January-March Edition

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QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER MFRI’s Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center (UESRTC) welcomed 30 community members and educators from the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce as part of the county’s public safety sector tour that was held on Feb. 1. According to the Bay Times and Record Observer, it was the goal of the chamber of commerce to connect the county’s educators and counselors with local businesses that offer apprenticeships and career training for potential students who do not desire a traditional four-year degree.

MFRI’s Executive Director Michael Cox Jr. welcomed guests and talked about MFRI’s history and how he became a firefighter, starting his career at age 16 at the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Edgewater, Md. Fran Jester, engineering technician at the training center, provided an overview of the firefighting cadet program UESRTC offers to local high school students and members of the community who desire to become firefighters.

This cadet program is a partnership between Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, Queen Anne’s County Fire and EMS Commission and MFRI. MFRI’s Centreville office has been the host location of this cadet program since 2001 when the regional training center was constructed.

“It is a great jumpstart for someone seeking a career in the fire service or looking to serve their community as a volunteer,” said Jester, noting that two of Queen Anne’s County’s volunteer fire chiefs started in the program. He estimates that 40% of the cadet program’s graduates have continued their careers in emergency services.

The one-year cadet program is offered to students over the age of 16 who desire to be employed in the fire and emergency services field or serve in a volunteer capacity at their local fire company.

The curriculum provides training of real-life fire, emergency and rescue skills and techniques that are currently used in the field.

Adam Tolley, supervisor of curriculum and instruction at Queen Anne’s County Public Schools and volunteer firefighter for Dorchester County, commended the cadet partnership program.

“There are so many opportunities for our students to explore careers in this program,” said Tolley. “Students can still experience an active high school career while participating in this program.”

MFRI’s six regional training centers partner with high school fire/ rescue cadet programs offered in Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince Georges, Charles, Washington, Harford, Somerset and Wicomico Counties.

These programs are taught by active fire/rescue insrtructors who are certified by the state of Maryland. Each cadet program is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education. Every cadet program offers courses in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Truck Company Fireground Operations, Rescue Technician Site Operations, Vehicle Machinery Extrication and Emergency Medical Responder/Technician.

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for the emergency services. The Institute plans, researches, develops, and delivers quality programs to enhance the ability of emergency service providers to protect life, the environment, and property.

BULLETIN STAFF Editor: Ashley Collier Creative Editor: Ana Maizel Assistant Editor: Lydia MacBride

CONTACT MFRI tel: 301-226-9921 www.mfri.org

fax: 301-314-0752 bulletin@mfri.org

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 1074-2298) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD 20740. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, MFRI, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742.

The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership, and training. This publication contains some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address.

With a new year upon us, here is a glimpse into our priorities and initiatives to improve the products and services we deliver to our customers. A key initiative this year is piloting an EMT program that has a slightly different instructional and delivery methodology than our current EMT program. This program was designed by the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services, who has seen excellent results with their program. The program utilizes a different textbook, tablets for testing and group activities, a prescreening tool, real-time analytics and a national registry-adaptive test study tool. I would like to thank Fire Chief Tom Owens, Battalion Chief Lenne Stolberg, Captain Kathleen Harne and Fire/Medic III Adam Miller for not only sharing their successes but allowing us to pilot this program.

It is important for us to continue with our customer-centered strategic planning process, which began in September of 2018. At that time, our management team worked to complete a self-assessment of all MFRI sections. In November of 2018, we completed a SWOT analysis with our instructor corps as well as our faculty and staff. The next step in the process is currently underway, consisting of surveying our students, partners and customer groups. When completed, a steering committee will be appointed to develop strategic objectives to meet the goals of the new plan.

The continued collaboration on projects with other emergency services groups, government entities and others in academia also remains a top priority. These projects include researching and developing programs to prevent serious injuries and deaths of emergency responders, assisting the UMD School of Public Health with studying first responder decision-making under stress and collaborating with UMD and other entities for the development of avatars and 3D virtual reality for our simulation center.

