4-hour Workshops
401 – 2011 Joplin Tornado – NEW
402 – Added Value Leadership – NEW
403 – Advanced Airway Management and Trama Techniques – NEW
404 – Apparatus Architect
405 – Bars and Nightclub Fires
406 – Bombing: Injury Patters and Patient Care – NEW
407 – Bringng Today's Technology into the Classroom and Beyond – NEW
408 – Communications Concepts and Interoperability – NEW
409 – Decision Making: First Arriving
410 – Emergency Response to Ammonia Incidents
411 – Emergency Vehicle Operations
412 – EMS Response to Agricultural Hazardous Materials– NEW
413 – Escaping Violent Encounters for EMS/Fire
414 – Factors of Command
415 – Fire Behavior & Firefighter Survival - Keeping Your Firefighters From Killing Themselves–NEW
416 – Fire Department Safety: An Insurance Perspective – NEW
417 – Fire Sprinkler Systems
418 – Firefighter Survival: The Realities and the Myths: The Beat Goes On – NEW
419 – Fireground Operations: Show-Me Style
420 – From Silver to Gold, You're the Boss Now What? – NEW
421 – Green Building for the Fire Serv ice – NEW
422 – HazMat with a Twist – NEW
423 – Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: What Emergency Responders Need to Know – NEW
424 – Ignitable Liquids and Class B Foam with Special Emphasis on Ethanol Motor Fuels
425 – Introduction to Disaster Search – NEW
426 – Introduction to Fire Protection Systems – NEW
427 – ISO – From the Chief's Perspective – NEW
428 – Managing the "Mayday" – NEW
429 – Modern Training Techniques – NEW
430 – Overcome the Temptations of Succesful Organizations – NEW
431 – Pipeline Emergencies – NEW
432 – Practical Approach to Strip Store Mall Fires – NEW
433 – Reading Smoke 2012: Tactical Solutions
434 – Safety and Survival on the Fireground
435 – Safety Officer Workshop – NEW
436 – Structure Fire Dynamics in the Modern Wood Frame Building
437 – Suburban Fire Tactics for Truck-Less Responses: What the Rest of the Country is Doing–NEW
438 – Taking Care of Children with Special Needs
439 – The Chiefs Role at Structural Fires – NEW
440 – The Company Survival Officer – NEW
441 – The Status of America's Fire Service – NEW
442 – Today's Training Officer: The Fire Department Survival Officer – NEW
443 – Trench Rescue: The Silent Killer – NEW
444 – Vehicle Technology and Incident Safety
401 – 2011 Joplin Tornado – NEW
Jim Perkins, Deputy Chief
(Click here for biography)
Mike Redshaw, Training Chief
Mike Redshaw, Training Chief
(Click here for biography)
Available as a webcast! Click Here
The 2011 Joplin Tornado was a devastating EF-5, multiple-vortex tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, late in the afternoon of Sunday, May 22, 2011. It was part of a larger late May tornado outbreak sequence and reached a maximum width in excess of 1 mile during its path through the southern part of the city. It rapidly intensified and tracked eastward across the city. It ranks as one of Missouri's and America's deadliest tornadoes and is likely to be the costliest. It is also only the second F-5 or EF-5 tornado in Missouri history dating back to 1950. This class will cover the deadliest tornado to hit the United States since 1947, and the response.
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402 – Added Value Leadership – NEW
Alan Brunacini, Fire Chief, Retired, Phoenix FD, AZ
(Click here for biography)
The major reason a fire department is in business is to deliver service to Mrs. Smith, our customer. She remembers that we responded quickly and solved her problem, but most of all, she remembers that we were nice to her and her family. Adding value, mostly being nice, is what made the biggest difference to her. Fire department bosses must understand that the way they treat their firefighter is passed along to the customers. Chief's must extend any behavior on the inside to Firefighters that they expect those Firefighters to extend to Mrs. Smith on the outside. What we will discuss in this session is very simple and very important……added value service, requires added value leadership.
