June 15 - June 19, 2025

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PDI Instructor Training; CANVAS 99 (6 Hours)

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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

Free

Maryland EMT Skills Recertification (2nd of 2 sessions)

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This course will have the students rotate between three stations. The stations will give the students different challenging evolutions to test their thinking.

Free

Heavy Extrication – 8 Hour H.O.T. Class

We plan on setting up several stations for the students to work through with heavy extrication. This will include car underride of a trailer. A dump truck or another large truck overturned on a vehicle and discuss chains, slings, hydrofusion struts, and various stabilization options. An additional station to show how to lift a heavy truck, showing the differences in weight ratings between standard vehicles to see how important the effects have on your equipment for these challenging incidents. The last scenario will challenge the students from the information they learned that day to include lifting a heavy truck, winching operations, stabilizing a heavy object such as concrete etc. One station will include a guardrail intrusion scenario through a car pinning a pt. requiring extrication.

Free

Engine Basics

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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"

Free

Decisions Under Fire

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know; Actual LODD Details

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This presentation is created to provide and understanding of the line of duty death definitions and criteria from four national fire service organizations.

Free

Risk Control for Mid-Level Managers

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This session reintroduces the participant to risk control with emphasis on identifying, managing, and controlling risk as well as potential risk pitfalls in ESOs.

Free

Harvesting the Money Tree

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

How Safe Is Too Safe?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Ladders for Deuce

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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?

Free

Fireground Contaminant Exposure

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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).

Free

Training Those That Lead; Officer, Senior FF Development

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

"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.

Free

Resiliency: The Servants Code

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Application of the precepts of resiliency for the firefighter and development of "code" as a reminder for self-care.

Free

Bringing Family Back in the Fire House

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Death, Rebirth and a Whole New Attitude

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Fire Service Saws

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Presented by: OC FOOLS with instruction by Tai Rondeau, FF/PM, Milwaukee Fire Dept Room 205  

Free

Leadership for Fire and EMS Services

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Necrotizing Fasciitis; Case Studies Across the Ages

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Buildings on Fire; Tactical Risks & Operational Safety for the First Due

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Fire/EMS Officer Training: Managing the Psychosocial Spiritual Health Program

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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 […]

Free

Top of the Mountain Leadership

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Fire Officers in the Political Arena

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

How the fire service needs to be knowledgeable, engaged, prepared (informed/educated) in today’s political arena.

Free

It’s Too Hot! It’s Too Cold! There Are Bugs!!

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This session will discuss environmental emergencies, including heat and cold, as well as what insects and other wildlife we should be aware of. This class will provide 2 hours of trauma continuing education

Free

Pediatric Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success (4 hrs)

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Man vs Machinery (4 hour – lecture/hands on)

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

H.O.T. Class; Ladder Romance (4 hour)

Aggressive basic techniques for ladders operations. Course will cover ladder operations for those either assigned or not to a truck company and will show multiple ways to perform raises, operations, and tactics for correct placement of ladders. The course is designed to show successful ladder operations even with minimum staffing. To be held at OCFD 15th Street, Ocean City.

Free

6-Hour PDI Instructor Training; EMT Update, Helping Your Students Succeed in EMT Class

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

*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. 

Free

Your New Rig is on Order, Now What?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Know Your Gear

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Preparing FF to Become Apparatus Operators

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Getting the Most Out of Recruit Training

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Mental Health: What You May Not Know

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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

Free

Safe Sleep Environment; Take The Steps to Prevent SUID

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Firefighters Insurance and Benefits

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Fire/EMS companies pay for insurance just in case something happens. When “just in case” shows up at your station, are you really covered?

Free

Trauma-Informed Care

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

The Meter Guys: Air Monitoring

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Are You Ready for Your Next Recruit?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Fire Officer’s Guide to Today’s Building on Fire

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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

Free

Stress First Aid

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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. […]

Free

FOOLS Seminar TBD

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Presented by: OC FOOLS Room 201

Free

Exhibitor Registration

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Registration

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Registration begins at 0700 on Sunday, June 18th, in the Convention Center Room 208, Upper Level. 