I believe one of the most important projects on the drawing board involves the possibility of setting up a computer test center in each of our regional training areas to help facilitate the EMT testing process. This initiative will eliminate the scheduling, traveling and limited availability many of our students experience as part of the EMT certification process.

As you can see, there are many issues facing MFRI and our customers but even greater opportunities as we progress through this year. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and instructors whose commitment and innovative ideas make us one of the premier emergency services training agencies in the nation.

MICHAEL E. COX JR.

The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house.

We extend our gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.

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MFRI TESTS C-THRU TECHNOLOGY Just four days into the new year, MFRI was the host location for Avon Protection and Qwake Technologies “voice of the customer” research and development product demonstration. Representatives from both companies shared their self-contained breathing apparatus adapted with a maskmounted camera equipped with C-THRU thermal imaging to fire service personnel with assistance from MFRI’s Logistical Support Section.

MFRI instructors along with 12 firefighters from Annapolis, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties conducted live fire evolutions in the burn building to test how well the apparatus would perform against the challenging rigors of battling an environment filled with smoke and heat. Participants paired up to compare Avon and Qwake’s equipment alongside thermal imaging cameras that are currently being used by fire service organizations around the region.

After completing the evolutions, the firefighters debriefed and offered feedback to the development team. We extend a special thanks to fire chiefs Benjamin Barksdale, Scott Goldstein, David Stokes Sr. and Christine Uhlhorn for their leadership in helping to make this event possible.

WINTER PDI SYMPOSIUM DRAWS LARGE CROWD

top: Darren Wolfe from Avon Protection shows firefighters from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services the company’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tank. bottom: Firefighter David McGill gets a tutorial of the thermal imaging camera from a Qwake Technologies representative.

MFRI’s Institute Development Section welcomed 80 Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board (MICRB) instructors for its winter professional development symposium at the College Park headquarters.

Chief Jona Olsson of the Latir Volunteer Fire Department in New Mexico, as well as the founder and director of Cultural Bridges to Justice, delivered the keynote address, “Inclusion and Diversity in the Classroom: The Challenge and the Gift.” Olsson explained the importance of inclusivity in today’s instruction methodologies, language and approaches in emergency services training. After

the keynote address, participants had the ability to attend three, 90-minute sessions with a choice between nine topics ranging from innovative teaching strategies, effective communication and diversity. Attendees selected workshops of their interest presented by Olsson, Kyle Bates, Mark Davis, Dave Donohue and Amber Leizear. Session titles included “Challenging Sexism in Emergency Service,” “What a Musician Can Teach a Fire/EMS Instructor” and “What a Goldfish Can Tell You.” MFRI’s next PDI symposium is scheduled for April 6, 2019. Registration is currently open at mfri.org/seminars.

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MSFA HOSTS ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION Every January, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) and Ladies Auxiliary hosts their annual legislative reception at the Miller Senate Office Building. Representatives from MFRI, along with representatives from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, MSFA Cancer Support Network, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, attended the Jan. 15 event. The event was an opportunity for these organizations to discuss upcoming legislative matters and showcase the state’s emergency services to Maryland’s newly elected and returning officials, their staff and also members of the volunteer fire and rescue service.

Special Operations Assistant Director Pat Marlatt, Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr., Facilities Coordinator Timothy Delehanty, and Acting Field Operations Assistant Director Steve Cox were on hand to greet those who visited MFRI’s booth. Sen. Robert Cassilly, District Special Operations Assistant Director Pat Marlatt, Executive 34, Harford County, and Sen. George Edwards, District 1, Garrett, Director Michael E. Cox Jr, Sen. Malcolm Augustine and Acting Field Allegany and Washington Counties were among Maryland’s lawmakers who stopped by the MFRI booth to talk with those representing MFRI. Operations Assistant Director Steve Cox attended the reception

LAWMAKERS ATTEND 26TH ANNUAL CFSI DAY On Nov. 16, 2018, 72 Congressional staffers, UMD personnel and invited guests attended the 26th Annual Congressional Fire Services Institute (CSFI) Day at MFRI. The participants donned turnout gear to experience a day in the life of a firefighter.

