MFRI Bulletin: July-September 2023

MFRI BULLETIN

TECHNICAL ROPE RESCUE STUDENTS ELEVATE THEIR SKILLS

Spending most of their training days suspended off the ground and smiling about it, technical rope rescue students practiced victim pickoffs and self-rescue at Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department. Training included high-angle rescue techniques

relying on ropes, knots and anchors to practice victim access and rescue drills. They concluded training class with a low-angle rescue using the crawl, walk, run method and working together to devise and execute the plan.

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, the environment and property.

Bulletin Staff

Editor: Diane May

Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn

Graphics: Ana Maizel

Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles

Communications Intern: Joey Sybert

Contact MFRI

tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org 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, 4500 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 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 may contain 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.

The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Recent events here in Maryland highlight the need for all emergency services responders to be prepared and always at the ready. Regardless of whether you live in a rural, suburban or urban area, we must ensure that an appropriate level of situational awareness and training is acquired to handle all hazards incidents when they occur.

Whether an incident can be managed by a single unit or it requires multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional responses, the effective use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and the appropriate application of various strategies and tactics are crucial to safety and a successful outcome.

Fortunately, there are numerous training programs available to assist first responders in their preparation for these types of events. One of the essential programs is simulation training. The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute has had great success delivering such programs through our Incident Command Simulation Center in College Park. Now, with the assistance of customized technology, we will offer online simulation training that can be practiced at local fire stations, during training classes, or even right at home.

Starting this month, MFRI’s Sim Center will provide free online access to training simulations. Scenarios will be designed for multiple disciplines including: fire, EMS, hazardous materials, rescue, active threats, and aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF). The simulations will enable users to hone their command and tactical skills individually or through company-level training.

We must constantly strive for improved training to ensure that our responders are prepared to face a broad spectrum of incidents. This online tool will help to ensure our responders are fully prepared and among the best-trained providers in the nation.

MICHAEL E. COX JR.

ACCESS MFRI’S FREE ONLINE TRAINING SIMULATIONS, VISIT: WWW.MFRI.ORG/SIMCENTER

EMT TRAINING PREPARES FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS FOR SUCCESS

Taking a deep dive into EMT studies in the classroom and out in the field, new recruits have spent the summer developing their skills at MFRI.

Studying respiratory, digestive, urinary and additional body systems, students worked in groups to present and teach the functions to their classmates.

EMT students explored the option of practicing their skills in the air when flight medics from a Maryland State Police MedEvac touched down at College Park Airport.

MFRI AT THE MARYLAND STATE FIREMAN’S ASSOCIATION CONVENTION

A contingent of MFRI staffers headed “down the ocean” for the 131st Maryland State Fireman’s Association Convention in late June. Providing transcripts and certification histories and also marketing MFRI merchandise, the group had the opportunity to interact with students and fire service members.

The conference featured speakers, education and training classes, the annual awards ceremony and installation of officers, fire and emergency vehicles and exhibitors. This year, there was also a “Cooking With Fire” competition.

On a more serious side, the Maryland Active Assailant Interdisciplinary Work Group provided an update on their assailant preparedness efforts and how partners across the state can get involved.

Fire Chief (retired) Patrick Kenny presented a poignant personal address about mental health strategies and the challenges of wearing the superhero cape at work, at home and in your personal life. (His book “Taking the Cape Off” examines this further).

Additionally, Raymond O’Brocki, Manager of Fire Service Relations for the American Wood Council, discussed the dangers of vacant dwellings and the pervasiveness of this problem in urban centers. He also offered ideas on mitigating the issue, such as charging property owners as criminals when a firefighter death occurs in a vacant dwelling. Another alternative would expedite the legal process enabling a city to assume ownership of a vacant property and bill the owner for its repair or demolition.

top: left to right: MFRI employees Grace Sokolowski, Jack Beall, Bob Rose, Tim Delehanty, Mike Baker, Rhonda Desper, Brian Fuselier and Audrey Williams provided students with transcripts and certification histories at the MSFA Annual Convention.

center: Convention opening ceremonies featured a presentation of the colors, marching band and bagpipers in addition to a host of speakers.

left:

Ocean City Fire Department Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington took the top chef honor at the conference’s first “Cooking With Fire” competition.

MFRI STAFFERS RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE

During the Maryland State Fireman’s Association Convention in Ocean City, a host of MFRI employees were honored for their dedication to the fire and rescue profession.

Jack Beall received the Russell J. Strickland Memorial Award for promoting certification among fire and emergency services personnel in the state of Maryland.

Jack serves as Regional Coordinator at MFRI’s Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center. Previously, he was the emergency response coordinator for the National Disaster Medical System. He also served as Battalion Chief with Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

Operations Section Chief Steve Cox was named the Robert H. Shimer Administrator of the Year. Steve was recognized for his dedication to his professional role and for his outstanding contributions in the community.