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403 – Advanced Airway Management and Trauma Techniques — NEW
Paul Harris, BA, RN, Lake Regional Health System
(Click here for biography)
This workshop is designed to acquaint the Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider with optional airway techniques that are uncommonly used. Although this class was designed for the ALS provider, Basic Life Support providers that are familiarized with these techniques, would make a valuable asset as an assistant in performing these procedures. (EMS CEUs-Division II-4)
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404 – Apparatus Architect
Michael Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only
The Apparatus Architect workshop evolved around the concept that a fire department would not think of building a $500,000 fire station addition without the services of a qualified architect. Yet that same fire department would think nothing of spending $800,000 on a Tower Ladder without anyone's help or expertise, and be at the mercy of the apparatus salesmen. Let me share my knowledge and expertise to create a variety of functional and cost effective fire apparatus solutions for a variety of fire departments. We will discuss fire service issues which include, but are not limited to; fire protection master planning, fire station site location, analysis apparatus maintenance and testing procedures, apparatus deployment and staffing fire apparatus, fleet replacement, analysis staffing, and training needs assessment.
405 – Bars and Nightclub Fires
David A. Hall, Chief, Springfield FD
(Click here for biography)
While there are nearly 31,000 nightclubs in the United States, the likelihood of having a fire in a nightclub is relatively small. However, the severity of such an incident when one occurs can be devastating. Frequently, these occupancies are at or over their capacity; they include high risk behaviors such as smoking and drinking; and they are plagued by locked or blocked exits. In this workshop, the participant will learn about the hazards and prevention principles for these occupancies. Participants will also cover normal construction methods and basic firefighting strategies for those facilities as well as conducting in-class scenarios to develop their skills.
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406 – Bombing: Injury Patterns and Patient Care — NEW
John McCoy BSEMT-P, Director Emergency Medical Services Education Institute, University of Missouri Health Care
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will cover unique knowledge and skills required to effectively respond to a mass casualty explosion or bombing event. Participants will understand the uniqueness of; blast physics, the most common types of blast injuries, and the appropriate treatment (pre-hospital and initial hospital), and injuries that result from a blast. Other topics that will be covered are terrorist bombings, scene safety, and military experience. (EMS CEUs-Module V, Division III)
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407 – Bringing Today's Technology into the Classroom and Beyond – NEW
Frank Lipski BS, FF/EMT-P, Assistant Training Officer, Florissant Valley FD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will demonstrate ways to integrate many of today's popular media devices into fire service course design and departmental training programs. Topics covered will include, ipad and iphone use in the classroom setting, and how these devices are also being integrated at the staff and company levels within many departments. Participants will also learn about the equipment needed to create their own high quality video or audio podcast. Other topics covered will be; cloud computing, document collaboration techniques, web based calendars, paperless training records, copyright laws, and mobile computing beyond the classroom. This workshop will cover slide presentation design and delivery techniques using multi-platform presentation software.
Note: This class is not specific to any computing platform. We will be covering many portable devices during the class with an emphasis on "newer" equipment and technology. Participants are encouraged to bring any portable devices they may have, but none will be required for this course. When demonstrating software, examples will be given for multiple computing platforms if available. (DFS CEUs 4-Instructor)
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408 – Communications Concepts and Interoperability — NEW
Kurt Bleich, Training Officer, California FD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will cover functions and operations on fire-ground communications as well as a systems overview and impact on operations. There will be an overview of system types such as simplex, repeater, trunked, and the new state system (MOSWIN). Topics will also cover; basic interoperability concepts, an overview of resources, channels, radio caches, and deployable resources that can be requested. There will be tools and repeaters available for a hands-on demonstration. An in-class review of the latest version of the State Fire Marshal's MOU for using Fire Mutual Aid channels will be included, as well as radio traffic audio from real calls.
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409 – Decision Making: First Arriving
Jerry Jenkins, Battalion Chief, Columbia FD
(Click here for biography)
Proper size-up for a fireground operation starts before the initial alarm. This workshop will go through the size-up process from pre-planning to assigning crews on the scene. All firefighters, not just officers and chiefs, should be a part of the size-up assessment. Participants will learn how to make size-up an everyday practice, regardless of the size of the incident. We will take the "blinders off" and look at the "big picture" of an incident to help incident commanders make good decisions and keep firefighters safe. We will focus on the strategic goals of an incident and ensure that the incident priorities and tactical objectives are carried out.
