Evolutions

 

4 Hour Evolutions, April 19-20, 8:00 am–12:00 pm & 1:00 pm–5:00 pm

ABCs of Air Bags
Firefighter Paul J. DeBartolomeo, Fire Department of New York
Although air bags are commonplace in fire departments across the country, they are not regularly used and can be somewhat intimidating to many first responders. This program is designed to develop or improve skills in the use of high-pressure air bags to ensure that firefighters operate with confidence and proficiency under pressure. Students will participate in a hands-on orientation of the components of an air bag rescue system, which covers system setup, pressure settings, bag placement and stacked bags, and multiple cribbing techniques related to air bag rescue operations. Students will then participate in realistic rescue scenarios involving vehicle, machinery, and construction accidents, similar to those faced in the field, designed to develop new skills and techniques modern day rescuers need. ALL LEVELS

Advanced Extrication Tactics
Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief Leigh Hollins, Cedar Hammock (FL) Fire Department
Participants will receive hands-on instruction about the newest, most advanced techniques for stabilizing vehicles and extricating victims from cars and sport utility vehicles using a wide array of hand and power tools. A four-station rotation provides students with a fast-paced, diverse extrication experience and plenty of “tool time.” Stations include vehicle stabilization, where students will use jacks, air bags, and struts; the Oyster Cracker, where, using static struts and hydraulic tools, students will learn overturned car roof removal; the Florida Floor Jack, with overturned car/reverse dash lift; and SUV tactics, with the emphasis on tailgate windows and doors and the related hydraulic/pneumatic rear gate struts. ADVANCED

Firefighter Assist and Survival Training
Lead Instructor: Chief Curtis Birt, Lake Cities (TX) Fire Department
This program gets back to the basics of firefighter survival and rescue techniques–techniques that have proven effective and have saved firefighters’ lives! Featured evolutions include the John Nance Drill, Room Orientation, Second-Floor Window Rescue, Stairwell Rescue, and Denver Rescue. BASIC

Flashover Simulator
Lead Instructor: Captain Joseph Berchtold, Teaneck (NJ) Fire Department
Observe fire behavior and the signs that lead to flashover. Phase 1 training from Swede Survival Systems allows you to observe and experience in a controlled environment how fire develops and grows up to and through the flashover stage and how ventilation as well as hose streams can control a flashover. Learn to recognize flashover conditions and when it is time to get out of the structure. You will better understand the events that lead up to a flashover as well as how firefighters are responsible for creating flashovers. Wearing full turnout gear, you will sit inside a flashover container and experience a live flashover. INTERMEDIATE

Large-Area Search
Lead Instructor: Firefighter Bob Athanas, Fire Department of New York
Students will be introduced to a methodical method for searching both large complex and wide open areas safely and efficiently using ropes. This proven lifesaving method is essential for every firefighter’s safety while searching in rapid intervention situations. It is an essential skill required for the effective, safe, and thorough search of structures, found in every community, where normal search techniques are inadequate. BASIC

Live Fire Instructor for Fixed Burn Buildings
Lead Instructor: Sergeant Doug Stephenson, Johns Creek (GA) Fire Department
This entry level instructor class will explore various training strategies and techniques while using a fixed burn building. Students will touch on the highlights of NFPA 1403 as it pertains to the use of fixed burn buildings using class A materials. Participants will take part in live fire exercises and learn proper coordination of typical live fire training events while identifying live fire props and teaching techniques to enhance student learning. This is a hands-on event requiring participants to be proficient in their use of personal protective equipment as well as be physically able to operate in a fast-paced training environment. BASIC

Personal Harness Training NEW!
Lead Instructor: Firefighter Daniel DiRenzo, Cherry Hill (NJ) Fire Department
The implementation and use of fire department personal harnesses has been increasing dramatically. Unfortunately, these harnesses are sometimes implemented without a full understanding of their uses and potential and, in the worst cases, issued without any training. In this new class, students will learn how to use the harness to save civilians, rescue other firefighters, and implement the ever-important techniques of self-survival. The techniques taught can be applied to any style/brand of Class 2 Personal Harness worn or integrated with structural firefighting personal protective equipment. This class is intended for existing harness users as well as potential users who will be given the opportunity to work with various styles/brands of harnesses. ALL LEVELS

