MFRI Bulletin: January-March 2024

EMS STUDENTS PREP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Convening in the classroom from 7–10 p.m. several nights each week is a challenging undertaking but the EMS students in class with instructors Ryan Emmons and Mark Cates are engaged, well-informed, and ready to learn.

The evening class kicked off by reinforcing their knowledge through a series of quiz questions on EMSTesting.com. Ryan then separated the students into small groups and presented them with emergency medical scenarios ranging from a cardiac event to a respiratory attack. Students were charged with developing pertinent questions to ask patients. Next, they focused on the steps necessary to assess each condition roleplaying as EMTs and patients.

In response to the respiratory condition, questions included: What did you most recently ingest? What were you doing when the reaction occurred? Do you have any known allergies? Have you had a reaction previously?

How severe was your last reaction?

“You need to be a detective,” said Ryan. “Rephrase the same question differently to see if an answer stays consistent.”

“In the event of a cardiac emergency, find out if they have experienced the symptoms previously. If

you see medications, look at the pill bottles and do the math to determine if they are following the dosage instructions,” added Ryan.

Students were then given a bag of props that included an inhaler, an epinephrine injector, and naloxone. They proceeded through the steps for administering the rescue drugs and also practiced taking each other’s blood pressure.

Instructor Mark Cates also demonstrated how to administer albuterol with a mouthpiece, reviewing the dosage for adults versus children.

To see our full listing of EMS class offerings, log on to the MFRI website: www.mfri.org/catalog

top photo: EMS students routinely practice the proper protocols for taking blood pressure readings.

bottom photo: MFRI Instructor Mark Cates demonstrates how to administer albuterol and oxygen.

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-in-Chief: Diane May

Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn

Graphics Manager: Ana Maizel

Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles

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.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Fire and Emergency Services Training: A Lifelong Process

We all know nothing really stays the same. It seems that life has a way of ushering in change with virtually everything we do. In fact, change occurs so frequently these days it sometimes can be difficult to keep up with all the new progressions we are exposed to.

Recently, I attended this year’s Hoglund Officers Seminar and the MFRI National Fire Service Staff and Command program. These events were held at the University of Maryland Shady Grove Campus and at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis.

Both of these programs had a great lineup of presenters who delivered programs such as: The Charleston 9 - A Case Study of Change Following Tragedy; Lithium-Ion Battery Fires – First Responder Awareness; the new National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS); Size-up and Coordinated Attack to Enable Effective Search and Suppression Operations; Flawed Situational Awareness – The Stealth Killer of First Responders; Cancer in the Fire Service; IAFC Issues Facing Today’s Leaders; Effective Public Information Messages; Leveraging Intelligence to Improve Fire/ EMS Preparedness, Operations, and Safety; UL Fire Dynamics on the Fireground; and Firehouse Law for Fire Service Leaders. Both events were very well attended by Maryland first responders and fire service leaders from more than 27 states.

All of these presentations shared the common theme of change. Change should never be looked upon as something negative, especially in fire and emergency services training. This type of change always ushers in new practices, procedures, or information. Instructors and students alike, equipped with new processes and information, help prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths. Moreover, they make for a more efficient and effective response force that will ultimately operate more safely helping to reduce responder injuries.

While nothing lasts forever, change will be an ever-present part of fire and emergency services training making this an everimportant lifelong process for training agencies, instructors, and students alike.

Michael E. Cox Jr.

INSTRUCTOR SKILLS WEEKENDS SCHEDULED

Do you have instructor candidates who have successfully completed Instructor II (or the MFRI equivalent)? If so, you are invited to participate in Skills Enhancement Weekends at MFRI.

Spring 2024 Instructor Skills will be held on the following dates:

Skills Enhancement Weekend:

Saturday and Sunday, April 20 - 21

Skills Weekend:

Saturday and Sunday, May 4 - 5

Please submit the following candidate information from your region/academy by Friday, April 5, 2024.

• Candidate Name

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• Last five digits of Social Security Number

• Mailing Address

• Discipline (EMS, Fire, Hazardous Materials, or Rescue)

Please direct all of the above information to Deb Sklodowski: dsklodowski@mfri.org. Management Skills will still be evaluated via portfolio, method of experience, and training credentials using the required matrix sheet. Please submit any candidates for Management Skills to Todd Dyche via email: tdyche@mfri.org

Howard County firefighters and recruits convened on one of the coldest mornings this winter to train at the MFRI burn building. The team drilled hose and ladder skills, ventilation, and fire suppression.

MFRI HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

MFRI kicked off the month of March with strong educational programming. In conjunction with the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, MFRI hosted the John W. Hoglund Maryland Officers Seminar. The program spanned two days and drew 90 participants from 60 fire departments. Featured speakers discussed organizational change, Lithium-ion battery fires; National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS); and effective search and suppression operations.

The following week, 80 fire service leaders (14 from Maryland) came together in Annapolis for the National Fire Service Staff and Command conference. Information-packed programming during the annual week-long conference included: Culture Change Following Tragedy: In Honor of the Charleston 9; Cancer in the Fire Service; Issues Facing Today’s Leaders; Tell Your Story (Communicating as a PIO); Leveraging Intelligence to Improve Fire/ EMS Preparedness, Operations and Safety; National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS); Fire Dynamics on the Fireground and Firehouse Law.

In addition to educational programming, the participants toured the U.S. Naval Academy and spent time after hours seeking out the best crabcakes.

top photo: Dr. David Griffin did double duty speaking at the Hoglund Seminar and the Staff and Command program, sharing his compelling story for organizational change in honor of the Charleston 9 who lost their lives in the 2007 Sofa Super Store fire in Charleston, South Carolina.

bottom photo: Annapolis Fire Department welcomed the 80 Staff and Command participants who spent the week in Maryland’s capital.