Before the full day of activities began, Executive Director Michael E. Cox Jr., Tonya Hoover, superintendent of the National Fire Academy, and Sean Carroll, director of Government Affairs at CFSI, offered greetings and opening remarks.

Following the brief morning address, participants were put into small groups where they were directed by a MFRI staffer to change into turnout gear. Five stations were set up for the participants to truly understand real-life situations firefighters are faced with regularly.

Participants traversed a confined

space maze, used tools for an auto extrication, viewed a live burn demonstration and extinguished flammable liquid fires. Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties’ fire services provided ladder trucks to allow participants to ascend 100 feet in the air.

In its 26th year, MFRI has hosted this unique event in partnership with CFSI to educate members of Congress on the importance of supporting legislation benefiting the fire and emergency services and providing expensive, life-saving tools that firefighters use daily.

After the five stations were completed, participants watched as the National Fire Sprinkler Association presented a side-byside burn demonstration of two rooms, one with and one without a sprinkler system.

MFRI Instructor Charles Rogers instructs participants in the Fire Behavioral Laboratory. Participants watched an active fire and became familiar in using a thermal imaging device.

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FACULTY AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT MIKE BAKER Mike Baker was appointed in December as the acting coordinator for MFRI’s Simulation Center, assuming the position previously held by Mike Kernan who retired at the end of the year. Baker has been a MFRI instructor for 35 years, teaching fire, rescue and management programs.

STEVE COX MIKE BAKER

STEVE COX

Steve Cox currently serves as the acting assistant director of field operations. Cox is a longtime member of the Maryland fire service and former MFRI field operations manager.

He is a past president of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association and currently MFRI’s quality assurance/quality improvement coordinator.

DELISE DEFREITAS

Delise DeFreitas has joined the Advanced Life Support Section as a business services specialist. Since joining MFRI in 2014, DeFreitas has held the roles of front desk receptionist and accountant for travel in the Administrative Services Section. DeFreitas is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in emergency management.

SHELBY DIEUDONNE DELISE DEFREITAS

SHELBY DIEUDONNE

Shelby Dieudonne transferred from her position as the business services specialist in the Advanced Life Support Section to the business services specialist at the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center. Prior to MFRI, Dieudonne worked as an administrative assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies from Shenandoah University.

MARIKA JONES Marika Jones transferred to the role of purchasing coordinator in the Administrative Services Section. Since joining MFRI in 2017, Jones held the position as administrative assistant in her current section. Prior to joining MFRI, Jones was an administrative assistant at the D.C. General Homeless Shelter where she provided counsel.

PHYLLIS LOWE MARIKA JONES

PHYLLIS LOWE

Phyllis Lowe joined MFRI’s Lower Eastern Shore Regional Training Center as its business services specialist on Nov. 12. Prior to joining MFRI, Lowe was an information technology data entry clerk at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

APRIL ROE

April Roe joined the Administrative Services Section as an administrative assistant on Jan. 22. This is Roe’s second position at UMD where she was an administrative assistant at the University Health Center. Prior to joining UMD, Roe worked at a dental office in Edgewater.

MAXIM SAUNDERS APRIL ROE

MAXIM SAUNDERS

Maxim Saunders, training instructor in the Special Programs Section, will serve on the Fire and Explosive Investigation Advisory Workgroup, which is sponsored by Maryland State Fire Prevention Commission.

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ALS REFRESHER PROGAM MEETS NCCP REQUIREMENTS

By Jim Radcliffe, Manager, MFRI Advanced Life Support Section In July 2017, the state of Maryland adopted the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP). The NCCP model divides training requirements into three areas: the National Continued Competency Requirements (NCCR), Local Continued Competency Requirements (LCCR) and the Individual Continued Competency Requirements (ICCR). Applicants recertifying their National Registry Paramedic Certification will need the following: • NCCR: 30 hours • LCCR: 15 hours of content as directed by Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) • ICCR: 15 hours In order to meet the 30-hour NCCR requirements for National Registry recertification, students must successfully complete EMS 305 and EMS 306.