Exhibitor Registration

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Exhibitor Registration opens at 0800 in the Convention Center on the Lower Level.

Drilling for Success

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

From instructing recruits to company level training there are only so many hours allotted so every drill has to count. This class will discuss how to build drill cycles so that the participants get the most out of each drill. We will break down a number of my favorite training drills and discuss how the building blocks of a “Crawl-Walk-Run” format is essential for success.

Free

OC FOOLS 8-Hour H.O.T: Truck Essentials

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This truck essentials class will be focused on basic truck work. The HOT skills performed will be geared towards both residential and commercial fires. The goal of this class it to provide a fundamental basis for the students to build upon for their fire ground operations. Whether you are a fully staffed fire department or a volunteer department the skills we will go over are going to help you bolster your truck culture.

Free

Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS; National Certification Course (8 Hour)

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Mental Health First Aid® is a public education national certification course. Participants learn to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of an emerging mental health problem or crisis, to identify community resources, and to link individuals in need of support to appropriate care. This skills-based course includes a 5¬-step action plan which can be used in various types of crisis and non-crisis situations.

MHFA for Fire/EMS focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel. Participants learn about the importance of early intervention and how, as first responders, they can intervene in the field and provide direct assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.

The 5 Step Action Plan, ALGEE, includes:

Assess for risk of suicide or harm

Listen non-judgmentally

Give reassurance and information

Encourage appropriate professional help

Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Free

MSFA Executive Committee Meeting

Performing Arts Center, Convention Center 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD, United States

The MSFA Executive Committee Meeting will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Fire Prevention Interviews

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Location: Governor's Room and Board Room, Mezzanine Level

FOOLS Seminar TBD

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Presented by: O.C. FOOLS Room 201

Free

Sunday Morning Worship Service

Performing Arts Center, Convention Center 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD, United States

Sunday Morning worship will take place at the Ocean City Convention Center on Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Convention Events Ticket Sales

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Location: Convention Center Ground Floor

Exhibits Open

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

FOOLS Seminar TBD

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Presented by: O.C. FOOLS Room 201

Exhibits Close

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Registration

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Registration begins at 0700 on Monday, June 19, in the Convention Center Room 208, Upper Level.

Convention Events Ticket Sales

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Location: Convention Center Ground Floor

Fireground Commander’s Intent: Coordinated Actions for Mission

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The focus of this class is to illustrate the importance of a commander’s expectation on emergency scenes. This class is a work in progress and has been updated every year to reflect my continuing education on the fireground. The main purpose of the intent is to provide a framework for Company Officers to act. Fire companies are the linchpins to a successful emergency scene operation. The importance of synchronized small unit tactics following the commander’s intent is critical to a successful mission on an emergency scene. Every emergency operation outcome is the result of many small unit outcomes. The key is for each small tactical unit (engine & truck companies) to perform in a predictable way. If one small unit fails to perform their task the whole operation could have a negative end result and change the strategy of the commander. The application of this information is to provide proven basics for fire officers to be successful during emergency operations through interactive discussions and video demonstration.

Free

OC FOOLS 8-hour H.O.T. The Art of the Educated Search; RIT Reinvented

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Part 1: Art of the Educated Search: Strategies & Tactics for success when arriving w/ “Reports of People Trapped”. Understanding how our entry determines our path, and the methods to clear rooms of varying living space. Sizing up occupancy types & understanding residential construction to maximize our search timeline. Techniques for “clearing” compartments quickly & efficiently during the primary search, and accomplishing the “30 Seconds Out” Survivable Space Search.