Thermal Imaging Techniques
Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief Steven Woodworth, Atlanta (GA) Fire Department
Thermal imaging is one of the fastest growing technologies in the fire service. While the technology is constantly changing, training has not kept pace. Few organizations offer thermal imaging training; even fewer offer this comprehensive training specializing in the application of these devices for firefighting. Students will learn how to properly use these complex tools and view numerous cameras in one setting. They will gain an understanding of the theory of fire service thermal imaging units and apply this knowledge during the class, which includes a short classroom session and live fire lecture using a variety of thermal imaging cameras available to the fire service. BASIC

Training for Railroad Emergencies—Enhanced
Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief Jeff Simpson, Hanover (VA) Fire-EMS
Past rail accidents in Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; and Boston have stressed the importance of training and preparing for such incidents. This class is designed to assist fire and emergency management personnel in developing plans and training responders to manage complex emergencies involving railroad equipment or facilities. Working railroad equipment including commuter rail passenger cars will be provided for practical training evolutions. Students will learn how to initiate first response procedures; identify various rail cars, DOT markings, and safety relief devices on general service and pressurized tank cars; read train consist information to identify potential hazardous materials involved and their location on the train; establish atmospheric monitoring through identification of hazards and application of detection equipment; deploy methods to minimize or stop rail car impingement by fire; successfully mitigate rail incidents involving leaks and releases; and proficiently perform the safe removal of passengers and railroad personnel from an operating locomotive and commuter rail cars. INTERMEDIATE

Truck Company: Forcible Entry
Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief John Buckheit, Fire Department of New York
At eight stations, students will participate in time-proven and state-of-the-art approaches to common forcible entry problems, including metal and wood door forcible entry, inward- and outward-opening doors, forcing in restricted space and limited visibility, glass and metal storefront doors, and padlocks. Techniques involve roll-down gate size-up, thru the lock, thru the gate, and use of the manual drive mechanism. The training is designed for firefighters and rescue workers who have to get through secured doors, fences, and gates to effect their operations. Learn efficient, rapid, and safe methods to negate common security devices so operations to search, place lines, and access victims can commence. The focus is on the problems you are likely to encounter and the very best ways to combat those problems. Intermediate/Advanced

Truck Company: Search Procedures
Lead Instructor: Firefighter Joseph Alvarez, Maplewood (NJ) Fire Department
You will use a variety of techniques to conduct a primary search in a challenging private-dwelling environment. Station 1, Mask Confidence, tests your ability under the harshest environment you will encounter. In Station 2, Primary Search, you will conduct a rapid search without the presence of a hoseline. In Station 3, Vent-Enter-Search, learn how to conduct a search of the sleeping areas to locate and remove victims. BASIC/INTERMEDIATE

Truck Company: Ventilation
Lead Instructor: Firefighter Matt Szpindor, Fire Department of New York
Ventilation is an important truck company function that must be performed at all structural fires. Students will review the basics of ventilation and vent size-up, discuss how the type of structure and building construction affect ventilation, and get plenty of hands-on experience using both hand and power tools. Instructors from the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast will present different perspectives on ventilation, as the students rotate through a variety of challenging ventilation skill stations, including peaked-roof and flat-roof operations. BASIC

8-Hour Evolutions: Monday and Tuesday, April 19-20, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Conducting NFPA 1403 Live Burn Training
Lead Instructor: Asst Fire Education Specialist Gregory A. Fisher, Illinois Fire Service Institute
This evolution will take students through NFPA 1403, Compliant Live Fire Training Evolutions in an Acquired Structure. Students will observe the priorities of the lead instructor with a briefing and exercise on requirements for structure, student, and objective preparation. Participants will observe the safety officer’s responsibilities and checklist during preparation of an acquired structure as well as considerations prior to ignition, during the live fire evolution, and after fire extinguishment. All other positions under the standard such as ignition, rehab, and water supply will be filled, and students will observe their operations. A demonstration on compliant vs. noncompliant fuel will be presented to drive home the inherent dangers and potential liability to the fire service in providing live burn training, if time permits. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

Engine Company: Essentials NEW!
Lead Instructor: Engineer Anthony Piontek, Green Bay (WI) Fire Department
This new all-inclusive class on engine company operations actively engages students in practical hands-on evolutions and decision making concerning water supply alternatives, hose load options, stretching and operating the initial attack line, and how best to service their respective districts through tactical planning and operations. Water supply and hose load options that work in a variety of response situations will be examined, and students will advance lines as members of the attack team under various realistic situations, including residential, commercial, and multistory structure scenarios. They will have the ability and confidence to return to their departments and effectively assemble, train, and deploy as a member of an efficient engine company. With the added skills and disciplines received, they will be able to examine their department’s current procedures, suggest and effect positive change, and increase the level of tactical safety on the fireground through solid engine company competence. BASIC