Previously Steve served as Regional Fire Chief of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services. He is former Fire Chief of Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and a past president of the Maryland State Fireman’s Association.

The Maryland Fire Service Professional Qualifications Board in conjunction with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute selected Scott Whetsell as the recipient of the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award. Scott was honored for outstanding dedication to his EMS students’ success over the past decade.

Scott works full time as an Information Systems Specialist with the West Virginia State Police. He also works contractually for Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) as a Basic Life Support (BLS) Evaluator and volunteers at the LaVale Volunteer Rescue Squad and Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department.

photos: top: Jack Beall (pictured second from right) middle: Steve Cox (pictured on left) bottom: Scott Whetsell (pictured middle)

INSTRUCTOR HIGHLIGHT

KEVIN GILMORE

With a wealth of experience in the fire service and an unwavering commitment to teaching, Kevin Gilmore is an invaluable asset to MFRI’s instructor team.

Kevin’s passion for teaching stems from his desire to share the skills he has acquired throughout his career. “I have always wanted to be an instructor to impart the real-life skills and knowledge I have learned and to make a positive impact on people in the fire service,” said Kevin. Joining MFRI as an instructor in 2018, Kevin is committed to guiding and mentoring aspiring first responders.

In addition to his role at MFRI, Kevin serves as a Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator with the Baltimore County Fire Department. This dual role enhances his teaching by bringing real-world experiences and practical insights into the classroom. At MFRI, Kevin teaches a variety of classes including fire, EMS and rescue training. He is also in the process of adding management to his instructor offerings.

Kevin’s students can expect an immersive learning experience that goes beyond the curriculum. He incorporates real-life scenarios and provides comprehensive training to ensure his students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to

excel. Kevin firmly believes in pushing his students to grow and reach their full potential, reflecting his dedication to their personal and professional development.

Throughout his teaching career, Kevin has been privileged to witness numerous memorable moments. “Not only am I teaching, I’m also learning from my students. You will never stop learning in this career,” added Kevin.

Teaching at MFRI allows Kevin to engage with students from across the state. This enables him to adapt his teaching methods to different departmental operations, ensuring that everybody gains practical insights into how their respective departments function.

Beyond instructing, Kevin is a successful business owner. He runs a firearms training business and a CPR/First Aid training center, further exemplifying his commitment to promoting safety across the board.

Kevin Gilmore’s multifaceted career as an instructor, firefighter, and business owner showcases his dedication to continuous learning and making a positive impact on the communities he serves.

FACULTY AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT

BOB ROSE

MFRI’s Bob Rose was recently awarded the 2023 John W. Hoglund Leadership Award by the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association.

Bestowed on those who demonstrate exemplary fire service leadership, Bob was honored for his decades of dedication to Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC), Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association (AACVFA), Anne Arundel County Fire Department, and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI).

“Having known and worked for Mr. Hoglund for many years when he was director of MFRI, I was extremely surprised and honored to receive this recognition from the Maryland Fire Chiefs,” said Bob, who serves as Certification Facilitator for Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board at MFRI headquarters.

Throughout his 50 years of service, Bob has been a training instructor/manager as a volunteer, as a career member and as a MFRI employee. He is the go-to guy for Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualification Board certifications and also serves as the board’s executive secretary.

DIANE MAY

Diane May was recently honored by Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) at the EMS 50th Anniversary Event. She was selected as one of the 50 stars recognized for exceptional commitment and dedication throughout her career.

With more than 35 years of service at MFRI, Diane currently serves as the Planning Chief managing curriculum and instructor professional development seminars. She also teaches EMS, instructor training and management courses.

In 2020, MFRI and the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board honored Diane with the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award in recognition of her many contributions to EMS, fire, and rescue training and education in Maryland.

MFRI STAFFERS BECOME STUDENTS

MFRI employees had the opportunity to practice what we teach, taking part in an all-day first aid, CPR and AED course. Led by MFRI Information Technology Coordinator and Instructor Tom Sweeting, participants focused on infant and adult CPR, administering an EpiPen and Narcan and treating a choking victim. The class also focused on emergency first aid including instruction on tourniquet use and wound packing.

“We provide this class in our workplace for our staff, but statistically we are more likely to use these skills to help a member of our family at home,” said Tom. “Over the years many students have shared stories about using the skills they learned in our classes in their homes and communities.”

“I decided to take this training because it is essential to equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives in emergencies,” said Ruddhi Wadadekar, Senior Instructional Designer at MFRI. “I understand that accidents and medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and being trained in CPR gives me the ability to respond effectively and confidently. The training highlighted the significance of maintaining the correct rhythm and depth of compressions and breaths.”

photo: MFRI staffers Donesia Margolis and Ruddhi Wadadekar practice infant CPR compressions during a full-day, free first aid training class that was offered to employees at MFRI headquarters.