Tuesday, April 20 thru Saturday April, 24 2010 Nature: Professional Development Training & Seminar Participation Location: Indianapolis, Indiana During the period of Tuesday April 20th thru Saturday, April 24th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company permit six (6) officers to attend a premier training opportunity nationally and internationally for all levels of fire service practitioners. The Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) hosted more than 24 hands-on training evolutions, 34 preconference workshops, and more than 160 classroom presentations. The six members of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company will obtain and/or enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities to train and assist our organization in further operational needs as well as review and evaluate the newest equipment, tools, apparatus, etc. Below is an example of the courses and activities attended: Fighting Structure Fires Lieutenant Stephen Bernocco, Seattle (WA) Fire Department “Know the answer before the fire asks the question” is the objective. This dynamic, 100-percent video-driven presentation focuses on the tactics of the first-due companies. Students discuss tactics options for engine and truck companies: when to choose them, why they will succeed, and those best suited for various types of structure fires. Students will also evaluate decisions made by first-in officers and company officers in the videos. Garden Apartments, Condominiums, and Townhouses Lieutenant Thomas Donnelly, Fire Department of New York Students will gain insight into how the construction features of each of these types of structures affect firefighting operations. How these structures differ from each other and the firefighting problems these differences create in each housing type are discussed. Conversely, students will also learn how the similarities among these structures make it possible to use some common tactics when fighting fires in these buildings. All aspects of the firefight (including preplanning) are covered. First-Arriving Engine Operations at Fires in One- and Two-Family Residences Captain Bill Gustin, Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue An exploration of factors that must be considered in an initial size-up. How do you determine where to position the first-arriving pumping apparatus and the correct size and length of the first attack hose line? From where do you operate the first attack hose line when rapid forcible entry is not possible or when the first attack hose line might not be advanced through the front door of a residence? What are your options when fighting a fire in an attached garage? These are among the many topics that will be addressed. Are You a Survivor? Battalion Chief John Salka, Fire Department of New York This new program looks at some interesting information that may have a great impact on how fire departments train firefighters to survive. The focus will be on the physiological responses people exhibit when faced with dramatic and dangerous situations. How the “Human Factors” and habits of people in all walks of life have improved their survival chances are analyzed. Survivor personality, muscle memory, and other helpful topics will be examined. The information presented will definitely introduce you to some new ideas for your training programs. Reading Smoke 2010: Tactical Solutions David Dodson, Lead Instructor, Response Solutions, LLC, Thornton, CO 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 to 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-tested” tips that will help first-due decision makers. Preparing and Conducting Post-Incident Analyses Battalion Chief Tom DeMint, Poudre Fire Authority, Fort Collins, CO Students will learn techniques for conducting post-incident reviews—from the informal tailboard review at the end of the incident to a formal review of a large-scale incident that has garnered public and political interest. The analysis does not judge success or failure but shows how the actions taken affected the incident and how future responses can be improved. Students will compare incident actions with department standard operating procedures and common safety practices and determine if the incident action plan was appropriate and properly implemented. Methods for reporting review results; diagramming incidents; and apparatus placement, hose line deployment, and search patterns will also be covered. Solar Electric Safety for Firefighters Captain Matthew Paiss, San Jose (CA) Fire Department Firefighters must be aware of the presence of solar electric [photovoltaic (PV)] systems on the roof. One solar array covering 90 percent of the southern slope of a roof could dramatically affect roof operation tactics. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of generating solar electricity, confidence in safely fighting fires in structures equipped with PV systems, and training for operations involving such systems. Truck Company Operations: A Hundred Things To Do Lieutenant Michael Ciampo, Fire Department of New York On every fire ground, there are always numerous truck company tasks that must be accomplished. Often, limited personnel and resources force the truck company to adapt so it can handle many of the situations that arise. Learn street-smart truck company skills, tactics, and tips that will help you perform your job more safely and effectively. Back to Basics Engine Company Operations Captain Bob Leonard, San Jose (CA) Fire Department Engine company operations are the backbone of a successful fire ground operation; without hose lines in position, other tasks are subject to failure. This program is intended to drive home the importance of engine company training, standard operating procedures, and attitude. Strategies, tactics, and task-level information for managing and coordinating successful engine company operations on the fire ground are discussed from the perspectives of command officers, company officers, and firefighters. Someone Has To Do It: The Importance of a PIO Captain Stephen Ruda, Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department Students will learn why it is important to have a public information officer or some other designated spokesperson for the department. The focus will be on guidelines for fulfilling the role of a successful department spokesperson. Participants will learn how to handle newsworthy events and gain knowledge in handling press conferences and feature stories and setting up the Media Command Post at incidents. From the X-Box to the Box Alarm: Leadership in Today's Firehouse Deputy Fire Coordinator Tiger Schmittendorf, Erie County (NY) Department of Emergency Services How do you motivate today’s recruits away from the X-Box long enough to answer the box alarm? This question builds consensus that the majority of the challenges you face are in the firehouse, not on the fire ground. This class addresses the challenges of today’s fire service leaders in attracting and retaining the appropriate quantity and quality of firefighters they need to support the delivery of emergency services in their communities. Learn to combat these challenges with solutions that are right in front of you Effective Teamwork Battalion Chief Jerry Wells, Lewisville (TX) Fire Department The fire service has been described as the “ultimate team sport.” This class presents creative ways to get crews to “buy in.” Nontraditional approaches to positive team-building and training are introduced. Cultural changes relative to the method of using and promoting training and of fostering enthusiasm in the firehouse are among other topics discussed. Efficient Truck Operations for Smaller Departments Battalion Chief Michael Alder, San Bernardino City (CA) Fire Department Efficient truck company operations on the fire ground are vital for all departments, regardless of size. How does a smaller department succeed with fewer resources than a larger one? Creativity! Become acquainted with that creative philosophy and “winning” techniques for effectively using ground and aerial ladders, performing ventilation operations, and accomplishing forcible entry. Be better prepared for those firefighting challenges that have no regard for a department’s size or depth of resources. Calling the Mayday Engineer Anthony Piontek, Green Bay (WI) Fire Department This session reinforces some basic skills that will assist firefighters to survive a Mayday. Among the topics covered will be the parameters for calling a Mayday, why firefighters must have a thorough knowledge of an SCBA and skills for reorienting themselves to their surroundings and other crew members, and the RITs making entry to access them. Students can take the information back to their departments to assist in Mayday training and to create or update protocols, procedures, and operating guidelines. Legality and Leadership Deputy Chief (Ret.) Curt Varone, Division Manager and Director, Public Fire Protection Division, National Fire Protection Association Legal concerns can stifle or even paralyze leaders who are not prepared. Participants will acquire skills and techniques to help them make effective decisions despite difficult legal considerations. This program examines the obstacles to leadership in the fire service and how legal concerns are often used to block needed change. Fireground Decision Making Chief Richard B. Gasaway, Roseville (MN) Fire Department The focus is on the challenges commanders face when making decisions under stress and the reasons it is difficult to predict future events at complex incident scenes. Various decision-making models are analyzed, and the role situation awareness plays in helping commanders to make good decisions and keep firefighters safe is explored. Learn to recognize the signs that indicate you are losing your situation awareness. This is not a strategy and tactics course. Discrimination Issues: Race, Sex, and Drugs Captain Bradley M. Pinsky, Manlius (NY) Fire Department; Attorney This course will provide an overview of the laws, duties, and prohibitions involving racial discrimination, drug use and testing, and sexual harassment. It will assist leaders to create policies that support the goals of the federal laws and preempt discrimination and harassment; assist fire service leaders in creating a safe, but nondiscriminatory, atmosphere using the most qualified individuals; and guide fire service leaders in how to react to allegations of discrimination, harassment, or drug abuse. These members attended on their personal time utilizing personal leave, vacation leave or unpaid leave from their respective employers in order to attend these professional development opportunities.