Check below for session presentations which are available.
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Education Sessions
Thursday, August 17, 2006 and Friday, August 18, 2006
41 Things to Do During A Mutual Aid Deployement
Jay Reardon, Fire Chief, Northbrook Fire Department
Learn about the Illinois Fire Service Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) deployment history, system design and lessons learned. In September 2005, 950 firefighters and approximately 200 vehicles were sent to New Orleans and the surrounding areas in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. As an assigned mission, the response, rescue, and recovery objectives were met and a new benchmark was set. This session is a must for any personnel involved in agency, city or state preparedness.
Rope Assisted Search Procedures Part 1 & Part 2
Robert Hoff, Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner, Chicago Fire Department
Will Trezek, Lieutenant, Chicago Fire Department
Brandon Dyer, Firefighter, Chicago Fire Department
Mike Rogers, Firefighter, Chicago Fire Department
Shan Haynes, Firefighter, Chicago Fire Department
Rick Kolomay, Lieutenant, Schaumburg Fire Department
Learn search and rescue procedures for high-rise building fires using actual fire incidents involving both command and company level operations. The use of the Rapid Assist Teams (RAT) and Rope Assisted Search Procedure (RASP), adopted by the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Area Mutual Aid and Box Alarm System (MABAS) divisions, and the Illinois Fire Service Institute, will be reviewed and demonstrated. The adaptation of rapid intervention team operations into high-rise operations will also be reviewed with regard to staging, size-up methods, tools, air management, and search operations. Understand how new search procedures will address high-rise fire complexitites and apply new high-rise search operations and RIT recommendations to your fire department high-rise operations.
911, Emergency Management, Joint Operations Center, Traffic Management and Snow Command: Why It's a Good Idea to Have This Under One Roof!
Andrew Velasquez III, Executive Director, City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) just unveiled a "City Incident Center" integrating the OEMC's homeland security strategies with traffic services, towing, Department of Streets and Sanitation operations and the Department of Water Management dispatch services. Emergency management merges the communications and dispatch operations of all relevant city departments, so they can respond effectively to any emergency from a blizzard to a major fire or terrorist attack. Find out how the concept called "emergency management" can work for you!
High Rise Scene Management: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Andrew Berg, Instructor-Command Operations, Toronto Fire Services
The Toronto Fire Department responded to a gas main break in the center of downtown in 2003. Seven high-rise office buildings were evacuated and the subway system was stopped during rush hour. Numerous agencies and fire resources were involved. The Toronto Fire Department has used this incident as an example to give District Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs an understanding of the enormous burden Incident Commanders face. Learning points include the effective set-up of sectors/branches, use of multiple radio channels or communications, the shortfalls of not being able to communicate with outside agencies, the general resistance, and the complications of shutting down a major subway system during rush hour. The Toronto Fire Department has learned and gained valuable information based on this incident which has led to significant changes to operating procedures.
Healthcare Facilities: Urgent Evacuation Plan
Connie Polke, President, Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group
Bill Pretzer, Battalion Chief, Park Ridge Fire Department
After the tragedy of 9/11 as well as Hurricane Katrina, a group of healthcare agencies asked themselves: how can we help our community in the event that such a disaster would happen here? Where would hospitals and extended care facilities move stable patients when there is a need to admit patients from the area hit by such devastation? With such questions in mind, representatives from local healthcare, public safety and transportation providers embarked on a mission to answer these and other questions. A community-wide urgent action plan, Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG), was developed. Learn valuable information about CHUG’s evacuation plan, as well as other important information regarding disaster planning, response and recovery.
High-Rise Operations For "First In" Companies Part 1 & Part 2
Jose Santiago, District Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Lew Lake, Lieutenant, Wheaton Fire Department
Phil De Mik, Lieutenant, Naperville Fire Department
Learn the tasks and assignments of the "first in" companies. This includes high-rise terminology, specific tasks, communications, assignments/manpower, elevator operations, standpipe operations, hose line requirements, and incorporating safety protocols at incidents.
