Firefighting Operations

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 201
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Douglas Brinkley, Division Chief – BWI Fire & Rescue

🔹 This session provides an in-depth overview of the roles and responsibilities of all units and companies responding to a fire, including Incident Command, Engine, Truck, Squad, and EMS operations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of coordination strategies and tactical considerations for effective fireground management.

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Emergency Response to Electric Vehicle Incidents

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 202
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Chris Soda, Chicago Fire Department – Junk Yard Dog Extrication Training

🔹 This class introduces first responders to the hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicles and provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to these emergencies. Participants will learn the tactics and strategies required to manage various electric vehicle incidents.

Topics Covered:

• Battery technology and associated hazards
• Types of charging stations and response tactics
• Post-collision considerations and a 6-step extrication approach
• Electric vehicle fire suppression, including a 5-step firefighting strategy
• Recommended EV firefighting equipment and SOP development

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Securing Grant Funding: Do’s and Don’ts for Success

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 203
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Scott Ryno, Battalion Chief – York Area United Fire & Rescue

🔹 This session provides firsthand testimony and a breakdown of the essential components for a successful emergency services grant application. Participants will compare the key factors that lead to **successful vs. unsuccessful funding requests** and gain insight into planning a compelling grant proposal.

🔹 The program focuses on **federal grant programs**, with lessons applicable to **state and local funding sources**. Real-world examples will highlight **funded and non-funded applications**, offering valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.

Topics Covered:

• Eligibility requirements and where to find grants
• How to effectively contact potential funders
• Essential planning steps before applying
• Key questions to ask before submitting an application
• Writing a compelling and successful grant narrative
• What to do while a proposal is pending
• Steps to take after a grant is awarded or rejected

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Volunteer Recruitment Strategies That Don’t Break the Bank: Perryville’s Perspective & Beyond

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 204
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Chief Brad Willis, Community Fire Co. of Perryville & Leza Raffel, Communications Solutions Group

🔹 Think a successful volunteer recruitment campaign has to break the bank? Think again! Hear firsthand how the Community Fire Company of Perryville, MD used best practices to grow awareness, interest, and volunteers within months of launching their campaign:
JoinPerryvilleFire.org.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why every fire department needs a recruitment plan and committee
• The concept of branding and how to apply it to your fire department
• Advantages of creating a stand-alone recruitment website
• Maximizing outreach through public relations and social media
• Cost-cutting strategies for content creation, direct mail, and advertising
• Pointers for successful face-to-face recruitment
• How to run an effective open house for potential volunteers
• Retention strategies to keep members engaged

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to learn how to employ the right techniques to attract and retain new members for your fire department!

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Stop the Bleed Certification Class

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 205
👩‍🏫 Presented by: Rachel Cockerham, Community Health Specialist – Shock Trauma Center

🔹 Learn critical, lifesaving techniques in this **Stop the Bleed Certification Class**. Participants will gain hands-on training in identifying and managing severe bleeding, with an emphasis on immediate intervention.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Recognizing life-threatening bleeding: Learn to identify severe bleeding and take immediate action.
• Applying direct pressure: Master the proper technique to control bleeding effectively.
• Packing wounds: Understand the importance of wound packing and how to apply it in difficult-to-reach areas.
• Using tourniquets: Learn when and how to properly apply a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding.
• Shock Trauma’s role in training: Explore Maryland’s statewide initiative to educate citizens through public classes and school programs.

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Breaking the News: A Compassionate Guide to Death Notifications for Fire-Based EMS

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 206
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Terrence Sheehy, Deputy Chief of Operations – Dare County EMS

🔹 Delivering a death notification is one of the most challenging duties first responders face. This session provides a compassionate, structured approach to handling these difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop empathetic communication skills: Learn how to craft and deliver death notifications with clarity, sensitivity, and compassion.
• Manage emotional reactions: Gain strategies to address questions and responses from grieving family members while providing accurate and supportive guidance.
• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities: Explore scene management, coordination with the Medical Examiner, and key legal obligations.
• Ensure a dignified transition: Learn best practices for working with funeral homes and other agencies while maintaining respect for the deceased and their families.

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Beyond the Sirens: Response Crash Prevention

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 207
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Lee Price, Risk Management Research and Training Manager – National Farmedic Program, McNeil and Company

🔹 Emergency vehicle collisions pose a serious risk to responders, patients, and the public. This session examines the most common causes of crashes, the role of lights and sirens, and the **financial, legal, and human costs** of emergency vehicle accidents.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the top five collision types: Understand the most common causes of emergency vehicle crashes.
• Evaluate the use of lights and sirens: Examine their impact on response safety and when they may be unnecessary.
• Assess the broader consequences: Explore the financial, legal, and human effects of collisions on responders, organizations, and communities.