The MFRI Advanced Life Support (ALS) refresher program has been evolving over the last three years when Jim Radcliffe from the ALS Section and Kyle Bates from the Institute Development Section (IDS) began working together on this project. When Bates presented the concept to Radcliffe to enhance MFRI’s ALS training, they began first with EMS 304 and then with the new EMS 305-NCCR: ALS Refresher Part I and EMS 306-NCCR: ALS Refresher Part II. They continued evolving the program through feedback from students and instructors, while learning how to make the program better.

Through the collaboration of subject matter experts and instructors, Bates led a team to create this new course. If you are looking for a “death-by-PowerPoint” class, EMS 305 is not for you. There are only five interactive lectures during the entire course. For the remaining course time, students are in small groups, working through interactive learning activities. The majority of these activities are called interactive learning cases (ILC). These ILCs are not typical skills stations; they are guided, scenario-based learning as you may have seen from Facebook posts of students crawling through tunnels or under tables. The most beneficial aspect of the ILC is the class conversations.

The direction of the patient is determined by the decisions of the students and the knowledge and experience that they bring to the classroom. This course is completely student-centered.

EMS 305 is the current 24-hour classroom portion of the 30 hours of required NCCR content. The remaining six hours are covered in the EMS 306 online course that a student is enrolled in after the first day of EMS 305.

Comments received on student course evaluations for EMS 305 include, “best course ever,” “this is my first MFRI course in many years, but I will be back” and “in 30 years as a provider, this is the best refresher I have ever taken.” If you haven’t taken a MFRI ALS refresher in a while, it may be time to experience what these participants are talking about. Spots are filling up fast for courses, so be sure to sign up for a course near you.

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VIRTUAL REALITY AND THE FUTURE OF TRAINING

By Paul Flippin, Manager, MFRI Special Programs Section On January 23, Dr. Jayfus Doswell, CEO of Juxtopia, gave a presentation to MFRI staff on the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles and glasses for fire and EMS training purposes. The hourlong presentation introduced MFRI’s association with Juxtopia, particularly the Special Programs Section (SPS) of MFRI, and the framework for that partnership. SPS, along with Juxtopia, has worked on three grant proposals. One was awarded in the form of a $26,200 grant from the National Institutes of Health from 2016–2018 for assisting in the facilitation of testing VR technology, created by Juxtopia, in relation to its use in the field for training beginner and intermediate fire and EMS personnel in fundamental protocols.

In his presentation, Doswell elucidated further on the methodology and findings in this and other studies under his purview, his vision for the future with regard to VR and augmented reality (AR) technology and its use in the fire service and the military. He also touched on potential future collaborations with MFRI. While his presentation sparked some questions in relation to EMS training protocols and delivery within his AR platform, it did provide valuable dialog on the future of VR and AR in the fire and EMS world, and its role in training modalities and practical field applications. MFRI looks forward to working with Juxtopia on future grant opportunities. right: Montgomery County Firefighter Jared Hendrix tries on augmented reality goggles.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS SECTION SPRING COURSES APRIL April 2 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code April 8 Certified Fire Protection Specialist Preparatory April 15 Fire Inspector I April 29 Hazardous Materials Operations (Extended Version) May 6

Fire Officer III

May 13 Fire Inspector I

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: RDESPER@MFRI.ORG OR VISIT WWW.MFRI.ORG

May 21 Hazardous Materials Incident Commander January-March 2019 - 7

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Indicia

MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE COLLEGE PARK, MD 20742

WWW.MFRI.ORG

WE’RE GOING DIGITAL! In an effort to embrace technology and expand readership both nationally and internationally, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute will begin distributing the Bulletin online. Starting June 1, 2019, the Bulletin will be delivered electronically.

To receive a digital copy of the newsletter, please email bulletin@mfri.org.

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