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410 – Emergency Response to Ammonia Incidents
Mike Booth, Regional Coordinator, MU FRTI
(Click here for biography)
Ammonia is one of the highest volume chemicals produced in the United States. It is used in the manufacturing of rocket fuels, synthetic fibers, yeast and explosives, with the most common use as fertilizer and as a refrigerant. With the current problem of theft of ammonia for drug production, this workshop will familiarize you with nurse tanks, transport containers and storage facilities where releases might occur. Other topics include, chemical and physical properties, patient assessment, treatment and triaging multiple patients, hazard and risk assessment, public protection options, and emergency response options to safely mitigate an anhydrous ammonia incident. (EMS CEUs-Module III, Division IV)
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411 – Emergency Vehicle Operations
Michael Wilbur, Lieutenant, Fire Department New York
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
This workshop will identify causes associated with fire apparatus accidents through N.F.P.A. statistics and case studies. An overview of your states vehicle and traffic laws will also be covered. Other topics included in this workshop are; intersection safety, railroad crossing safety, driving while intoxicated, creating a driver training program, and writing standard operating guidelines. Engineers, potential Engineers, Drivers and potential Drivers are excellent candidates to take this course. Company and Chief Officer's would also benefit greatly by attending. Participants of Emergency Vehicle Operations will have a greater understanding of vehicle and traffic laws and their rights and obligations under the law. Drivers will have a heightened awareness of their responsibilities and the liabilities when they drive. Company and Chief Officer's will have an outline of a driver training program and will have the ability to write comprehensive Standard Operating Guidelines after completing this workshop.
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412 – EMS Response to Agricultural Hazardous Materials – NEW
Mike Jenkins, Chief of Special Operation, North Kansas City FD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will look at the hazardous chemicals and products used in today's agriculture from an EMS perspective. We will look at chemicals typically found in agriculture, identify signs and symptoms of exposure to these chemicals and discuss treatment actions. (EMS CEUs-Module III-Division IV)
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413 – Escaping Violent Encounters for EMS/Fire
Mike Novak, Battalion Chief, Branson FD
(Click here for biography)
Kip Teitsort, Founder Defensive Tactics for EMS/Fire
(Click here for biography)
Have you or your staff ever been threatened, yelled at or physically assaulted by a patient, upset family member or bystander? According to several studies, injuries from assaults are the number one cause for lost work hours in EMS. Have you ever been concerned about the response you or your provider would use in these particularly stressful incidents? Most EMS providers can answer yes to at least one of these questions. If you are among them, our Defensive Tactics for Emergency Medical Services/Fire (DT4EMS) courses can help keep you and your staff safe. Our training is based on using good customer service at the root of all course content. We train in using proven verbal skills before, during and after an incident. Our courses also teach the use of physical force as a last resort, but use real-world skills to free you or your staff from actual physical assaults should they occur. (EMS CEUs-Module IV-Division IV)
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414 – Factors of Command
Gary Wilson, Training Chief, Overland Park FD (KS)
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will take a look at various factors that can lead to a successfully managed incident. Throughout the workshop, activities will be used to reinforce the learning material. Topics include but are not limited to; integration of risk management; incident priorities and strategic goals; the need to develop a plan; factors to consider upon arrival; progress reports that include air management considerations and communicating tactical benchmarks. This workshop is focused around the new or acting officer, but can also serve as a good review for experienced officers.
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415 – Fire Behavior and Firefighter Survival- Keeping Your Firefighters From Killing Themselves — NEW
John W. Norman, Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.), FDNY
(Click here for biography)
Available as a webcast! Click Here
Saturday Only
This class is intended to keep firefighters from repeating the same deadly mistakes others have made, so they can avoid the tragedies that others have suffered. It focuses heavily on the changes occurring in today's modern fire environment, and includes segments on the following: changing causes of firefighter deaths and injuries, the changing fire environment and its effect on firefighters, warning signs of impending firefighter casualties, and prevention of catastrophes.
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416 – Fire Department Safety: An Insurance Perspective — NEW
Mark Woodward, Senior Loss Prevention Trainer
(Click here for biography)
Flint Walton, Loss Prevention Technical Service Manager, Missouri Employers Mutual
(Click here for biography)
How safe is your organization? How effective is your safety program? How do you address injuries and damage? Participants of this workshop will learn what insurance companies expect from fire departments with regard to safety. We will also discuss top causes of injuries in the fire service, and methods a fire department can use to reduce their exposure to accidents.