Part 2: RIT; Reinvented: The most progressive approach to preplanning and producing a positive outcome following the “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”. Understanding who will be a victim, why, and how it’s likely to occur. Then, how we mitigate the emergency w/ proper tools, access techniques, and removal tactics.

Free

Exhibits Open

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

PAIN: Pediatric Assessment Is Needed at All Ages

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Dr. Jennifer Guyther will engage the audience in discussing pediatric pain – when it is obvious and when it may be hidden. The presentation will review the pain control treatment options – medication doses and timing, repeat assessments, and alternative treatments that work.

Free

Elevators for the Fire Service

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This session discusses Elevator Code requirements, both new and existing (what a first responder may see depending upon age of bldg.) NFPA, IBC and the MD State Elevator Codes. Explanation of the different types of elevators. (Traction, Hydraulic, Machine Room) Inspection process for accepting an elevator into service. Not just fire service related items but the entire elevator testing/acceptance process.

Elevator Operations. The Codes do permit the use of elevators as part of the egress paths from a building, etc. This session would outline the unique aspects associated with using elevators for egress as well as typical FD operations. The presentation includes representative(s) from the State Elevator Inspectors Office and/or Local Elevator Companies.

Free

Using Simulation to Enhance Leadership Development

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This presentation will discuss how utilization of simulation as part of leadership education can improve the leadership development process and support effective leadership succession in your organization

Free

How Did We Become Scared of the Roof?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This presentation will look at firefighter line-of-duty deaths related to vertical ventilation on the fireground. Notice will be given to how significant deaths over decades have influenced training today and views on current practices and restrictions. It will also highlight what is made sensational and what is ignored when it comes to safety and education. Data and references will be shown in all areas to give the attendees a true picture of firefighter deaths during vertical ventilation. (2 hours)

Free

Pet First Aid and CPR

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

More and more fire departments are carrying pet oxygen masks on their apparatus these days, making it crucial for first responders to understand how to appropriately size an oxygen mask for fit to the animal as well as what flow rates are required for different animals. Upon completing this class, first responders will feel comfortable performing CPR, applying an oxygen mask, and performing rescue breathing for both cats and dogs.

Free

Legislative Breakout Session

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Legislative Breakout Session hosted by John Hall, Attorney; Prince George's County in room 209 of the Upper Level of the Convention Center.

Operational Responsibility

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This session will review the need for company officers and chief officers to understand the responsibility that comes with these positions. The discussion will address the priority of our firefighters as we make critical operational decisions. With a priority to our fire service mission of protecting lives and property. We will discuss incidents where decision making changed the outcome of a fireground, and what the affects of our decisions have on our mission and our firefighters.

Free

Drift Towards Failure

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This class will engage the participants in a discussion on how to address this growing issue within the modern fire service. Having a critical conversation and setting expectations are key in solving or fixing these issues. Confrontation may be difficult, but it is necessary.

Free

Pediatric Trauma: Case Studies in Summer Injuries

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Children explore their environments as a part of growing up – often in ways that teach them wonderful things.

Once the traditional school year has ended, the incidence of pediatric traumatic injuries typically increases. This presentation will focus on the MOI seen most often in the summer (but some year round), the key assessment signs and symptoms during triage, when to consult with a Pediatric Base Station, and transport & destination considerations – Local ED or Pediatric Trauma Center.

Free

It’s Ok to Say I’m Not Ok

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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.

Free

Insights on FF Ops; Mega-Mansion and Large Area Residential; Sea-side to Country-side

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The program provides leading insights on building construction systems, design configurations, and characteristics of common large area residential and mega-mansions--homes ranging from 4,000 to 40,000 square feet, with operational focus on the 6,000-18,000 SF residential footprint. A

Free

Call to Duty; Recruiter Battle Briefing

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

OBJECTIVES:

-Change the participant's mindset as to the way they address both the challenges and solutions to modern day volunteer fire and EMS recruitment and retention environments
-Engage the participants in activities and exercises that they can take back to their organization to facilitate based on local conditions
-Give participants the tools and resources to develop a comprehensive recruitment and retention plan for their emergency services organization
-Motivate the participant to seek additional and advanced recruitment and retention coordinator training

Free

The Efficient Engine

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The job of an engine officer is not as simple as running inside and spraying water. The origins of a successful engine company operation often start way before the engine was rang out for the alarm. The purpose of the “Efficient Engine” class is to start from scratch and look at the systems, from machine to personnel, which contributes to the effective deployment of the Engine Company. We will start with specifications that can help the students navigate through all the different options available concentrating on the items that will increase the usefulness of the engine itself. Then we move onto layout of equipment and hose that can maximize the efficiency of the crew. Next item covered is the efficient use of the equipment including intricacies and quirks of the new electronic aids often in use on newer engines. The class will wrap up with personnel deployment and training techniques to maximize the different staffing levels found throughout the country both volunteer and career.

Free

Exhibits Close

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

360° Leadership

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

360° Leadership is a core class for Officer, aspiring Officer, and Member professional development. This course explores and explains the essentials of well-rounded organizational leadership and the obligations of all ranks and levels of membership. Accurate assessment of operational and administrative variables is an acquired skill that provides knowledge of which elements can be controlled or influenced. Participants in this interactive class will engage in scenario-based discussions and presentations to discover practical tools and techniques for building their leadership skills.

Free

Call to Order; Third Session/Awards Ceremony 0830

Bay Front Ballroom, Convention Center 4001 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City

The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Ocean City Convention Center in the Bay Front Ball Room on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023.

Air Monitoring for First Responders

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

his class will teach First Responders how to use a meter properly and understand the readings
they see and the implications of such on an emergency response. It is estimated that 90% of first responders can
turn a meter on but have no idea what the readings mean when it alarms, nor the knowledge of the changing
situation as a meter begins to register readings putting them at significant risk.
This class will be a self-contained course which will include meters, reference materials, and chemicals. Attendees will learn why they need a meter, and how to use it!

Free

Exhibits Open

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

CANCELED: Emergency Response to Electric Vehicle Incidents

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Emergency Response to Electric Vehicle Incidents is designed to introduce first responders to the basic design and hazards of battery operated or hybrid vehicles and provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed respond to and address electric vehicle emergencies. Students will leave prepared to operate as a member of a team capable of responding to emergencies involving alternative fuel vehicles, where advanced vehicle rescue may be needed.

Bridging the Gap; Generational Discussion

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The generational differences in the area of leadership has been a topic of much discussion in recent years. As the baby boomer generation continues to age and retire, there is a growing need to understand how millennials and generation X will step up to fill leadership positions within the fire service.
There are several areas that have caused a divide between the different generations including technology, politics, and work life balance. To bridge the gap between generations, it is important to recognize and value the strengths of all generations. Departments can benefit from creating opportunities for different generations to work together and learn from each other. Mentoring programs and cross-generational training can help transfer knowledge and expertise while also fostering a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. Being able to understand each generation’s “Why’ will guide departments to help identify, prepare, and transition to the next phase of leadership.
It's clear that the relationship between generations in the area of leadership is complex and nuanced but that doesn't mean that it's not an area that we should focus on and build upon. By valuing the strengths of the generations and creating opportunities for cross-generational learning and development, departments can build a strong and diverse leadership pipeline that is capable of adapting to the changing demands of the modern fire service.
This class will define the differences and allow an open discussion on how to effectively communicate and prepare the next generation to lead.

Free

Never Forget Where It Started

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The presentation will focus on the importance of never forgetting where you came from in this business as you move through the ranks, the importance of embracing your department's history, paying it back and forward, and how never forgetting the beginning followed you and helps set your leadership skills, style and values.

Free

Moral Injury; Is Your Organization Guilty?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This presentation will discuss the differences between burnout and moral injury while exploring how an organization can unknowingly inflict moral injury on their personnel and what they do to prevent its proliferation.