The Nuts and Bolts of Standpipe Systems
Rich Edgeworth, Director of Training, Chicago Fire Department
Richard Piccolo, President, B&F Technical Code Services Inc./Building and Fire Code Academy
Building codes have basic requirements for sizing and water flow capabilities for standpipe systems. These requirements have to be understood by line firefighters and command officers. Understanding these systems will provide fire ground personnel with the knowledge to make tactical decisions based on standpipe systems capabilities. Learn water flow and pressure requirements for different standpipe systems and the different standpipe systems classifications, as well as the water flow requirements for each system.
Homeland Security "Lessons Learned"
Emilie Earnshaw, Researcher, Lessons Learned Information Sharing
This session will provide an overview of Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS.gov), the Department of Homeland Security’s national online network of best practices for emergency response and homeland security officials. LLIS.gov, developed by the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism in Oklahoma City, OK in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, helps emergency responsders and homeland security officials prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters. The presentation will also discuss unique features of the system, including LLIS.gov’s extensive library of after-action reports, federal guidelines, and other homeland security related documents, information sharing and collaboration tools.
Evacuate or Defend in Place: Making the Call
Tony Van Buskirk, Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Arriel Gray, Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Let’s face it. When the clock is ticking, making the decision to evacuate or defend in place can seriously impact the outcome of your operations and the potential number of injuries. High-rise buildings pose a myriad of challenges. Learn what characteristics to look for that will assist you in making a safer, more appropriate decision.
Life Safety in Hotels
Gerald Tracy, Battalion Chief, Fire Department New York
Hotels are designated as residential occupancies for the purpose of fire protection and preparedness. Hotels are unique because a variety of the work and trade within hotels present a danger and challenge not only to fire service and hotel staff but to transient hotel guests during fires and emergencies. Chief Tracy will outline the challenges and responsibilities to ensure life safety and successful operations during events that require emergency procedures.
How Can Unified Command and NIMS Help You Successfully Direct and Manage a Major Event
Richard Jaehne, Director, Illinois Fire Service Institute, Universtiy of Illinois
Joe Gasparich, Security Programs Director, Illinois Fire Service Institute, Universtiy of Illinois
Using a case study, examine how unified incident command and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) can help the incident commander, staff and subordinate commanders more effectively respond in order to get ahead of a major high-rise event. Building on actual high-rise planning in Chicago, this presentation will examine the transition from voice-based incident command to the creation and use of Incident Action Plans during an event. It will examine the roles and tools available to the unified incident commander, the general staff and those from various critical disciplines working the incident.
High-Rise Fire Alarm System Operations in the City of Chicago
Pete VanDorpe, Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Adam Tappen, Fire General Manager, Siemens Building Technologies Inc.
Morrie Mastrangeli, Fire Account Executive, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
See an overview and demonstration of high-rise fire alarm sytems in the City of Chicago. Learn how they are designed, installed, tested and function in an emergency. This session is similar to the training and system installation the City of Chicago utilizes for the training of new personnel.
Technology Explored by the Chicago Fire Department
Richard Ford, Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Mark Nielsen, Assistant Director of Training, Chicago Fire Department
Adam Rhodes, Paramedic In Charge, Chicago Fire Department
Discuss with your peers some of the technologies being explored or currently used by the Chicago Fire Department. Take this and the ideas you will develop for new technologies back to your department.
Engine Company Operations in High-Rise and Standpipe Equipped Buildings
David McGrail, District Chief, Denver Fire Department
this session will focus on engine company operations during high-rise fires and other standpipe equipped buildings. Learn the various classes and types of standpipe systems, as well as the identification and explanation of standpipe pressure regulating devices, pressure reducing valve and pressure restricting devices. Fire departments should utilize high-volume, low-pressure weapons for standpipe operations -- specifically the 2 1/2-inch attack line. Discover specific tactics, procedures, and equipment identified to give real solutions, making this larger handline a reality, even with limited staffing.