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417 – Fire Sprinkler Systems
Stephen G. Potter, Assistant Fire Marshal, Columbia FD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop is intended to instruct firefighters and fire inspectors in recognizing sprinkler types, components, and inspections, but will further assist fire inspectors in piping inspections, hydro testing, and acceptance tests of fire sprinkler systems. This workshop is for informational purposes only and does not provide the required training to become a certified /licensed fire sprinkler technician. (DFS CEUs 4-Inspector, 4-Investigator)
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418 – Firefighter Survival: The Realities and the Myths: The Beat Goes On – NEW
Billy Goldfeder, Deputy Fire Chief, Loveland-Symmes FD (Ohio)
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only
Firefighters are heroic but also do many non-heroic things that may result in injury and death. Deputy Chief, Billy Goldfeder, rallies the troops to fight smarter and safer by refusing to make common mistakes that can have fatal consequences; failing to wear a seat-belt, entering a building where there is no human life at risk, and failing to wear SCBA and all protective gear at every call. Chief Goldfeder challenges chiefs to make sure everyone goes home and reminds firefighters why they must avoid unnecessary risks: the family and friends that are left behind when they are gone!
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419 – Fireground Operations: Show-Me Style
Richard "Smokey" Dyer, Chief, Kansas City FD
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
This workshop is directed toward incident commanders and company officers. We will discuss risk management, offensive and defensive operations, coordinated offensive attacks, fire fighter safety and other strategic and tactical considerations.
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420 – From Silver To Gold, You're the Boss Now What? – NEW
Todd Farley, Deputy Chief, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
You are a talented, respected firefighter, and are afforded the opportunity to work for outstanding officers and some not so outstanding officers. You have learned a lot along the way and feel you are ready to assume a formal leadership role within your organization. You study, prepare, practice, and complete the promotional testing requirements. After all is said and done, the Chief says you're it, congratulations! You are handed the gold badge and welcomed to the world of fire service leadership, now what? This workshop introduces the challenges of being a new supervisor, providing strategies to successfully lead, manage, and overcome the hurdles of being in this new role. Key topics will be transitional leadership (informal to formal), management at the company officer level, dealing with politics, and the principles of supervision. (DFS CEUs 4-Instructor)
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421 – Green Building for the Fire Service – NEW
John Shafer, Lieutenant, Greencastle Fire Department (Indiana)
(Click here for biography)
A concentrated examination of current and future trends and methods in green building construction. There will be an emphasis on the green construction building materials, green rating systems, modern building construction methods, risk assessment, engineered structural and construction systems, and their direct relationship on structural firefighting operations, firefighter survivability and the command decision-making process. This workshop will also discuss inherent green construction features and hazards that directly influence effective command risk management, decisive strategic and tactical considerations with a focus on key green construction features, inherent occupancy profiles and modern building construction systems affected by fire dynamics, fire behavior and tactical operations. (DFS CEUs 4-Inspector)
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422 – HAZMAT with a Twist – NEW
Steve Arnold, Chief (RET)
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
This multi-media workshop covers Hazmat/WMD response procedures for the initial engine company response. Topics covered include how to quickly determine if you have a WMD or Hazmat event, basic standard operating guidelines for WMD response, mass gross decontamination procedures and scene safety precautions. Various scenarios through video clips and pictures are used to emphasize the lesson objectives.
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423 – Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: What Emergency Responders Need to Know – NEW
Jason Emery, Lieutenant, Waterbury FD (CT)
(Click here for biography)
Available as a webcast! Click Here
With over two million hybrid vehicles on the road and the current administration's goal of having 1 million electric vehicles in service by 2015, emergency responders on the "front lines" of handling accidents, extrications, and fires, must be trained to respond to incidents involving these vehicles. This lecture will provide an overview of the skills needed to safely respond to incidents involving hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles by covering identification methods, basic electrical concepts, vehicle systems and hazards, and emergency response procedures.
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424 – Ignitable Liquids and Class B Foam with Special Emphasis on Ethanol Motor Fuels
John Sachen, Industrial Training Coordinator, MU FRTI
(Click here for biography)
This workshop is designed to educate emergency response personnel of the principles for handling Ethanol, E85 and E95 fuel emergencies. In response to the growing national ethanol production, participants must be able to make the correct decision in how to handle assorted ethanol emergencies. Through lecture and demonstrations in the classroom, participants will see, discuss, and learn about vapor pressure, flash point, upper and lower flammable limits, properties of hydrocarbons and polar solvents (Ethanol, E85 and E95), ethanol plant layout and operations. Information will also be presented about how foam works and determining foam flow, and foam needs for typical incidents, along with the difference between: Class A foam (wetting agents), AFFF Class B foam for hydrocarbons, alcohol resistant foam (AR-AFFF) for E85, and emulsifiers.
