinking Outside the Box Warren Fuchs, Senior Dispatcher (ret.), FDNY CATOGORY: TRAINING The presenter has 37 years of dispatch experience. He will focus on the everyday dispatching operations from processing an alarm (911 calls, street boxes and verbal walk ins) dispatching apparatus (through a CADS System or manual method) radio operations (for the radio operator and the field units), radio prioritization (when to talk and when to listen), and radio terminology (knowledge of what certain terminology is and not just repeating what you are told)by taking this course you will have better understanding of fire dispatch operations from "start to finish".
8:30 AM	Understanding and Creating Fire Department Budget Proposals James Kirsch, Lieutenant, Bergenfield, NJ, FD CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE FUNDING This course discusses common budgeting terms and budget types, as well as how to correctly use and spend your existing department budget. The second part of this class deals with how to put together and present a budget proposal that will increase your chances of success in getting your budget proposal accepted by the town administration.
8:30 AM	Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Mapping to Analyze Response Times and Manage Resources James Potteiger, Special Assistant to the Fire Chief, Peter Hanna, Firefighter/Paramedic Both with Baltimore City FD CATEGORY: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS This presentation will discuss how fire departments can use GIS and mapping to analyze their department's response times (NFPA 1710 & 1720) and how they can use GIS to manage resources, particularly during a time of decreasing budgets. Over the last year, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has been using ArcGIS along with CAD data to analyze their response times as they relate to NFPA standards. These results were mapped using a GIS and used to argue against budget cuts and for decision making after budget reductions. Additionally, the BCFD is using ArcGIS to develop maps for shift supervisors to dynamically monitor suppression coverage on a daily basis. This presentation will demonstrate these techniques and provide information on how they can be done by other jurisdictions. The subject of the discussion will be informative for those without GIS knowledge and for those with experience.
8:30 AM	What the……!!!! We Can Do Better at Structure Fires Steve Bernocco, Lieutenant, Seattle, WA FD, Phil Jose, Captain, Seattle, WA FD CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS This is a dynamic, 100% video-driven presentation that focuses on the tactics of the first due companies at structure fires. Students will watch videos of structure fires and then discuss the various Engine and Truck tactics that could be used to fight these fires. This class will add to your experiential slide tray, and will give you looks at fires that you need in order to be successful and effective at structure fires. This is a critical decision-making class like no other, brought to you by the "Seattle Guys."
10:15 AM	Haiti Earthquake: Response of American US&R Task Forces and the Rescue of Deeply Entombed Victims Larry Collins, Battalion Chief, USAR Task Force 103, LA County F OPENING CEREMONY When the island nation of Haiti was hit with a catastrophic earthquake on January 12, 2010, locating survivors trapped in the rubble was a primary consideration. Within 30 minutes of the quake, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activated the two U.S. government international USAR Task Forces, USA-1 (Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Virginia) and USA-2 (L.A. County Fire Department). USAID and the Department of Defense worked to get USA-1 and USA-2 on the ground in Haiti ASAP. USA-1 arrived first and established a Base of Operations (BoO) within the walls of the U.S. Embassy compound outside of Port au Prince. USA-2 arrived several hours later and convoyed to the BoO. Within hours of touching down, the teams were conducting structure triage and rescue. They were joined by three other American US&R task forces that were deployed under other arrangements: New York Task Force 1 and Florida Task Forces 1 (Miami-Dade) and 2 (Miami). Together, they accounted for nearly 50 of the 150 rescues of deeply entombed victims in Port au Prince.This presentation will discuss that operation, including some of the most harrowing rescue operations.
12:00 PM	Structural Collapse Rescue Operations Fred LaFemina, Battalion Chief, Rescue Operations, FDNY, FEMA/USAR Task Force Leader NY-TF1 CATEGORY: COLLAPSE This class will cover the methods and techniques used at structural building collapse operations in any type of structure at any place in the USA. Study the issues, problems, concerns, and remedies when operating at these incidents. Review case studies of actual collapse operations that have occurred in NYC.
12:00 PM	Analysis of Two Live Fire Training LODD Incidents Daniel Madrzykowski, PE, FSFPE, Fire Protection Engineer CATEGORY: SAFETY Two very different fire training incidents resulted in the loss of three firefighters. One incident occurred in an acquired structure and the other occurred in a training tower. In both cases, NIST conducted real scale fire experiments to gain insight into the thermal conditions that may have existed during the incidents. The results of the experiments will be presented and discussed. Methods of assessing training fuel packages will be discussed so that future incidents of this type can be avoided.
12:00 PM	Company Drills for Acquired Structures James Kirsch, Lieutenant, Bergenfield, NJ, FD CATEGORY: TRAINING This program deals with how to properly inspect, and then train in acquired buildings using non-fire scenarios. Training subjects including utility emergencies, building construction, mask confidence, overhaul, ventilation, and others will be discussed. Also being presented is the vital step of acquiring the proper paperwork that allows your department to operate in such structures, as well as reviewing the NFPA 1403 standard as a tool to assist in safely preparing the structure.
12:00 PM	Dealing with Personnel Issues Don Abbott, Owner, Command Emergency Response Training CATEGORY: ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES This program will provide various types of situations a company officer may have to deal with and the techniques used in handling the problems. The actions required include verbal and written responses.
