BULLETIN
EMS STUDENT PUTS SKILLS INTO PRACTICE DURING FAMILY
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
In late February, 20-year-old EMS student Jessica Sines was in the backseat of the car with her parents traveling on Route 340 in Frederick. Her father David was driving and eating and her mother Mary was in the front passenger seat. During the drive, Jessica quickly realized her dad was experiencing a medical emergency. She didn’t know if he was choking but she did know he wasn’t responding. “He was fully out,” said Jessica. “I told my mom that she had to take control of the car.”
Jessica’s mother managed to steer safely onto the shoulder of the road. As soon as the car stopped, Jessica sprang into action. She assessed her father’s condition and quickly called 911. “I knew he wasn’t breathing, and he had no pulse,” she said.
Unable to move him from the vehicle, Jessica thought fast. She reclined the driver’s seat to gain better access and began performing chest compressions while staying on the line with the dispatcher. “They assured me they wouldn’t hang up,” she said.
Within minutes, emergency crews arrived. The EMTs took over CPR and placed an airway to help David breathe. “I sat in the front seat of the ambulance while they worked on him,” Jessica said. “There was fear he might code again.”
At the hospital, David underwent a cardiac catheterization and received an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) to monitor and regulate his heart rhythm. “He’s doing much better now,” said Jessica. “He had stents placed previously, but this was the first time he went into cardiac arrest.”
Jessica had recently completed the Critical Trauma Care course for nursing and the first module of her EMS training. She has also been a volunteer with the Brunswick Fire Department since she was 19.
photo: EMS student Jessica Sines was surrounded with supporters as she accepted an award from Brunswick Fire Department
Lieutenant Steve White. Pictured L to R: Jessica’s mom, Mary Hagan; her father, David Sines; MFRI EMS instructor Cassie Goodman; Lieutenant Steve White, and Brunswick Firefighter Anthony Smothers.
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.
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Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn
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Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles
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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
As another fiscal-year comes to a close, we celebrate the successes of the past year and look ahead with new goals and accomplishments to achieve. It has truly been an honor for the faculty, staff, and instructors here at the Institute to continue to carry on this nearly centurylong tradition of educating Maryland’s emergency responders by providing stateof-the-art training programs.
In the past year, we have worked diligently to deliver a vast array of diverse programs to ensure our first responders are equipped to face the wide range of incidents they encounter day in, and day out. In fact, over the past year, the Institute hosted more than 24,000 students who participated in various programs across the state. This resulted in the delivery of 2,372 programs that clocked more than 743,000 student hours and nearly 50,000 instructor hours.
In fiscal year 2026, Maryland’s first responders can expect to see:
• The revision and development of more than 15 different training programs.
• The continued development of crucial seminars that address emerging threats and issues.
• Ongoing EMS testing at all seven MFRI training centers.
• The continued investment in the newest equipment and props to ensure effective hands-on training in all areas of the state.
• The leveraging of AI-driven analytics and tools to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional planning, curriculum development, course scheduling, course evaluation, and quality.
We remain dedicated to our mission to teach and train those who are called to protect life, property, and the environment.
Michael E. Cox Jr.
INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATES TRAIN TO TEACH TOMORROW’S
FIRST RESPONDERS
Fifty-eight instructor candidates (28 Fire; 16 EMS; 9 Rescue; and 5 Hazardous Materials) spent two weekends this April training to teach at MFRI. Under the direction of veteran instructors from across the state, candidates demonstrated skills while simultaneously explaining their actions during the hands-on sessions.
“This process is designed to overview all skills necessary to teach within each respective emergency discipline,” said Todd Dyche, who coordinates MFRI’s instructor candidacy and training twice a year and also serves as Coordinator for the MFRI Western Maryland Regional Training Center. “If students are successful, they possess the ability to instruct for their sponsoring agency. Sponsoring agencies for this course included each regional MFRI office and other academy programs from across the state.”
The 2025 Fall Skills Enhancement will be held on September 20th and 21st and the Skills Weekend will run October 4th and 5th at MFRI HQ. If you are a sponsoring agency and have candidates to submit, please look for an informational email soon or contact Todd Dyche at tdyche@umd.edu or by phone at 301-729-0431.
If you are interested in joining the MFRI instructor team, please reach out to your regional MFRI office or email tdyche@umd.edu
Many thanks go out to the following team players for making this event a success: Erik Kornmeyer; MFRI Logistical Services Section; MFRI Skills Instructors; and MFRI Leadership.
top and bottom photos: MFRI’s spring instructor skills weekends brought 58 new instructor candidates to campus for two weekends of training.