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425 – Introduction to Disaster Search – NEW
Matt Schofield, Captain Jefferson City Fire Department/Search Team Manager Missouri Task Force 1
(Click here for biography)
John Metz, Captain Columbia Fire Department
(Click here for biography)
Disasters cover large areas whether they are natural or man-made. Countless agencies will be involved in response to hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, or terrorist incidents. We continue to see large scale devastation to communities without regard to municipal boundaries, jurisdictional authority, or cultural distinction. Historically the fire service has always been on the frontline of the response to these events. This course equips students with the foundational knowledge of standardized wide area search directives within the urban search and rescue discipline. First-hand experience and lessons learned from the response to the World Trade Center on 911, Space Shuttle Columbia Recovery, Hurricane Katrina, and the F5 Joplin Tornado will be used in context to discuss best practices. Additionally we will examine classic obstacles to effectively search large territories and how to help mitigate these issues. You will leave with knowledge, tools, and the confidence to direct a more efficient wide area search.
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426 – Introduction to Fire Protection Systems – NEW
Mike Walker, Fire Systems Specialist, C&C Group Springfield MO
(Click here for biography)
Buster White, Fire Marshall, Nixa FPD
(Click here for biography)
You have seen them during building inspections and pre-planning. Fire alarm panels, sprinkler risers, portable extinguishers, kitchen hood systems... but do you really know how they can help you protect lives and property? Are they in operating condition? Have they been serviced, inspected and maintained according to standard? This workshop will give the participant a basic knowledge of these common fire protection systems. Designed to address the needs of the company officer and inspector, this class will give an overview of the requirements for operation, inspecting and testing of these important building systems. (DFS CEUs 4-Inspector, 4-Investigator)
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427 – ISO – From the Chief's Perspective – NEW
Dennis Jones, Division Chief, Camdenton FD
(Click here for biography)
It can be very nerve racking to receive a letter from an ISO, stating that they will be there in two weeks to conduct a town class rating review. This 4 hour presentation assists Fire Chiefs and others within the service's organization on how to plan and prepare for an ISO Fire Suppression Survey. Pre-planning is the basis for this workshop and forms will be supplied that have been recognized as a means of recording and keeping within the Master Plan process. This presentation reviews the ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule in a master planning format of all areas concerned, beginning with "Receiving and Handling Alarms" to "Fire Department and Water Supply." This workshop has been completely reworked from a Master Planning view point. (DFS CEUs 4-Inspector)
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428 – Managing the "Mayday" – NEW
Gary Graf, Battalion Chief, Pacific FPD
(Click here for biography)
A fireground "Mayday" situation is every Incident Commanders worst nightmare, especially if not properly prepared and trained for the event. The lack of experience for managing the "Mayday" scene leaves the IC in need of additional training on expanding the ICS system to effectively support the fireground "Mayday". Failure for an IC to effectively monitor and respond to Mayday transmissions are many times a result of a less than effective Mayday procedure and training.
This training has been designed to not only assist the Incident Commander when a "Mayday" is declared, but also the Company Officer and any Firefighter on the fireground. This presentation will use effective policies and procedures, past incidents, and fireground operations to review how appropriate management of a "Mayday" and RIT deployment can increase the chances for a successful outcome. (EMT Module I Preparatory and Medic Division VI Operations)
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429 – Modern Training Techniques – NEW
Douglas Cline, Assistant Chief of Operations, Horry County Fire Rescue, Conway, SC
(Click here for biography)
Training has evolved over the years…or at least for some it has. So what type of attitude do you have towards training? This dynamic program focuses on utilizing gap analysis to identify areas to improve your training and teaching techniques. The modern classroom has every generation in it and it is important to be able to capture students attention to optimize learning. In addition to gap analysis, students will learn about concepts of "Flipping the Classroom" and utilizing technology and modern resources. This is one program instructors and training officers won't want to miss. Training and instruction today is different from even 10 years ago. Come learn what it is like to have a dynamic instructor tool kit that will make other instructors envious. (DFS CEUs 4-Instructor)
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430 – Overcome the Temptations of Successful Organizations – NEW
Donna Forgy, Pro Skills Inc.