Fire Investigation
Lead Instructor: Adrian Cales, Asset Protection Manager, Public Service Enterprise Group; Detective Sergeant (Ret.), Arson Investigation Unit, Bergen County (NJ) Prosecutor’s Office
Using NFPA 921, Guide for Fire & Explosion Investigations; NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators; and NFPA 1037, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Marshals, as guides, this program is for the fire investigator, fire inspector, fire marshal, or company officer responsible for examining fire scenes and conducting fire scene origin and cause investigations. Students can enhance their origin and cause abilities by examining real fire scenes, from simple to complex. Knowledge of the processes used in conducting a fire scene examination is a prerequisite, and actual prior fire scene origin and cause investigation is necessary, as there will be no review of “the basics.” Students will conduct actual on-scene, hands-on origin and cause investigations in a group setting, with the objective of being able to properly identify the heat source responsible for the fire and the area or point of the fire’s origin using factual descriptions provided. Based on the size and scope of the acquired structure, the students will conduct a “dig out” of a complex fire scene. The program ends with a review of the fire scenes, where post-fire scene, ignition sequence, and prefire photos will be discussed. INTERMEDIATE

First-Due Engine and Truck Tactics
Lead Instructor: Lieutenant Jim McCormack, Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department; President, Fire Department Training Network
Whether you’re on an engine or a truck, success on the fireground is based on how well you perform the basics. This live fire course covers initial engine and truck company tactics on the fireground. The first part of the day is spent reviewing basic fireground tactics (line placement, attack and backup lines, inside and outside truck operations) while working as individual engine and truck companies. The second part of the day is spent implementing the first-due engine and truck company tactics under realistic, live fire conditions. BASIC

Handling Elevator Emergencies
Lead Instructor: Firefighter Michael Dragonetti, Stamford (CT) Fire-Rescue Department
Emergency personnel with inadequate training in handling elevator emergencies are exposed to an increased risk of injury and death to both the victims and themselves. Learn how to safely and effectively remove passengers from stalled elevators, as well as basic elevator procedures. Topics include nomenclature, safety, how an elevator functions, construction, outside hoists, elevator safety devices, possible equipment needed, initial response steps, restarting a stalled elevator, lockout/tagout procedures, elevator doors, use of hoistway door keys/pick tools, poling, fireman service (phase 1/phase 2), and manually lowering a hydraulic elevator. BASIC

IAFF/IAFC Fire Ground Survival Program
Lead Instructor: Captain Derek Alkonis, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department; Fire Ground Survival Lead Investigator
In December 2007, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) joined efforts to create a Fire Ground Survival Program for the North American fire service. Over the past two years, firefighters from the United States and Canada have worked with NIOSH and NIST in researching the most critical elements of fireground survival and looking at firefighter fatalities and near misses to identify how best to survive a Mayday situation. The comprehensive course includes sections on Preventing a Mayday, Being Ready for a Mayday, Mayday Procedures, Mayday Skills, and Firefighters’ Expectations of Command. Taught by members of the research team, the course will focus on Mayday procedures and skills firefighters must be able to perform instinctively to survive. Firefighters will learn how best to prevent the onset of panic while performing survival skills, how to perform low and reduced profile techniques and disentanglement techniques, how to rectify SCBA emergencies, how to self-rescue from upper floors, and how best to use the radio to communicate with Command to aid in your own rescue. Students will also act in the position of Command using radio communications to assist fire fighters experiencing a Mayday. ALL LEVELS

RIT Combat Drills
Lead Instructor: Assistant Chief James Crawford, Pittsburgh (PA) Bureau of Fire
Rapid intervention team (RIT) training should be realistic and to the point. When a RIT deploys into a burning building for a Mayday, each team member will be taxed to the limit, physically and mentally. In this evolution, RIT members will be trained and evaluated at performing these RIT duties under realistic conditions. Students will be assembled into teams and “deployed” into a series of obstacle courses where they will encounter numerous problems they must resolve as a team. Techniques such as lowering systems, lifting operations, and deployment procedures will be used. In addition, the aggressive “Pittsburgh Drill” obstacle course is designed to force you to work as a team and sharpen your skills. Each team must maneuver the obstacle course to a downed firefighter victim, perform a victim assessment/low profile maneuver, complete any extrication, package the victim, and initiate removal in a set time. Students will use specialized equipment, operate portable radios within the incident command system, work as a team under pressure, and practice RIT skills in a realistic environment. INTERMEDIATE

