“Officer down!” rang out through the hallway at MFRI. Equipped in tactical gear, first responders swiftly moved into action searching for a “victim” while protecting themselves and each other from potential assailants. A medic located the victim and then immobilized and evacuated his “wounded” counterpart on a stretcher.
“Ok,” calls out one of the instructors. “What went right?” This is Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support training, better known as CONTOMS. Designed to protect the protectors, the weeklong, 56-hour tactical training program teaches emergency responders to work as a team through simulated crisis situations. Bringing together fire, rescue, EMS, police, military, and medical providers, the training is taught and trialed in low light, confined spaces, or with smoke billowing to replicate real-life scenarios.
The training at MFRI culminated with responders rotating through scenarios in the dark, in 20-degree temperatures, implementing the skills they learned.
CONTOMS is a nationally standardized certification program created in 1990 through a partnership between the U.S. Park Police (USPP) and the Department of Defense Medical School.
Since its inception in 1990, more than 10,000 first responders have completed CONTOMS, training to respond more effectively in hazardous situations such as active shooter events, civil unrest, hostage situations or in disaster zones.
During the recent CONTOMS training at MFRI more than 70 trainees were led by 15 instructors. Participants included U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, SWAT teams, and EMTs. Marines volunteered to roleplay as victims.
The program also includes didactic lectures and labs, and concludes with a written test. CONTOMS participants are selected for the program and must retrain every three years to maintain their certification.
To find out more about the program, visit: www.contoms. chepinc.org.
Photo: In February, more than 70 first responders took on Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operational Medical Support (CONTOMS) training at MFRI.
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.
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
Each March, MFRI hosts the annual Staff and Command Course, bringing together fire experts and fire leaders from across the country.
For several years running, Dr. Richard Gasaway has shared his extensive expertise on flawed situational awareness as the stealth killer of first responders. This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and engaged in our surroundings, especially in high-stress, high-stakes emergency situations.
In the past seven years, the Maryland fire service has lost nine first responders in line-of-duty deaths. These tragic incidents have far-reaching consequences for families, friends, coworkers, and communities.
While numerous measures—such as engineered solutions, workplace safety rules, and personal protective equipment—are in place to keep individuals safe, sadly they are not fully effective in preventing serious workplace injuries or fatalities. Situational awareness is a critical skill that can be cultivated to help mitigate these risks.
Situational awareness is not a new skill or proficiency. It is simply an active process similar to critical thinking. It involves perception, assessment of information, and decision-making. It is a crucial skill that can be a lifeline for people in any workplace setting. More simply, situational awareness is the process of being acutely aware of what is going on around us and determining how we can respond effectively and safely to incidents.
Cultivating situational awareness is key in preventing accidents and injuries, improving decision-making, and ensuring a culture of safety. This is especially true in emergency services. Responders can develop a better understanding of their work environment, the critical elements they will face, and how they will change with time.
MFRI provides situational awareness through fire, rescue, and emergency medical services training. Developing this essential skill is an ongoing process that must be reinforced through regular training and employed on every call.
Michael E. Cox Jr.
ROPE RESCUE STUDENTS TEAM UP TO TRAIN
Under the skilled direction of MFRI Instructors Vinny Verdadero and Steve Hardesty, ten students tackled Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations in March.
Training in the woods near Bowie Baysox Stadium, students built a rope high line, used for rescues over water, impassable terrain, or other obstacles. Their training
culminated with the team working together to formulate a plan to rescue a manikin deep in a wooded gulley. Using an anchored ropes system, the crew sent one first responder down into the gulley and then retrieved the victim in a basket stretcher.
The students also honed their skills from the heights of the training
buildings at MFRI headquarters, using knots, ropes, rigging, anchorages, and belay operations to practice patient evacuation working in suspension.
Photos: Rope Rescue students ensure that their high line is properly constructed before the basket stetcher is lowered into the gulley to retrieve a manikin.
STAFF AND COMMAND COURSE ELEVATES LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Fire leaders from across the country came together in Annapolis, MD in early March for a week of information-packed programming at the National Fire Service Staff & Command Course.
Speakers and discussion focused on: Culture Change Following Tragedy: In Honor the Charleston 9; Cancer in the Fire Service; Fire Dynamics on the Fireground; Tell Your Story – Communicating as a PIO; Leveraging Intelligence to Improve Fire/EMS Preparedness; and Firehouse Law.
