Firehouse Expo kicks off in just two weeks and there are a couple sessions that provide in-depth discussions and training with limited openings left.
These sessions require attendees to pre-register and students might need to provide PPE or computers.
“We understand that fire departments have limited opportunities to participate in live fire training exercises and we’re bringing those hands-on classes to Nashville,” says Firehouse Expo Conference Director Tim Sendelbach.
“LIVE FIRE/RIT Under Fire” provides students with a wealth of rapid intervention rescue skills all conducted in a high-stress, live fire environment.
Students who participate in the “LIVE FIRE/Coordinated Fire Attack” will get experience in both engine and ladder company operations during actual fire conditions. The eight-hour session focuses on coordinating fireground operations, communications and review each scenario to help firefighters return home with a better understanding of critical points.
“LIVE FIRE/Advanced Search & Flow Path Tactics,” will provide perspective tactics used by fire department in Cobb County, GA, and Los Angeles County, CA.
Participants will learn how to carry out VES, conduct a variety of searches and see how the fire’s flow path is impacted by different operations.
These hands-on sessions, plus "BIG RIG RESCUE: Overturns and Underrides," "High-Rise Fire Ops," "LIVE FIRE / Principles of Modern Fire Attack," "University of Extrication - Advanced Scenario-based Vehicle Extrication," and more.
Wednesday’s (Oct. 19) preconference sessions cover topics from leadership to the latest on firefighter research and technology.
Deputy Chief Ted Nee will lead the eight hour “Fire Studio Master Class” that allows students to create advanced incident simulations using software.
Participants will learn how to use backgrounds and layers to create multiple fire simulations that can be brought back to their department to enhance current training offerings.
“New technology and research is introduced to the fire service daily, and Firehouse Expo offers attendees a chance to maximize and enhance their in-house training to increase their effectiveness on the fireground," Sendelbach said.
Lead Research Engineer Robin Zevotek will spend the afternoon presenting the latest findings from fire dynamics in “Fire Research, Tactics, Training & Application.”
Zevotek’s program will help firefighters understand how their actions impact fire dynamics during residential structure fires and what steps that can take to increase victim viability while trying to limit fire spread.
Battalion Chief John Salka will present the hard-hitting “First In, Last Out Leadership for Fire Officers" on Wednesday morning.
Salka will explore the fireground from the fire officer’s perspective. He will cover size-up, fire attack, accountability, and a number of other perspectives that fire officers need to consider every time they leave the station.
“Last week, FDNY lost a battalion chief in an explosion at a marijuana grow house,” Sendelbach says. “While the investigation is still underway, officials say the utility services to the home were illegally rigged. There are a lot of unknown hazards that firefighters need to understand and be prepared to respond to.”
To meet those challenges, Aurora, CO, Capt. Siegfried Klein will explain how fire departments can prepare for responses involved with potent butane hash oil (BHO), which is commonly found in marijuana growing operations during a preconference session on Oct. 19.
Firehouse Expo includes three full days of classroom sessions and exhibit floor access, plus networking opportunities every night.
Register here.
