MSFA Convention & Conference 2025
June 15 - June 19, 2025When to Call A Fire Investigator/ Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityCancer Reduction – A No-nonsense Approach
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityPlanning and Implementing a Training Program
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityBike Safety; Making a Difference in Your Community
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityAffordable College for Volunteers
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityThe Good, Bad and Ugly of the Fire Service
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityMake Positive Changes That Stick!
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityPossible Drowning; The Calm Before the Storm
Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean CityWeek of Events
Engine Operator Hydraulics
Engine Operator Hydraulics
Engine Operator Hydraulics 101 will cover the fundamental basics of fire ground hydraulics and help attendees understand the importance of them.
It’s Ok to Say I’m Not Ok
It’s Ok to Say I’m Not Ok
As individuals, we carry the weight of everyday stresses around each day: work, family, financial status, having more time to enjoy life. Couple that with the mental stresses of emergency response: witness to life and property loss, sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and we are equal to a ticking time bomb. Come learn how to identify the signs of stress and how to combat stress in order to maintain mental wellness.
When to Call A Fire Investigator/ Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements
When to Call A Fire Investigator/ Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements
This class will be taught by various OSFM staff. The Office of the State Fire Marshal performs primary origin and cause investigations in 16 of the 23 Counties.
Cancer Reduction – A No-nonsense Approach
Cancer Reduction – A No-nonsense Approach
This course will dive into firefighter cancer statistics and causes and will bring achievable, practical applications to the attendee, that will go a long way in the reduction of those statistics.
Planning and Implementing a Training Program
Planning and Implementing a Training Program
This course reviews best practices for creating a robust training program in a volunteer fire department. You will learn how to ensure your training program produces positive outcomes, accomplishes training goals, and prepares members to run safe and effective operations.
Child Passenger Safety
Child Passenger Safety
Fire and EMS personnel sometimes transport children in vehicles other than ambulances. What are the essential things to know and do to keep children safe? What new restraints, features on car seats, or products are available, and what makes them helpful for certain situations? This workshop will combine Power Point lecture, video, and hands-on activities with car seats, training dolls, and a vehicle seat simulator. Resources on CPS will be shared with attendees. If you have not read a car seat manual or seen a training video in the last couple years then your information and skills in child passenger safety may be out of date, and this workshop is for you! THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS.
Bike Safety; Making a Difference in Your Community
Bike Safety; Making a Difference in Your Community
The presentation will cover the importance of wearing a bike helmet correctly on every ride. Head injuries are the leading cause of injury and death to bicycles, and helmets are a proven safety measure.
Intoxicated Leadership
Intoxicated Leadership
Intoxicated Leadership takes the distinctive approach of helping students understand the role our emotions play in either aiding or undermining leadership efforts both in emergencies and back at the station.
Crash Injury Research
Crash Injury Research
The CIREN process combines prospective data collection with professional multidisciplinary analysis of medical and engineering evidence to determine injury causation in every crash investigation conducted.
Protecting Remote Communities
Protecting Remote Communities
This presentation will discuss the challenges that remote communities pose and how to overcome them.
Hazards of Knee Walls
Hazards of Knee Walls
According to 2017 Natation Fire Protection Association statistics, fires in one- and two-family homes accounted for 53 percent of all structure fires. Often, these fires occur in dwellings that contain occupiable half-stories constructed with knee walls, which present tremendous challenges to responding firefighters and have resulted in numerous Maydays. Building construction containing knee walls can be found in most every community from urban to rural, in older legacy homes, as well as in modern pre-manufactured truss homes. Knee walls can conceal tremendous amounts of combustible gases that are waiting for the proper mixture to ignite. Members can easily be on the fire floor with no smoke and little to no heat conditions. As soon as members open up the knee walls, extreme fire conditions can erupt with little to no warning. Students will learn the severe hazards that knee walls present, how to recognize them early, and how to safely mitigate incidents involving the
Affordable College for Volunteers
Affordable College for Volunteers
By combining a new way of approaching recruitment and retention with educational programs that are readily available to all, the volunteer fire service can take advantage of fire service training courses, free online college courses, and grant-funded College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams to offer benefits to its members that rival the Montgomery GI Bill.