Participants, who hailed from 21 different states, braved the wind and the rain to tour the U.S. Naval Academy and also had dinner on-site at the firehouse.
Photo: Fire leaders from across the country convened in Annapolis, MD for the annual Staff & Command Course jointly hosted by MFRI and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). The week-long learning program brings the nation’s top emergency services experts together to address issues facing first-responder leadership.
HOGLUND SEMINAR FOCUSES ON FIREFIGHTER SAFETY
More than 100 first responders attended the John W. Hoglund Maryland Officers Seminar, which was held March 8-9, 2025, at the Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center in Rockville.
Retired Deputy Chief Dan Shaw, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue and Captain Doug Mitchell of FDNY provided an in-depth look at line-of-duty deaths in residential building fires and shared their knowledge on time-tested techniques, tips, and drills to employ. The two are also coauthors of the book “25 to Survive: Reducing Residential Injury and LODD.”
Deputy Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder, Loveland-Symmes Fire Department in OH, shared his expertise on dwelling and small commercial structure fires.
John W. Hoglund served as the director of MFRI for 22 years, from 1970-1992, and as Director Emeritus until his passing in 2020. Hoglund was a nationally renowned leader in the fields of firefighting education, fire prevention, and public safety. The seminar was named in his honor and he was inducted into the Maryland State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame in 1989 for his many contributions to the Maryland Fire Service.
Photos: More than 100 first responders attended the Hoglund Seminar in Rockville, MD in early March. Speaker sessions focused on reducing injury and lessons learned from fighting fires. Photos by Joseph Chornock.
QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOREFRONT AT MFRI
By Michael McAdams, MFRI QA/QI Manager
As part of MFRI’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, the formalization of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Section is a key initiative and currently in progress. The process is being developed in collaboration with stakeholders, staff, and students.
Executive Director Cox has appointed a 10-member Quality Assurance Committee (QAC), comprised of subject matter experts. This committee is split into five primary representatives and five backup members, with the QA/QI Manager serving as an active participant.
Each member provides a distinct point of view on the policies, procedures, processes, and practices needed to deliver fire, rescue, and emergency medical service
training and education. They provide a solid foundation to listen attentively to the system, sort the facts of complex issues, and develop metrics with practical solutions.
The Committee is developing a QA/QI policy, developing workflow pathways, defining methods, and documenting the necessary functions for delivering QA/QI activities.
If you have questions about the Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement Section, please reach out: mmcadams@umd.edu.
NEW
HAZMAT TRAINING TANKER AT MFRI
MFRI recently added a new mobile HazMat tanker prop to its training fleet. The 40-foot tanker simulates a variety of scenarios, including two large fuel-spill fires, a split-flange fire, a pressure relief valve fire, and a HazMat leak incident. It also features several ruptures and leak scenarios.
The fire trainer effectively prepares municipal, airport, and military fire departments to respond to roadway tanker fires, refueling emergencies, or terrorist incidents. Fully road-mobile, it can also be transported to the regional training centers and fire departments for on-site drills.
The Tanker HazMat FireTrainer® is designed to create intense, realistic fires for training both new recruits and experienced firefighters. Powered by propane, the fires burn cleanly, minimizing local environmental impact. Instructors have full control, with the ability to ignite or extinguish flames at the push of a button, ensuring maximum safety for the firefighters. To learn more about the HazMat tanker and its training features, visit: www.kft.firetrainer.com/en/hazmat-tanker.html
WHAT DOES FIRE SERVICE HISTORY TEACH US?
By Gary E. Warren Coordinator, MFRI Incident Command Simulation Center and Chief of Operations and Special Operations, Baltimore County Fire Department
Today’s fire and EMS responders would make our ancestors proud to witness the training requirements that must be completed before starting their fire/EMS careers. Education is the foundation that we build upon. This is where our fire, and yes, EMS ancestors play an important part in our education. Everyone who came before us provided history and created new lessons for us to learn. Those who made the ‘supreme sacrifice’ provide the most difficult lessons. Time
passes and we forget the lessons from their sacrifice. Remember the saying, “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it”? We must always learn from the past! However, we also must prepare for what the future presents, because once handled, it also becomes part of fire service history.