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Child and Babysitting Safety Course (4 Hours)

📅 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 📍 Room 215
👩‍🏫 Presented by: Lisa Wilson, BA EMT – Family Advisory Network Chair, MD EMSC Dept/SPG

🔹 This course is designed for **teens and young adults (ages 13-18)** who are interested in babysitting as a business or have responsibility for younger family members. Participants will learn essential skills to ensure **safe and successful babysitting** while gaining valuable first aid knowledge.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to start and manage a babysitting business
• Effective communication with parents and children
• Key safety measures, caregiving techniques, and first aid tips
• How to conduct a safety check before babysitting
• Age-appropriate activities for different developmental stages
• Feeding and diapering care for various age groups
• When to call for additional help and how to respond in emergencies

Important Notes:

• Hands-on activities will be included to reinforce skills.
• A **parent/guardian must be present** at the start of the session to sign releases.
• The parent/guardian must remain within **30 minutes of the convention center** for the duration of the course.
• Limited to 24 students.

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Standpipe Systems Review for Firefighters

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 201
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Keith Lippencott, Chief Fire Protection Engineer – UMD

🔹 Standpipe systems used by the **Fire Service** have evolved significantly over the past 25+ years. This **90-minute session** provides a comprehensive review of the **latest applicable codes and standards** regarding the design, installation, and use of standpipe systems in buildings.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding modern standpipe system requirements
• Review of **current codes and standards**
• Best practices for **installation, maintenance, and fireground use**
• How changes in building construction impact standpipe operations

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The Art of the Company Chauffeur

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 202
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Brian Edwards, Career Apparatus Technician – Fairfax County Fire Rescue Dept

🔹 This session is designed for **current and aspiring Driver Operators** looking to refine their skills and knowledge. Taught by an experienced **engine company driver** from a major metropolitan fire department in the **DC Capital Region**, this interactive class provides a **real-world perspective** on the challenges faced by apparatus operators.

What You’ll Learn:

• Key **mechanical aspects of fire apparatus** and how to prevent breakdowns
• Common **fireground operational issues** and how to overcome them
• Best practices for **maintaining apparatus readiness** and avoiding out-of-service time
• Open discussion for **drivers to share experiences and problem-solving strategies**

This highly interactive session encourages **idea-sharing among participants**, fostering a collaborative environment where drivers can learn from each other’s experiences.

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Saving the Volunteer Fire Service

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 203
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Christopher Hinde, Deputy Fire Chief – Rockville VFD

🔹 This session highlights **programs and best practices** to help volunteer fire departments **recruit, retain, and sustain** a strong membership. The **Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (MD)**, with over 300 active volunteers, has successfully adapted to modern challenges. Learn from their **successes and failures**, as well as from other thriving volunteer departments.

Key Topics Covered:

• Effective **recruitment strategies** to attract new members
• Utilizing **standby systems** to improve staffing
• Developing **high-level in-house training programs**
• Establishing a **structured command system** for operational efficiency
• Adapting to modern challenges and sustaining long-term volunteer engagement

🔹 Gain **first-hand insights** from one of the **busiest volunteer firehouses in the country** and learn practical approaches that can be applied to **any department**.

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Stress First Aid

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 204
👨‍🏫 Presented by: David Lewis, Emergency Services Educator – Odenton VFC

🔹 **Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #13** states: “Firefighters and their families should have access to counseling and psychological support.” **Stress First Aid (SFA)** is a proactive approach to supporting emergency responders in recognizing and managing stress to maintain mental wellness.

🔹 This session introduces **SFA at the awareness level**, providing firefighters, EMS, and rescue personnel with the tools to assist each other in reducing the negative impacts of stress.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding **stress and its impact** on emergency responders
• Recognizing how stress manifests in **thoughts, words, and actions**
• Applying the **”Seven C’s” of Stress First Aid**:
  • Check – Assess the situation
  • Coordinate – Connect with resources
  • Cover – Ensure safety
  • Calm – Reduce distress
  • Connect – Strengthen relationships
  • Competence – Build resilience
  • Confidence – Restore well-being

This session empowers responders with **practical skills to support their peers**, enhancing both **individual and team resilience** in high-stress environments.

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Coagulation in Acute Trauma: Use of Early Transfusion and TXA

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 205
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Michael Broussard, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – Shock Trauma Center

🔹 **Acute traumatic injuries** can significantly alter the body’s **coagulation process**, leading to increased bleeding and poor patient outcomes. This session explores how the **early administration of whole blood and TXA (tranexamic acid)** can mitigate these effects and improve survival rates.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding the **impact of trauma on coagulation factors**
• Role of **whole blood transfusion** in trauma care
• Mechanism and effectiveness of **TXA in reducing hemorrhage**
• Review of **current literature and best practices** in emergency transfusion
• Insights from the **Shock Trauma Go Team’s real-world applications**

🔹 Learn from **leading experts** about the latest advancements in trauma care and how early intervention strategies can enhance patient outcomes.