MFRI ENGAGES COMMUNITY AT MARYLAND DAY
In late April, thousands gathered in College Park for Maryland Day, UMD’s annual festival of learning and discovery. MFRI staff welcomed visitors, guided hands-on fire extinguisher activities, demonstrated sprinkler systems, and answered questions from students exploring fire service careers.
photo: MFRI Logistics student employee and Berwyn Heights firefighter Joseph Allen instructed future firefighters of all ages how to use a fire extinguisher.
The MFRI Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Section works to ensure that policies, procedures, and exams meet established standards. Exam question validation is a frequent concern raised by stakeholders. Students contact the QA/QI Section to ask who creates exam questions, how questions are selected, and what the process is to request clarity about a question. The Planning Section reviews question quality and verifies answer references through a multi-step process.
STEP 1: Completed by the publisher. The first step is to create a set of exam questions from the textbook. This exam question generating process is completed by the publisher using a variety of methods. A working set of questions is created by this activity for the course.
STEP 2: Completed by the publisher. Exam questions are reviewed by a group of national subject matter experts (SMEs). Those members are selected by the publisher. All exam questions are checked for structure, spelling, and grammar. Validated questions from the textbook publisher are then submitted to MFRI Planning for review.
STEP 3: Conducted by the MFRI Planning Section Staff. The team completes a review of each question to ensure they are in the proper format and free
THE HIGH-LEVEL FOCUS ON EXAM QUESTION VALIDATION
By Michael McAdams, MFRI Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Manager
of typos and grammatical mistakes. True/False Questions and Questions with answers “All of the Above” and “None of the Above” are deleted from the test bank.
STEP 4: MFRI assembles a vetted panel of subject matter experts—staff, instructors, and active personnel—ensuring topic relevance and service involvement. Panel members commit to confidentiality and test material security.
Each question is reviewed by at least two MFRI SMEs using a detailed guide and validated against IFSAC and ProBoard standards to confirm Job Performance Requirements (JPRs). This dual-review process helps identify flawed questions early. All steps require documentation, and unverifiable items are removed from the test bank.
If an unclear question appears during an exam, students must alert the proctor immediately and submit documentation (class number, exam series, question number, and issue). Appeals must be made during the exam; late submissions are not accepted. Reviews are completed within a few days.
For questions, contact QA/QI Manager Michael McAdams at mmcadams@umd.edu.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS CONVENTION
above photo: MFRI staff provided transcripts and certification histories to attendees at the Maryland State Firefighters Association Convention in Ocean City. Pictured left to right: Phyllis Lowe, Jay Jester, Rhonda Desper, Erik Kornmeyer, Grace Sokolowski, Brian Fuselier, Bob Rose, Audrey Williams, and Jack Beall.
top right photo: Lieutenant John Shoemaker received the Russell J. Strickland Certification Award for his outstanding efforts in promoting fire and emergency services certification.
middle right photo: MFRI Instructor and Acting Southern Maryland Regional Training Center Coordinator and MFRI instructor Ed Rachinskas was honored with the Francis L. Brannigan Instructor of the Year Award.
bottom right photo: MFRI Executive Director Michael Cox recognized the conclusion of Skip Carey’s term as President of the Maryland State Firefighters Association at the MSFA Gala held at the U.S. Naval Academy Stadium on May 31, 2025.
continued from front page
“Her dad will never fully understand what she did for him,” said Jessica’s mom, Mary. “She had such composure. When she asked me to call 911, I asked her for the number. She calmly dialed.”
Heart issues run in David’s family. He has lost both a brother and a sister to cardiac complications, and two of his remaining brothers have undergone heart surgeries.
Thanks to Jessica’s swift actions and training, her father is now stable and going for follow-up appointments. As for Jessica, she wants to work for the fire station and become a nurse. “I like helping people,” she said. “I have a medical condition as well, so I have been in and out of hospitals. My peers at the station inspire me and I want to make an impact for change.”
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: DENISE MASSEY
EMS instructor Denise Massey was recently recognized for her unwavering dedication, exceptional instruction, and steadfast commitment to her students’ success with an award presented by Acting Southern Maryland Regional Training Center Coordinator Ed Rachinskas.
“Denise embodies the qualities of an exceptional instructor and a dedicated team player,” said Ed. “Her commitment to teaching and her students is truly remarkable, as she shapes competent and confident future first responders. Denise doesn’t just impart knowledge; she fosters a genuine understanding and passion for the critical skills required in emergency medical care.”