(Click here for biography)
The enemy of great is good. The primary reason so few leaders or organizations ever become great is because they get good and they stop. They stop growing, learning, risking and changing. They use their track record or prior successes as evidence that they have arrived. Believing their own headlines, the leaders in these successful organizations are ready to write it down, build the manual and document the formula. This mentality shifts their business from a growth to maintenance mindset. (DFS CEUs 4-Instructor)
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431 – Pipeline Emergencies – NEW
Mike Callan, Callan and Co. Ltd
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
Pipeline Emergencies provides the responder with the components and the basic response techniques for these critical infrastructures. Responders must be ready with the information necessary to recognize the hazards and dangers and be ready to respond in an effective manner. This program will help responders understand the hazards, elements of the infrastructure, and how to respond to energy infrastructure emergencies more effectively and safely, whether they are intentional or accidental. Attend this workshop and learn how your department can get ready, be better trained, and learn how to get free copies of these informative programs to train your personnel in responding to this critical infrastructure.
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432 – Practical Approach to Strip Store Mall Fires – NEW
Steve Arnold, Chief (RET)
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only
This multi-media workshop covers how to operate efficiently and safely at strip store mall fires. Type II building construction, safety precautions, ICS, strategy/tactics, forcible entry techniques, fire flow, apparatus placement and roof ventilation procedures will be reviewed. Various scenarios through video clips and photos are used to emphasize the lesson objectives.
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433 – Reading Smoke 2012: Tactical Solutions
Dave Dodson, Battalion Chief (ret.)
(Click here for biography)
Fire officers must adjust to the changes in fire behavior that have occurred in recent years or more firefighters will die or be injured. Being able to read smoke on arrival is the key to predicting fire behavior. It helps you discover the specific location and intensity of a fire, building collapse potential, and the likelihood of hostile fire events such as flashover. This year's program is updated with new videos and attendees will leave with street smart tips that will help fire due decision makers.
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434 – Safety and Survival on the Fireground
Jason Hoevelmann, Deputy Chief, Sullivan FPD
(Click here for biography)
This safety and survival class will provide a basic knowledge for firefighters to know when and how to identify dangerous situations. From the minute we walk into the engine house to the time we pack up our equipment after an incident, we must know the hazards and be able to create good habits to prevent complacency and making poor decisions. We will discuss very simple concepts and decision making skills along with fire ground awareness, that actually starts at the fire house prior to the event happening. Firefighters will be able to identify and have a basic knowledge of rapid intervention techniques and methods in accordance with NFPA 1407, Standard for Fire Service Rapid Intervention Crews, to prepare them for practical training in the same discipline. Ultimately, this class will provide ways for firefighters to prepare and operate as safe as possible in order to prevent the need for maydays and rapid intervention crews. We must be battle ready every second and this class will assist in keeping the firefighter in a constant state of readiness.
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435 – Safety Officer Workshop – NEW
Forest Reeder, Division Chief of Training & Safety for DesPlaines (IL) Fire Department
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The incident safety officer must constantly update their information on incident evaluation and hazard zone operations. This workshop will emphasize the action steps necessary to improve fireground safety through hazard prevention and control.
436 – Structure Fire Dynamics in the Modern Wood Frame Building
John Batterton, Fenton FD
(Click here for biography)
Through the use of videos, case studies, and some science, this workshop is designed to help firefighters better "Know the Enemy." The first half of the class will take a look at how modern building construction and structural components have changed the dynamics of firefighting in a wood frame building. The second half will focus on how modern materials have affected fire behavior and how to recognize and deal with hostile fire behavior. (DFS CEUs 4-Inspector, 4-Investigator)
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437 – Suburban Fire Tactics for Truck-Less Responses: What the Rest of the Country is Doing – NEW
Jim Silvernail, Captain, Metro West Fire Protection District
(Click here for biography)
The majority of Midwest fire departments/districts, along with many other regions within suburban America, operate with limited staffing (three or less firefighters) and without a dedicated truck company. Those that do have truck companies, operate on a limited availability or a limited response function basis. It is no secret that a firefighting apparatus with a booster tank and pump is more budget friendly and justifiable than a piece of equipment that does not have the capabilities to directly "extinguish a fire." In today's tight economy and budget cuts, this is especially true. However, with new building construction features and added demands of fire suppression, it is imperative as ever to fully satisfy all the fire ground functions necessary to ensure an optimal coordinated fire attack. It is extremely challenging as a decision maker/Company Officer in this situation to meet these demands. However, even with these disadvantages of sub-standard staffing and no dedicated truck companies, this objective can be achieved. The answer is customizing and implementing preferred operating methods which will serve as a fire ground playbook, tailored toward each organization's specific capabilities. These entities all share the same common dilemma, "too many functions and too little manpower per apparatus." This presentation will address, "what the rest of the country is doing" and propose solutions which target this large audience.