Here is the interesting part about what we do, every day. The engine, ladder, rescue, ALS, BLS, and chief all respond to incidents. However, they do not recognize the fact that every time they respond to an incident, they are the ones providing future history lessons for the books. Let’s start using these history lessons
immediately, instead of requiring future generations of fire/EMS responders to repeat the lessons we have already learned. So how do we start educating our crews?
Several years ago, I started requiring Fire Officer students to repeat a short phrase at the beginning of the program. EMS personnel in class heard something they rarely hear. Before they say the short phrase, there is always a big lead up to what and how they are going to repeat the phrase. As the Fire Officer students waited for their instructions, they were not sure what I was going to make them say, but realized that it must be important.
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They’re instructed, with no exceptions, to repeat the phrase word for word, and it must be said with heart: I (pause), LOVE (pause), EMS! I LOVE, goes pretty well. As soon as I say EMS, their entire demeanor changes. The EMS students love it.
We then discuss the fact that the majority of the time, when suppression units respond to an EMS incident, it is just another EMS run. What I want them to consider is that this is more than just another EMS run. It is an educational opportunity. It was not until the late 70s and early 80s that suppression apparatus started responding to first responder medical incidents. Today, thanks to EMS, suppression units can evaluate the structure, when possible, after assisting an EMS unit. They can see the interior and exterior construction. Company officers, prior to first responder assists, can obtain structural information, in particular interior layouts during the fire combat phase of the incident. Not your best option! Francis Brannigan tells us, “The building is your enemy, know your enemy.” The fact is when the building is on fire, it is now becoming a lethal enemy!
The EMS incident you just handled is now in your history book. How long would it take to educate your crew and yourself at the conclusion of the incident about other types of emergencies this location may present? These incidents are a chance to listen to Brannigan and for us to get valuable recon on the structure, maybe the block, or even the layout for this particular neighborhood.
This is a chance for us to see how the occupancy is constructed (legacy vs. modern) where the utilities are located, and most importantly how we would operate if this structure was on fire.
Once the patient is loaded up, another prime opportunity presents itself. This is the ability to talk with the whole crew about the strategies and tactics for a fire or rescue in this occupancy. This is where we can talk about layout instructions, apparatus placement, line stretches, and ladder placement.
Use this time to take a lap around the occupancy with the crew. Once you are satisfied, you can consider how you will put the crew to task. We know that letting them stretch, set and reps are everything in this job profession. Can your crew perform these simple tasks? What training are you going to provide to ensure they are prepared? If these are not our actions after most of our EMS runs, then we are failing to rise to the expectation of what a “good officer” should project.
First responder calls have become our most frequent incident response. This is an educational opportunity, if used correctly. Once back in Big Red, we put our headsets on and prepare to head back to quarters. First, do a hot wash of the incident. Discuss the following:
• What is the building construction type?
• Is it a Type I to V?
• How does this building respond to fire conditions and smoke travel?
• What type of roof structure does it have, and where are the load-bearing walls?
• Is it balloon frame, or lightweight construction?
• Can one of your aspiring officers do a Brief Initial Report (BIR), or more importantly,
can you do a quality BIR?
• Where are the water sources?
• How would you obtain a sustainable water supply?
• What is the attack line of choice, or do I use the deck gun? (Remember the attack line of choice for a commercial building is at a minimum a 2 ½ line, do not try to fight this fire like it is a dwelling. You will lose!)
• What would our attack mode be, transitional or through the door?
• Take the time to look at Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta sides of the structure before you leave.
• Does it have a basement?
• What type of access?
• A walkout (remember this adds an additional story for that location)?
• Walk up?
• Bilco doors (how do you gain access), or only interior basement access? (only interior access, what are your fire combat options)?
These are only a few considerations to discuss on the ride back. Once back, have the crews draw a diagram of the structure, and continue the conversation if time allows.
The EMS incident you just handled is now a memory, something for the history book. Remember the saying “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.” Learn from the past.
The use of the short phrase “I LOVE EMS” should have more tactical undertones then it ever has before. Every day we are out on the street is another day for us to be more successful together. Aspire to be the “good officer,” by putting those around you ahead of yourself. You’re measured not by your actions, but by those of your crew. Give them all the information, training, and tools for success. Being an Officer is all about putting in the tireless work to ensure everyone goes home.