Blackout in New York City 2003
John Norman, Chief of Special Operations, Fire Department New York
James Manahan, Chief of Planning and Strategy, Fire Department New York
This presentation reviews the challenges that faced the New York Fire Department in the wake of the blackout that affected most of the northeast in the summer of 2003. Learn current New York City high-rise procedures and how Incident Command System (ICS) helps the Incident Command (IC) retain control. Discuss scenarios that are likely to develop in the event of a large scale power outage affecting urban areas. Learn strategies for dealing with them, including additional staffing, fire and emergency operations, and command/control of city-wide events.
Triage: Hot and Cold
Paula Willoughby-DeJesus, DO, MHPE, FACOEP, , Assistant Commissioner, Medical Administration & Regulatory Compliance, Chicago Fire Department
Mark Linse, Deputy Chief Paramedic, Chicago Fire Department
David Schlenbecker, Commander, Chicago Fire Department
Edward Higgins, Paramedic, Chicago Fire Department
The presentation will discuss the challenges of triage in complex settings. Participants will learn issues of triage in cold versus hot zones and will be given an opportunity to debate strategies of triage.
New Orleans Fire Department: Response to Hurricane Katrina
Bruce Martin, Deputy, New Orleans Fire Department
Learn from a veteran in the industry who responded to Hurricane Katrina, the most important aspects of preparing for major incidents, as well as what can be expected after a catastrophic incident.
The Changing Face of the Fire Commissioner
Raymond Orozco, Fire Commissioner, Chicago Fire Department
The role of the Fire Commissioner is one that has changed drastically and will continue to change. Gone are the days when the Fire Commissioner and Chiefs’ only concern was fire and rescue. Today's Fire Commissioner must connect with the ever changing "face" of the fire service, develop strong community relationships and research, expand and secure the newest technology and equipment that will help the fire service get it "all done." Learn from Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco, a 26-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department, as he talks about his new plans and direction for the future. If you are a Commissioner or a high-ranking Chief or Officer, this is a session that should not be missed!
Building Safety Considerations: From Planning Through Construction and Occupancy
Tom Lynch, Deputy District Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Building occupants form an intangible element of high-rise building safety. Regardless of the amount of training, individual response to an emergency situation cannot be predicted. Focus on the tangibles -- those systems and elements of high-rise building construction that will provide the greatest protection for all individuals involved in an emergency. Tangible systems are needed to protect the newest employee and the most experienced firefighter. Firefighters should know about a commercial high-rise structure before leaving the lobby and what commercial high-rise building staff should expect when interacting with the fire department. Make your structure "firefighter friendly."
Biloxi and Hurricane Katrina Response
David Roberts, Director, Biloxi Fire Department
Chief Roberts gas first-hand disaster experience with Hurrican Katrina. Using existing high-rise operating procedures and incorporating ICS positioning and terminology, learn chief duties and leadership positions in preparation to better deal with disaster when it occurs.
Community Preparedness for the Pandemic Flu
Larry Williams, DDS, Captain, Dental Corps, United States Navy
The United States has to be prepared for man-made and natural disasters. The potential spread of a pandemic flu could have a devastating effect on our economy and lifestyle. Look at basic facts about flu, the current avian flu issue, and some ways to prepare for a potential pandemic flu. Understand the impact on community emergency services, learn the history and types of flu and discuss the potential impact of a pandemic flu on the community, especially emergency services.
High-Rise Building Construction Concerns
Keith Witt, Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Department
Pat Lynch, Lieutenant, Chicago Fire Department
Discover how high-rise building construction can affect your firefighting strategy and tactics, as well as rescue and evacuation operations. Become familiar with different types of high-rise construction and identify problems inherent to firefighting in high-rise buildings.
Kelvin Cochran, Fire Chief, Shreveport Fire Department
The Shreveport Fire Department played a significant leadership and operational role in receiving and meeting the needs of evacuees as a result of the evacuations caused by Hurricane Katrina. Shelter management needs exceeded established standard operating guidelines previously estimated by emergency planners. Katrina broke all the rules. As one of the untold success stories of the disaster, this presentation is an overview of the multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction cooperation which worked to meet the needs of the evacuees.