Safeguarding Your Identity
Safeguarding Your Identity
Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the world. It now accounts to losses of several millions dollars to the citizens of the United States, annually. Identity Theft is when someone "pretends to be someone else" by assuming the person's identity, typically in order to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person's name and typically occurs when someone uses another's personally identifying information, like their name, social security number, or credit card number, without their permission, to commit fraud or other related crimes. . This class will discuss what it is, how it can happen to each of us, new prevention techniques, and actions to take after your identity has been stolen from you! The class will address both personal and commercial loss.
The Good, Bad and Ugly of the Fire Service
The Good, Bad and Ugly of the Fire Service
The good the bad and the ugly of the fire service. Interactive discussion into all subjects of the fire service from nozzles to mental health and the stigmas attached to them. No subject will be left out there is nothing we won't discuss. So, bring your opinions and ideas. This class is an open forum for general fire service discussions, history of the fire department, deep traditions of the fire service.
Make Positive Changes That Stick!
Make Positive Changes That Stick!
Habits involve repeating a behavior and getting rewarded for it, so that it is repeated over and over, without conscious thought.
Possible Drowning; The Calm Before the Storm
Possible Drowning; The Calm Before the Storm
It is estimated that > 90% of drownings are preventable. When water is aspirated into the airways, a cascade pf physiological events occur effecting ventilation and perfusion with long term effects and death. THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS.
Generational Leadership
Generational Leadership
Times have changed and with that so have the fire service. The way we learn, the way we teach and the way we fight fires have all been affected. From the senior man to the rookie, we will look at the influences, history, generations and current events that affect the way we do business.
Maryland EMT Skills Recertification (2nd of 2 sessions)
Maryland EMT Skills Recertification (2nd of 2 sessions)
This course will have the students rotate between three stations. The stations will give the students different challenging evolutions to test their thinking.
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking
This session covers what human trafficking is, what it looks like, what we as EMS providers should look for, and what we should do if we think someone is being trafficked. This class will provide 2 hours of medical continuing education.
PDI Instructor Training; CANVAS 99 (6 Hours)
PDI Instructor Training; CANVAS 99 (6 Hours)
In this program, students will learn how to navigate through CANVAS to find and use common course materials. They will also: create/send/receive email via canvas, create/administer a classroom assignment, create a group assignment, create/administer a quiz, utilize speed grader, utilize quiz statistics, create a zoom meeting in canvas, upload/download files, create a discussion board. This is an in-person class. All students must bring a laptop or tablet. REGISTRANTS MUST REGISTER ON THE MFRI WEBSITE FOR THESE PDI'S
Engine Basics
Engine Basics
The purpose of this class is to provide and demonstrate practical drills that members of an engine company can perform to be proficient at one of the most important jobs on the fire scene: Extinguish the Fire! To practice and perform engine company work regularly using fire ground proven methods. To learn the duties of an engine company correctly and efficiently- "Take Time to Make Time"
Decisions Under Fire
Decisions Under Fire
In this session, we will discuss the difference between risk assessment and managing risk. We will also cover the methods and benefits of critical decision-making on the fire ground and the problems associated with delayed or poor choices.
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers
Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers
This session reintroduces the participant to risk control with emphasis on identifying, managing, and controlling risk as well as potential risk pitfalls in ESOs.
Fireground Contaminant Exposure
Fireground Contaminant Exposure
The seminar will present the results of a FEMA-funded study conducted by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) and the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD).
Harvesting the Money Tree
Harvesting the Money Tree
Today’s volunteer emergency services leaders are challenged with meeting the financial demands of sustaining current operations and funding the high costs of equipment and apparatus replacement.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know; Actual LODD Details
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know; Actual LODD Details
This presentation is created to provide and understanding of the line of duty death definitions and criteria from four national fire service organizations.
How Safe Is Too Safe?
How Safe Is Too Safe?
Over the last several years, there has been a push to discontinue the practice of interior fire attack or operating in the “offensive” mode on the fire ground.