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438 – Taking Care of Children with Special Needs
Mike Day, Fire Medic/Fire Investigator, Overland Park FD
(Click here for biography)
As emergency responders, one of the things that cause us to feel uncomfortable is dealing with the unknown. A child in crisis often presents responders with issues that differ from our normal response. Dealing with children often creates anxiety for responders. We also do not typically respond to individuals with special needs who are having an emergency. When you couple these two things, the potential exists for a responder to experience anxiety while trying to mitigate the situation. This workshop will explore how to deal with these stressful situations. Topics include: the identification of common cognitive and medical disorders, the importance of effective communication with differently-abled individuals and their caregivers, and how you can take care of children with special needs before the emergency happens. In addition, the workshop will provide some examples of what fire departments can do to integrate their members with the special needs community, benefiting all in the process. (EMS CEUs-Module VI-Division V)
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439 – The Chiefs Role at Structural Fires – NEW
John W. Norman, Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.), FDNY
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
This workshop is intended for those who may be in command of multiple fire companies at structural fires. Included are the following topics; the command role, assuming command, establishing accountability, protecting the troops, decision making, size-up, the thirteen point approach, firefighter survival survey, hidden dangers, and the four R's. There will be in-depth discussion with instructor and students.
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440 – The Company Survival Officer — NEW
Forest Reeder, Division Chief of Training & Safety for DesPlaines (IL) Fire Department
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only: 1:30 pm. - 5:00 p.m.
Survival is job one. As company officer, your job description now reads that you are the survival officer who is charged with that responsibility. Learn how the company officer and crew members will work together to survive a fireground operation by focusing on four key elements of company survival; people, air, location, and situation (PALS). This strategy will work almost any time firefighter's enter a hostile fire environment to do their jobs. Many interior operations that have claimed firefighter's lives have common threads that need to be put into a action plan that will save future lives. Explore how the PALS process may help do that.
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441 – The Status of America's Fire Service — NEW
Bobby Halton, Editor in Chief, Fire Engineer Magazine
(Click here for biography)
William Markgraf, Chief Columbia FD (RET)
(Click here for biography)
Saturday Only
Chief Markgraf and Chief Halton will review the current status of America's fire service as well as the theory of drift into failure. Common perceptions and realities surrounding the elements in firefighter fatalities will also be discussed along with, training wounds, training scars, how they are inflicted, and how they can become fatal.
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442 – Today's Training Officer; The Fire Department Survival Officer — NEW
Forest Reeder, Division Chief of Training & Safety for DesPlaines (IL) Fire Department
(Click here for biography)
Sunday Only
Designing a training program and delivering it with impact requires understanding the true mission and job description of the training officer. You are the department's survival officer and you must be ready to hit the ground running. Existing and new training officers, and instructors alike, will be challenged to develop a training needs assessment based on their actual fire ground experiences and observations to determine what topics and skills are needed. New training techniques, mandates, and training division leadership will be covered in this interactive, and case based workshop. Come ready to tune-up or jump start your program and gain valuable resources that will allow you to get to work on making a difference, and will surely allow you to work smarter and more efficiently in managing your program. All types of departments will benefit from this course. (DFS CEUs 4-Instructor)
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443 – Trench Rescue: The Silent Killer — NEW
Chris Berndt, Chief, Western Taney County FPD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will give you information on what you can do and what hazards to look for when you are the first on the scene of a trench collapse rescue. But most of all, how to be safe and not become a victim yourself.
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444 – Vehicle Technology and Incident Safety
Alan Braun, Training Officer, Cole County FPD
(Click here for biography)
This workshop will take you through the safety aspects of a motor vehicle accident. Participants will discuss guidelines to follow from apparatus placement, through termination of the incident. Topics include; personnel safety, incident safety, vehicle airbag safety, hybrid vehicles, new car technology, and future concepts of the automotive industry. (POST 4 -Technical, 1-Interpersonal, 1-Legal, 1-Skill.)
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