Structural Collapse Rescue
Lead Instructor: Firefighter (Ret.) Mike Davis, Fire Department of New York
It’s 2 a.m. You’ve arrived at 69 Main Street, an occupied building in the center of town. It has sustained extensive collapse from a gas explosion. A triage area is established amid the chaos, and removal of surface victims is underway. Reports to the command post indicate numerous residents are unaccounted for. The incident commander orders the operations officer to assemble teams and resources for rescue operations within the heavily damaged structure. You are assigned to one of these teams, and soon you will be crawling into the blackness. Learn and fine-tune the skills necessary to achieve safe and effective search and rescue of collapsed wood-frame and unreinforced masonry structures. BASIC/INTERMEDIATE

Truck Company: Aerial Operations
Lead Instructor: Battalion Chief John Riker, Newark (NJ) Fire Department
Become knowledgeable in aerial ladder operations and how aerial ladders are of value at a fire scene. Learn the differences between proper and improper operations as they pertain to ladder positioning for rescue, removal of victims, horizontal ventilation, roof operations, and elevated streams. The emphasis is on safety for all members operating with or supporting aerial operations. Participants will learn to position and operate the apparatus under simulated fireground situations, including rescue of occupants, roof operations, and elevated master stream deployment. They will also learn to recognize the safety advantages of proper aerial operations, explain the difference between effective and ineffective aerial placement, and demonstrate how to safely and effectively conduct basic aerial ladder operations. Intermediate

Truck Company: Essentials NEW!
Lead Instructor: Lieutenant Michael Ciampo, Fire Department of New York
Students will rotate through a series of stations to get a “taste” of truck company operations in this new interactive class. At the Forcible Entry station, students will learn how to force inward- and outward-opening doors and how to cut simulated window bars and roll-down gates. At the Ladders station, they will learn portable ladder operations that include new leg lock maneuvers and perform simulated rescues and removals. At the Ventilation station, they will perform horizontal and vertical ventilation on the acquired structures. At the Search station, they will conduct primary search and vent-enter-search tactics and perform overhaul skills when searching for fire extension. BASIC/INTERMEDIATE

Truck Company: Rope Rescue for Truck Operations
Lead Instructor: Captain (Ret.) Eddie White, Rockdale County (GA) Fire Department
Many fire departments find their communities and rescue challenges growing faster than their ability to send specialized response teams to handle these response dynamics. In this evolution, students will learn basic to intermediate skills and techniques to conduct rope rescue operations when technical rescue teams are not available. Topics include basic rope rescue fundamentals and techniques, understanding safe rope operation practices and recognizing the dangers associated with rope rescue operations, choosing proper anchors and anchor systems, simple lowering and haul systems, patient assessment and packaging, and incorporating ladders and aerial devices into rope rescue operations. BASIC/INTERMEDIATE

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ALL H.O.T. EVOLUTION ATTENDEES

1. Students must bring their own NFPA-compliant bunker or technical rescue gear. FDIC will not supply it.
2. Bunker gear ensemble includes NFPA-compliant turnout coat and pants, helmet, hood, firefighting boots, and gloves.
3. Technical rescue gear ensemble includes jumpsuit or BDUs, compliant helmet, steel-toed boots, compliant eye shields, and gloves.
4. Bunker gear is required for all evolutions except ABCs of Air Bags, Handling Elevator Emergencies, Structural Collapse Rescue, and Truck Company: Rope Rescue for Truck Operations. For these, technical rescue gear as listed above is appropriate.
5. FDIC will supply SCBA for students as required. Students must bring hoods for Conducting NFPA 1403-Compliant Live-Burn Training, First-Due Engine and Truck Tactics, Flashover Simulator, Live Fire Instructor for Fixed Burn Buildings, RIT Combat Drills, and Truck Company Operations: Search Procedures.
6. Remember to submit Liability Waiver signed by chief of department.

1,200 firefighters participate in evolutions on each of the H.O.T. days. Naturally, the logistical requirements are large. As a courtesy to your fellow brothers and sisters and to FDIC, we must insist that you arrive on time both Monday and Tuesday mornings. On time means 6:30 a.m. In the past, we have lost precious training time because latecomers delayed morning bus-loading operations. Please arrive at the convention center early and ready to go.