INSTRUCTOR • HIGHLIGHT

DENISE MASSEY

With a passion for EMS and a deep desire to reach more people, Denise Massey is in her ninth year as a MFRI instructor.

Teaching became the avenue for Denise to make a continuing impact. “As a provider, I help a lot of people. As a teacher, I am multiplying the number of providers empowering students to save lives and creating a ripple effect of positive change,” said Denise. “I wanted to make a difference on a broader scale.”

At MFRI, Denise specializes in teaching basic EMT and EMT refresher courses. Her dedication to her students is evident in the way she sets high expectations while serving as their biggest fan and cheerleader. Denise is known for her unwavering support and willingness to go the extra mile, offering assistance outside of class time to ensure her students’ success. Her goal is to instill a passion for EMS that matches her own.

a successful CPR save during their first EMS call. The gentleman they saved later presented them with lifesaving awards as a token of his gratitude. The joy and pride Denise felt for her students’ accomplishments exemplifies the atmosphere she fosters in all her classes. It is an environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to excel.

Teaching at MFRI has provided Denise with countless rewarding experiences. “Witnessing the ‘lightbulb moment’ when students grasp the importance of their training and how it applies to real-life situations in the field brings me immense joy. I cherish the transformation as my students begin to believe in themselves and their abilities.”

One of Denise’s most memorable teaching moments occurred when three of her students made

When she’s not teaching or immersed in the world of EMS, Denise is often in the company of her family. She is also an avid boater and enjoys spending time outdoors.

MFRI LEADERSHIP LOBBIES LEGISLATORS FOR INCREASED FUNDING

In January, MFRI leadership went to Annapolis to communicate the critical need for increased funding along with other representatives from Maryland emergency services organizations.

Maryland’s statewide emergency medical services system is supported by the Maryland Emergency Medical Services Operations Fund (MEMSOF). Funding comes from a percentage of every vehicle registration fee as well as fees from moving violations.

These dollars fund the state’s: ten trauma helicopters, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Funds also support grants for local fire, rescue, and ambulance services.

Spending is impacted by the rise in inflation and the vehicle surcharges have not been increased since 2013.

To support public safety, emergency services organizations are requesting that legislators increase vehicle registration fees by $4.25 a year.

MFRI senior leadership Steve Cox, Michael Cox, and Pat Marlatt lobby legislators in Annapolis for increased funding for emergency services organizations.

MARYLAND FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS BOARD

REACCREDITED BY THE PRO BOARD

In November, the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB), in association with the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI), hosted a site-visit team from the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board).

During the visit, team members from other accredited entities in the

United States and Canada inspected the Maryland Voluntary Certification System including all applicable policies and procedures, MFRI certification exams, and correlation documents. They also conducted interviews with system users.

In January, a delegation from MFSPQB and MFRI attended the Pro Board Conference in Orlando,

Florida. The group was presented with a Certificate of Reaccreditation awarding five more years of continuing accreditation to issue Pro Board certifications to those completing applicable MFRI training courses.

During the conference, delegation members attended training sessions, business meetings, and workshops related to pro-qual certification.

The Maryland Delegation shown here from left to right: Mike Pfaltzgraff, Anne Arundel County; Craig Smith, Prince George’s County; Ben Harris, Frederick County; Lisa Smeltzer, Howard County; Bob Rose, MFSPQB Executive Secretary; Keegan Tozaki, Howard County; Bob Midkiff, MFRI; Carrenda Jennings, MFRI, Mike Robinson, MFSPQB Chair; and Diane May, MFRI Certification Manager. Photo courtesy of the NBFSPQ.

MFRI’S AUDREY WILLIAMS SUPPORTS LEADERSHIP MARYLAND

Audrey Williams, Director of Finance and Administration/Equity Administrator at MFRI, attended the Leadership Maryland Class of 2023 graduation at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport along with classmates from her graduating class of 2022. (appearing in photo at top row, right)

Each year, 52 accomplished members are chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program. Sessions focus on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multiculturalism/diversity across the state.

Leadership Maryland’s professional development program is dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. The program’s roster of graduates includes MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox, who was a member of the class of 2016.

The program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or communities.

MFRI BIDS A FOND FAREWELL TO TWO LONG-TIME STAFFERS

In March, Facilities Manager Tim Delehanty and Print Services Coordinator Bill Robinson retired from their long careers at MFRI.

TIM DELEHANTY

Tim started his fire service at the age of 12 when he joined the Mount Rainer Volunteer Fire Department as a Future Fireman. He continually climbed the ranks and was elected chief of the Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1992.

During his career, he worked for the United States Postal Service and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Fire Department. He also served as Fire Captain at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until his retirement in 2010. In 1993, he became an Emergency Services Instructor. He started teaching part-time at MFRI in 1996 and came on full-time as Facilities Supervisor in 2014. From 2018 to 2024, Tim served as Facilities Coordinator at MFRI.

Tim is a long-standing member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Service Instructors. He was honored as Firefighter of the Year by the Chillum Adelphi and Bladensburg Volunteer Fire Departments. Tim is an active member of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

BILL ROBINSON

Bill Robinson joined MFRI in 2002 and worked tirelessly over the past 22 years as the Print Services Coordinator, always taking last-minute printing requests in stride and with a smile.

“Bill is like a big brother to me and we both come from Buffalo, NY,” said Barry Hannah, who is in Logistical Support Services at MFRI. “Bill was instrumental in getting the new printing machines/color printer in the print room.”

Before bringing his expertise to MFRI, Bill worked for The Heritage Foundation, Kwik Copy, Xerox, and for TOSS, a company that provides copying services for the U.S. Customs Service.