INSTRUCTOR • HIGHLIGHT
CASSIE GOODMAN
EMS instructor Cassie Goodman first found her love for teaching when she was in college. As part of her degree plan, she was required to teach chemistry laboratory classes. “When I experienced that light bulb moment with a student, where everything falls into place and makes sense, it stoked my passion for being an educator,” said the instructor. After moving to Maryland, Cassie immediately sought out ways to continue being an educator without quitting her day job. Wanting to try something new, she was led to becoming an EMS instructor.
“I started shadowing an instructor in January 2021 right after students began meeting in person again,” said Cassie. “After taking instructor skills in April of that year, I started my journey full speed forward as a support instructor, then my initial class, and received my MICRB certification in July of 2022.” Cassie currently teaches EMT classes and she is aiming to teach EMS Officer and Instructor courses down the line.
A full-time research chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Cassie’s primary research focuses on compressed gas chemistry and standardization of compressed gas measurements.
“These measurements directly impact things like breath intoxilyzer testing and certification, vehicle emissions testing, indoor air quality measurements, and air pollution monitoring. I also serve as a safety representative for my group and for two biotechnology divisions.”
In the classroom, Cassie thinks outside the box using props and various activities to engage her students. “I also aim to be
encouraging, empathetic, and a mentor while they are with me,” said Cassie. “Six months is a long time, so I work to instill a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.”
“I strive to impart a deeper understanding of the materials to the students beyond what is in the textbook. I tell them frequently, ‘I am not training you for you. I am training you for me, because one day you may have to step foot in my home to save my family, my friends, or me, and I want to feel confident that when you do, you will not falter.’”
Her favorite teaching moment is toward the end of a class when students lose earlier inhibitions and just go for it. “You can see their confidence shine through when they take charge of their scene and manage their patient with all the confidence of a seasoned EMS clinician. It’s in that moment you know that what you taught them has made an impact,” she said.
A Louisiana native, she served for eight years in the Army as a heavy equipment operator. She relocated to MD for her position at NIST. In her free time she loves to quilt, travel, and enjoys gardening.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Gabriel Yang recently joined MFRI as an administrative assistant and is positioned at the headquarters front desk. She grew up in Hong Kong, moved to Hawaii in 2009 and came to Maryland in 2011.
Gabriel graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Katie Ryan recently joined MFRI as an Instructional Designer in the Planning Section. She has a long history of working in instructional development with federal agencies, including FEMA, the FAA, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Nina Crist recently joined MFRI full-time as the Upper Eastern Shore Regional Training Center (UESRTC) Program Administrative Specialist.
After turning 16, Nina went into the public safety field in Montgomery County, MD and has worn many hats: Firefighter/EMT, Dispatcher for Fire/ Rescue/EMS as well as law enforcement, and Training
Coordinator for Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services.
Ruddhi Wadadekar, MFRI Senior Instructional Designer, recently presented her research at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) conference in Orlando, FL. She presented two papers and one poster and received an Outstanding Poster Award for her findings on “Bridging the Gap: AI Integration and Gamification in Modern Instructional Design.”
The study concluded that instructional designers are using AI for gamified instruction but are apprehensive and face challenges with technology, content, and pedagogy. Ongoing training, time, and AI-driven templates can help streamline practical applications.
MAKE YOUR WAY TO MARYLAND DAY
APRIL 26, 2025, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
Enjoy a day of learning and discovery at the University of Maryland’s springtime open house. Come to campus for interactive demonstrations, performances, and workshops showcasing science, tech, the arts, sports, and agriculture!
MFRI will have a demonstration space, where attendees can extinguish a fire under the close direction of our trained firefighters. Our mobile sprinkler trailer will simulate a residential fire and demonstrate how quickly water sprinklers extinguish fires. We’ll also be distributing our always popular MFRI plastic fire hats!
Photo: Maryland Day: Come to campus for a free full day of discovery! Celebrate Maryland Day, the annual campus-wide open house featuring interactive demonstrations, performances, and workshops.
GABRIEL YANG KATIE RYAN NINA CRIST RUDDHI WADADEKAR