Ladders for Deuce
Ladders for Deuce
This lecture will discuss ladder operations for minimum manning departments. How to successfully use your manpower wisely. We have all been in the situation of needing to throw ladders and perform multiple operations when we do not have the proper staffing. This class will teach you several ways and techniques to assist you with performing job functions with limited personnel. We will also discuss: Two ladder Operations, Courtyard carry, assortment of tools you might need to take with you. How you can use multiple ladders for window rescues and vertical ventilation. Finally, what ladders do you carry on your apparatus and how will they best be utilized?
Training Those That Lead; Officer, Senior FF Development
Training Those That Lead; Officer, Senior FF Development
"The fire service is not the same as it was 25 years ago. Tailboard riding is out, bunker gear is in and YES, fires are burning hotter than ever before. Our aggressive nature is good but we must be educated in today’s pitfalls to attain positive results. This program is designed to discuss these issues and how today's fire officer and senior firefighter can mold a company / department of “Street-Smart Firefighters”. Emphasis will be on the role of the company officer.
Leadership for Fire and EMS Services
Leadership for Fire and EMS Services
Quality leadership is essential for the fire and emergency services to accomplish the mission and improve your department. This course examines leadership styles, qualities, ethics, and best practices to help your department function at a high level and avoid fire and emergency services leadership pitfalls. New retention research will also be discussed to help leaders understand retention concerns and identify solutions.
Resiliency: The Servants Code
Resiliency: The Servants Code
Application of the precepts of resiliency for the firefighter and development of "code" as a reminder for self-care.
Bringing Family Back in the Fire House
Bringing Family Back in the Fire House
The presentation will take a look at the importance of our two families. The one at home and the one at the station and how to make sure we never lose it and what we can do to bring it back. Discussion will include lessons learned along with sharing ideas to help build strong families.
Death, Rebirth and a Whole New Attitude
Death, Rebirth and a Whole New Attitude
A complete shift in attitude was the catalyst to personal and professional success but more importantly allowed me the privilege to help others succeed as well. We have created 12 simple rules to succeed at home and in the firehouse.
Buildings on Fire; Tactical Risks & Operational Safety for the First Due
Buildings on Fire; Tactical Risks & Operational Safety for the First Due
This program will present tactical risks and key considerations for the first due company, company officer, and commander affecting and influencing operational risk management, command and tactical safety, and tactical protocols based upon occupancy risks, reading the building and adaptive management principles.
Fire Service Saws
Fire Service Saws
Presented by: OC FOOLS with instruction by Tai Rondeau, FF/PM, Milwaukee Fire Dept Room 205
Necrotizing Fasciitis; Case Studies Across the Ages
Necrotizing Fasciitis; Case Studies Across the Ages
Necrotizing Fasciitis is a rare life-threatening bacterial infection characterized by a rapidly spreading inflammation resulting in necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS.
Fire Officers in the Political Arena
Fire Officers in the Political Arena
How the fire service needs to be knowledgeable, engaged, prepared (informed/educated) in today’s political arena.
Man vs Machinery (4 hour – lecture/hands on)
Man vs Machinery (4 hour – lecture/hands on)
This is a highly specialized skill set and caring for victims/patients entrapped in machinery requires providers to be trained in specific treatment modalities and the possible complications that may arise. Tool selection, patient stabilization techniques, and crush injury syndrome will be discussed as well as several actual case studies.
Fire/EMS Officer Training: Managing the Psychosocial Spiritual Health Program
Fire/EMS Officer Training: Managing the Psychosocial Spiritual Health Program
Presented by: Chaplain Richard “Chappy” Bower Room 201 In this training block, Fire Chiefs, Officers and Presidents will be able to explain why a Chaplain is a “Force Multiplier” to the Fire/EMS companies by: • Stating the increased difficulties of fire Officers due to new building techniques and materials • Explaining the increased responsibilities upon […]
Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success (4 hrs)
Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success (4 hrs)
The NVFC published the textbook Volunteer Fire Service Culture – Essential Strategies for Success as a guide to fire service leaders who desire to change their department’s culture and attitude towards personal health and safety. This training delves into key points from the guide to reinforce the need for change and provide a roadmap for implementation of change to improve the health and safety of volunteer fire and EMS responders.