“Beyond her impactful instruction, Denise always delivers accurate and complete paperwork,” said Ed. “This might seem like a behind-the-scenes detail, yet its impact reverberates throughout the entire SMRTC operation. Her meticulous attention to detail and timely submission of documentation alleviates administrative burdens on her colleagues. By ensuring that all records are in order and submitted promptly, Denise empowers the SMRTC staff to focus our energy and expertise on other crucial duties, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire organization.”
“Denise’s support for the staff at SMRTC creates a positive and collaborative work environment,” Ed continued. “Her willingness to go the extra mile and help whenever needed fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the team.”
Denise was presented with a plaque that was inscribed with the message, “Thank you for shaping the future of Emergency Medical Services with honor, passion, and professionalism.”
MFRI SUPPORTS 44TH NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL WEEKEND
Held the first weekend in May in Emmitsburg, MD, the 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend honored 140 firefighters who died in the line of duty—70 from 2024 and 70 from previous years.
“Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to come together to honor their bravery, to stand beside their families, and ensure their legacy lives on in every community they so selflessly served,” said NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro.
MFRI volunteers played a vital role in transporting 170 fire-hero family members from BWI Airport to local hotels. Logistics were led by State Programs Manager Andy Levy, with support from volunteers Jack Beall, Mike Crawford, Jeff Fleming, Jennifer Ginn, and Ed Rachinskas. Drivers from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and Maryland Fire Chiefs Association also assisted.
Photo courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Photo: Denise Massey was recently recognized by Ed Rachinskas and the Southern Maryland Regional Training Center for her outstanding efforts as a MFRI instructor and employee.
INSTRUCTOR HIGHLIGHT
JOHN SHOEMAKER
For nearly 30 years, John Shoemaker has been teaching fire, rescue, hazmat, EMS, and management classes at MFRI. “I loved my fire service career with Anne Arundel County and now, in retirement, I still have that same desire to give something back to the community that has been such an integral part of my life and that continues to inspire my instruction,” said John.
“I have drawn inspiration (and a few techniques) from the mentors who taught me so much through the years: Ray Hodgson, Jimmy Womelsdorf, Sonny Rose, Bob Rose, Jim Bradley, and Fran Jester, to name a few. Their dedication to teaching and commitment to their students is what I
have tried to emulate as an instructor,” explained John. “The MFRI community has been one of family, and the Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center administrative staff and its team of instructors have guided, supported, and encouraged me.”
John strives to present his students with a rigorous curriculum, in conjunction with the practical, hands-on skills that will enhance their knowledge and prepare them to be competent volunteer and professional fire and EMS service providers. “My classrooms are places of interactive learning, where camaraderie, collaboration, and creativity are encouraged; where discipline is exemplified; and [hopefully] where some fun occurs while life-long practices are established.”
“There have been so many memorable teaching moments,” John said. “Seeing those ‘light bulb moments,’ when a struggling student finally understands a concept or a practice, or witnessing the growing confidence a student exhibits as they connect their book learning with a skill acquisition.”
In recent years, John has taught the children and now,
grandchildren of former students. “Contributing to these family legacies is very rewarding,” he said.
In retirement, John educates numerous high school vocational students.
“Teaching the young volunteer and career firefighters who have gone on to become highranking fire and EMS officers is a source of great pride for me as an instructor,” John said. “Ultimately, my role as a MFRI Instructor has enhanced and expanded my ability to contribute to the fire service communities that are a privilege to serve.”
“The best advice I could give our MFRI students is that they should set their personal standards high. They should remove the phrases ‘I can’t’ or ‘I won’t’ from their vocabularies, replacing them with ‘I can’ and ‘I will,’” said John. “I would tell them to give 100% in their efforts because they will receive 110% in return. I would remind them to constantly look around and readily offer a hand to those striving alongside them.”
Finally, I would encourage them to personally embrace these universal principles using them to guide their own lives.”
UNDERSTANDING THE FIRE HAZARD FROM LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Fire departments around the world continue to encounter fire incidents involving thermal runaway of Lithiumion batteries in e-mobility devices.
Take time to read this new journal article, which resulted from a study led by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) in partnership with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY): “Quantifying the Fire Hazard from Li-Ion Battery Fires Caused by Thermal Runaway in E-scooters”
For more information, please contact Todd Dyche at tdyche@umd.edu or call 301-226-7320 or 301-729-0431.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
JOIN US FOR THE 2026 MARYLAND WEEKEND
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY EMMITSBURG, MD
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to expand your skills and network with fire service professionals from across the state.
Featured courses include:
• Command and Control for the Company Officer
• Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Ethically
• Emergency Response to Terrorism: Strategic Considerations
• Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth
• New Fire Chief: Challenging Issues
• Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon
Stay tuned—registration information coming soon!