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Creating Leaders at Every Level Starts with You

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 206
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Tiger Schmittendorf, Fire Instructor, Deputy Fire Coordinator (Ret.) – Buffalo, NY

🔹 **Leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about influence.** This interactive session helps participants identify their **motivators, strengths, and leadership styles** through a **Personal Preference Exercise (PPE)**. Understanding how individuals respond to responsibility, authority, stress, and relationships is key to developing strong, effective leaders at all levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain **insight into personal leadership styles** and motivators
• Understand the **value of diversity** in leadership and teamwork
• Learn strategies to **work with, work through, and work around** different leadership personalities
• Establish a **situational assessment (sit rep)** of your leadership journey
• Develop a **personal action plan for leadership growth and success**

🔹 Whether you’re a **seasoned officer or an aspiring leader**, this session provides practical strategies for leading yourself and others with confidence and clarity.

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Electric Emergencies and How We Respond to Them

📅 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 📍 Room 207
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Deputy Chief Rick Davis – The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company

🔹 With over **35 years in the fire service** and **25 years as a Lineman and Distribution Supervisor** for Baltimore Gas & Electric and Delmarva Power & Light, Deputy Chief Rick Davis brings a **unique dual perspective** to electrical and gas emergencies. This session will provide first responders with essential knowledge to **identify, assess, and respond to electrical hazards** safely.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding **common causes of electrical and gas emergencies**
• Lessons learned from real-world **fire service and utility responses**
• Identifying **danger zones for first responders**
• Responding to **incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels**
• Safety measures and **tactical considerations for alternative energy hazards**

🔹 As **electric vehicles and solar panels** become more common, responders need to be aware of the **unique risks they pose**. This session will help prepare you to handle these evolving challenges with confidence.

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The Science of Crashes – An Engineering Perspective for 1st Responders

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 201
👩‍🏫 Presented by: Dr. Janet Bahouth, Director – Crash Center for Research and Education

🔹 This session provides first responders with a **scientific understanding of crash mechanics** and how they influence injury severity. Participants will gain insight into **crash data reporting, emergency treatment planning, and transport decision-making.**

Key Topics Covered:

• Crash assessment using **”60-second 360″** observation techniques
• Understanding **how crash mechanisms affect injuries**
• Importance of **seatbelt and car seat usage in crash outcomes**
• Using crash scene evidence to improve emergency response decisions

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The Shock Trauma Go Team: More Than an Amputation Service

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 202
👩‍🏫 Presented by: Krystle Thomas, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – Shock Trauma Center

🔹 The **Shock Trauma Go Team** is an elite **field deployment unit** from the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This session provides an in-depth look at their **advanced resuscitation, surgical, and airway management capabilities.**

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the **activation process** for the Shock Trauma Go Team
• Capabilities and resources available for **pre-hospital surgical interventions**
• Lessons learned from **real-world field deployments**

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Small Aircraft Down: Rules and Responsibilities of Fire & EMS Responders

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 203
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Douglas Brinkley, Division Chief – BWI Fire & Rescue

🔹 This session provides **fire and EMS responders** with a **structured approach to handling small aircraft crashes.** Learn about operational safety, response procedures, and incident management best practices.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding the **unique hazards of small aircraft crashes**
• Scene safety, **fire suppression, and victim extraction**
• Interagency coordination with **FAA and NTSB investigations**

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Stop the Bleed: Train the Trainer

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 204
👩‍🏫 Presented by: Rachel Cockerham, Community Health Specialist – Shock Trauma Center

🔹 This **train-the-trainer session** equips participants with the skills needed to **teach life-saving hemorrhage control techniques** to others.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Recognizing and responding to **life-threatening bleeding**
• Mastering **direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application**
• Understanding Shock Trauma’s role in **public education initiatives**

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Leadership Lessons for Firefighters from a Baseball Legend

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 205
👨‍🏫 Presented by: David Lewis, Emergency Services Educator – Odenton VFC

🔹 This session highlights the career of **Cal Ripken Jr.** and how his philosophy can be applied to **fire service leadership and teamwork.**

Key Leadership Lessons:

• **Just Show Up:** The importance of reliability
• **Mastering Success One Day at a Time**
• **The Value of Mentoring and Lifelong Learning**

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Surviving PTSD: A Success Story

📅 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 📍 Room 206
👨‍🏫 Presented by: Keith Hanks, MA FF/EMT (Ret.), Certified Peer Support Facilitator

🔹 This session provides a **first-hand account of overcoming PTSD** in the fire service, along with resources for responders struggling with mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing **PTSD signs, symptoms, and behaviors**
• Available **resources, treatment options, and self-care techniques**
• Daily tools and practices for **maintaining mental wellness**

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