6-Hour PDI Instructor Training; EMT Update, Helping Your Students Succeed in EMT Class
6-Hour PDI Instructor Training; EMT Update, Helping Your Students Succeed in EMT Class
*REGISTRANTS MUST REGISTER ON THE MFRI WEBSITE FOR THESE PDI'S. This class is for EMT Instructors. It will consist of 3 areas. Preparing students for practical exams, new equipment will be introduced, and a n orientation to all of the resources available for instructors and students including books, workbooks, active learning exercises and canvas resources that are available.
Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (POHCA) occur in Maryland almost daily and the survival rate is low. Survival is directly impacted by the response of everyone in the Chain of Survival. THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS.
Top of the Mountain Leadership
Top of the Mountain Leadership
If you aspire to be the next generation of leader to reach the summit, it is critical to have key leadership skills to engage and motivate your teams to higher performance.
Mental Health: What You May Not Know
Mental Health: What You May Not Know
If you haven't had personal experience with Mental Health Issues, what are you looking for and how do you refer persons that present with undiagnosed mental health issues
Getting the Most Out of Recruit Training
Getting the Most Out of Recruit Training
Many of us have experience teaching at the company level but when it comes time to teach new recruits, or take over a recruit training program the responsibilities are quite a bit different. This Lecture goes over how to organize the recruit training program, teaching methodology to get the most out of the new people, and a ton of drills and exercises to make sure they get to where you need them skills wise.
Preparing FF to Become Apparatus Operators
Preparing FF to Become Apparatus Operators
Instructor will focus on the in-station preventative maintenance, expectations of pump operators, station duties,
driving responsibilities and expectations of the apparatus operators from others responding to scene. This class
will focus on the day to day operations of a pump operator and what information they need to know in order to
operate successfully at a fireground or emergency incident that they would be responding too. This class is not
designed to be a pumps training class but rather all the operations that a driver/operator is expected to complete
in a normal shift.
Know Your Gear
Know Your Gear
The “Know Your Gear- Overview” program reviews how and why firefighters need to maintain PPE and select the proper PPE. Continually, the program reviews the fire departments' required risk assessment and standard operating guidelines for the maintenance and selection of PPE.
Your New Rig is on Order, Now What?
Your New Rig is on Order, Now What?
This program would focus on what the apparatus committee should expect in preparing for the preconstruction conference, change order approval process, review and sign off on production materials.
Safe Sleep Environment; Take The Steps to Prevent SUID
Safe Sleep Environment; Take The Steps to Prevent SUID
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1-year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation. THIS CLASS HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS BY MIEMSS.
Firefighters Insurance and Benefits
Firefighters Insurance and Benefits
Fire/EMS companies pay for insurance just in case something happens. When “just in case” shows up at your station, are you really covered?
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care
Being educated in trauma-informed care strategies has numerous benefits. Knowledge in this area helps us with our day-to-day interactions with our loved ones, friends, and even strangers.
The Meter Guys: Air Monitoring
The Meter Guys: Air Monitoring
This class will teach First Responders how to use a meter properly and understand the readings they see and the implications of such on emergency response.
Are You Ready for Your Next Recruit?
Are You Ready for Your Next Recruit?
Utilizing facilitated conversation and a series of interactive exercises, this presentation outlines the three major phases of the “Volunteer Life Cycle”: Recruitment, Onboarding and Retention to offer a framework for sizing up the health and wellness of your organization’s culture and processes.
Fire Officer’s Guide to Today’s Building on Fire
Fire Officer’s Guide to Today’s Building on Fire
Presenting insights on building construction for today’s fire service, the primary objective of this program is to increase awareness and understandings and promote new skillsets in the fundamentals of building construction, architecture, engineering and design, that directly impact firefighting and command operations at structure fires
Stress First Aid
Stress First Aid
Presented by: Dr. Gamaliel Baer, EdD, MSM, CTO; First Responder Center for Excellence Room 215 First responders are faced with a myriad of stressors that go beyond what the general population may experience. The effects of first responder stress events can factor into behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and depression. […]