12:00 PM	Fire Service Law Update John Rukavina, Director, Public Safety Service , Wake County, Raleigh, NC CATEGORY: FIRE LAW In 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court closed out its season with Ricci v. DeStefano. But the law never sleeps. Ricci has been followed by a significant number of court decisions that directly affect firefighters and fire departments. The objective of Fire Service Law Update is to provide firefighters and fire officers with the latest on fire service law, including discussion of new information on the legal side of firehouse social networking, image-sharing and related technologies, new cases that continue to redefine firefighter hiring and promotion practices, and the latest on free speech in the firehouse.
12:00 PM	First Due Size-Up Reports for Company Officers Leonard Carmichael, Jr., Battalion Fire Chief, Trenton Division of Fire & Emergency Services Department, NJ FD CATEGORY: COMPANY OFFICER TRAINING This course covers the initial on-scene size-up for the first arriving officer at all incidents that they respond to and sets up the framework for the entire fireground experience from assessing the incident scene arrival information and setting up an IMS organization. Thru lecture and individual scenario assessment, the student will use a systematic mental checklist using the CASH acronym, (Command, Actions, Size-Up, and Help) for on-scene size-up reports which can be used at all incidents. Topics include the establishment of command, the 13 point size-up factors, actions of the first due companies, and additional resources that will be needed; a plus for promotional exams.
12:00 PM	High-Rise Firefighting: Part One Curtis Massey, Massey and Associates, Virginia, Beach, VA CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Choosing the correct air supply, hose and nozzle is a must and what you currently use may be the wrong equipment for the job. What kind of fire flows are you REALLY achieving coming off standpipes? How much "operational air" do you REALLY have? Are you REALLY operating elevators correctly in Phase 2 override? (Over 95% of firefighters are doing things unsafely and incorrectly.) Do you REALLY understand how to feed a building's water supply system? The best methods of establishing lobby command; gaining control over the FCC and building occupants; choosing the correct "attack" and "search/evacuation" stairwells; best methods of deploying the initial attack line and back-up line; why tracking the path of deadly CO while the fire assault is underway is so important. Why do so many multiple-fatality fires involve victims far removed from the fire floor? Can you have serious fires in modern "fully sprinklered" buildings? (YES) This class reinforces the basics in ways most departments completely overlook and studies why things go terribly awry because of key issues easily missed.
12:00 PM	Know Your Crew and Build a Better Team Kimberly Alyn, Best-Selling Author, International Fire Service Speaker CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP Teambuilding in the fire service is more important than any other industry. Understanding the people you work with in the fire service is the first step to building better teams. This humorous and insightful session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand why you get along so well with some people and butt heads with others. Topics will include: understanding social style in your teams, why certain people annoy you, why you annoy others, and how to adapt to get along with anyone. This session is appropriate for all levels in the fire service.
12:00 PM	Lightweight/New Construction and it's Effects on the Fire Service Michael M. Dugan, Captain, FDNY, Ladder Company 123 CATEGORY: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Every fire department in America is seeing and influx of lightweight construction. Are you ready to fight a fire in one of these buildings? Do you know the risk and the dangers? If not then this class might help your department.
12:00 PM	Responding to Everyday Emergencies Mickey Conboy, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: SPECIALIZED RESCUE Firefighters across the country respond to an increasing number of rescue emergencies each year. Learn invaluable lessons from recent incidents such as workers buried in a trench and tanks, children impaled on fences and occupants trapped in a building collapse.
12:00 PM	Teaching & Interacting With Children and Adults Who Have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities Bill Cannata, Captain, Westwood FD, Westwood, MA CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION This workshop will provide fire and life safety educators and first responders with an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Growth rates, theories, common characteristics, effective communication methods, and some practical skills on how to effectively interact and teach this audience will be discussed. Capt. Cannata will provide information on how first responders and educators can recognize an individual with ASD, and discuss how actual incidents were handled. Bill will also discuss the unique learning styles of children with ASD, common components of effective teaching programs, and how to use these techniques to teach safety skills to children and adults with ASD.
12:00 PM	The Truck Boss: From the Firehouse to the Fire Floor Robert Pressler, Lieutenant (ret.), FDNY CATEGORY: TRUCK OPERATIONS This class takes a look at the Ladder Company Officer and the operations of a Ladder Company. Starting in the firehouse, personnel concerns, riding positions, tool assignments, and training are all covered. Once on the street, the class looks at responses, operations, and company management. Using the inside/outside team concept, staffing levels from as little as 3 to a full crew of 6 will be covered.
12:00 PM	To Go or Not to Go: Fireground Decision Making Robert Moran, Chief, Englewood, NJ FD, John Lewis, Lieutenant, Training and Safety Division Passaic, NJ FD CATEGORY: INCIDENT COMMAND This session will provide an interactive forum designed to discuss and define the key relationships strategy and tactics, street-wise size-up, and risk benefit analysis have on the critical first few minutes of structural firefighting operations.
12:00 PM	View From The Street - The First 20 Minutes Richard J. Blatus, Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS It's the middle of the night. Your pager goes off -- reporting smoke from a dwelling in a remote area of town. What runs through your mind as you rush to get to the scene? What information have you gathered? If you arrive first, what actions will you take to establish safe and effective operational tactics? This scenario-based program is designed to provide the students with the opportunity to direct fireground operations based on information gathered from the transmission of the alarm. What could/should you rely on if you are unable to obtain the information you need to make safe/sound operational decisions?