Free

American Fire Culture Needs Gene Therapy

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The American fire culture has been a manual fire protection model based on six underlying assumptions, or DNA genes: fast, close, wet, risk, injury and death. To survive in the 21st century, fire service leadership must change our cultural paradigm to automatic fire protection that does not accept fire loss.

Free

Cancer Reduction in the Fire Service

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The Cancer Reduction in the Fire Service class is an overview of the current status of cancer in the fire service and highlights the state and federal regulations, national standards and best practices that promote the reduction of cancer in the fire service.
This class dives into the current industry data of cancer among firefighters, what state and federal regulations and national standards apply to reducing firefighter cancer and industry best practices to reduce cancer in the fire service in a practical way.

Free

How Safe Is Too Safe?

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

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. Historically data collection and analysis has focused on the “negatives” associated with operating on the fire ground, this being property loss, civilian fire fatalities, and firefighter line of duty death. It has not been until recent years that the fire service has begun to track “grabs” or the civilians we save. The data subset most frequently used to discourage the practice of interior fire attack is firefighter line of duty death. We are told year after year about the high number of firefighter line of duty deaths. However, data from the US Fire Administration clearly shows a decline in firefighter line of duty deaths since tracking began in the 1970’s. With a few notable exceptions such as 9/11 and the last two years due to COVID-19. Yet, there is now a push more than ever to discontinue the practice of interior fire attack. Despite this, the fire service has far more education, PPE, and tools as opposed to years prior. Throughout this course we will examine over 20 years of firefighter line of duty deaths and examine the causes of death in the line of duty to highlight the need to continue interior fire attack in the fire service.

Free

Surviving PTSD; A Success Story

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

The main objective of the presentation is to bring awareness to the mental health and PTSD crisis within the 1st responder community. To focus on getting people to talk about what we see on and off the job to bring about mental wellness and resiliency. The biggest goal is to let those out there with trauma and/or PTSD that they are not alone. Much like occupational cancer, occupational mental health needs to be addressed and this presentation does that along with offering some solutions.
The purpose for this presentation, much like the objectives, is to share a story of how unresolved trauma and PTSD can not only affect a 1st responder but their department, family, co-workers, and society. By being transparent and sharing my personal stories of struggles, failures, lows and highs, loss and even gain and then wrapping it up with how I turned it all around into a success story, it provides hope. Our job as 1st responders is thankless from the get-go and for most of us that’s ok cause it is not what we signed on for. However, not being able to or not knowing how to deal with and heal from what we see and do during our career(s), is not what we signed on for.

Free

Firefighters Insurance and Benefits

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

Fire/EMS companies pay for insurance just in case something happens. When “just in case” shows up at your station, are you really covered?
This seminar has 2 primary objectives:
• To identify the property, liability and member exposures faced by volunteer Fire/EMS companies every day – from a risk management perspective.
• To inform members on how insurance works to protect the corporations and their volunteers, and the options available to them.
This seminar is presented in everyday language and provides an interactive format for participant comments and questions.
Topics covered include apparatus valuation methods and liability, coverage for COVID-19, station buildings & contents and operational liability. The Workers Compensation and benefits policies for each county are explained.
Specific risk subjects also include firefighting foam pollution liability, theft of funds, HIPAA, Directors & Officers liability and fund-raising activities. An expanded focus this year is benefits for members, both through the station and available on an individual basis.

Free

Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States

This course from the National Volunteer Fire Council and the American Psychological Association's Center for Organizational Excellence is designed to empower fire department leadership to promote and support healthy, high-performing fire/EMS departments. Based on the framework from the Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments initiative, this course focuses on six key practices - member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life balance, member recognition, and effective communication - to facilitate member well-being and department functioning.

Free

Exhibits Close

Ocean City Convention Center 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, United States