MFRI Bulletin

Bulletin for January/February 2002

The New Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Headquarters Now Open

By April Walker

MFRI-HQ is open and serving the needs of Maryland's fire and EMS services. 

Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s new headquarters building is open and faculty and staff are off to a running start. Everyone is busy moving into their new offices and at the same time working hard to coordinate all the many training classes and programs that we offer every spring. We are continuing our efforts to recover from the total loss of our temporary headquarters building and contents that occurred as a result of the tornado last September. However, our collective ability to work on several things at the same time is an asset that we are exercising>.

The completion of the long-awaited headquarters addition couldn’t have come at a better time. As MFRI has been on the forefront of terrorism training for quite some time, we are now busier than ever in the wake of the recent terrorism attacks. Terrorism training classes are being offered to emergency services providers at an accelerated rate to ensure adequate training for all responders.

This is an historic time for those of us who have dedicated ourselves to emergency response. The public has woken up to the fact that firefighting is a dangerous occupation that requires more than courage. Special skills, equipment, and knowledge are all equally important. The ability to do our jobs properly requires support from our local, state, and national leaders. MFRI is continuing to educate congressional staffers, media, and other government officials about the hard work associated with firefighting and all the equipment needed to do the job safely and effectively.

The name of our new complex is now “Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Headquarters,” or “MFRI-HQ” for short. The titles of MFRI Administrative Offices and College Park Training Academy (CPTA) are no longer being used. MFRI-HQ encompasses the headquarters complex which houses Maryland’s premiere fire/rescue training center. Please note that this terminology will be used in future class and meeting announcements.

Equipped with the latest in communications and audio-visual technology and a 100-seat lecture hall among other improvements the MFRI-HQ is already addressing the needs of students and instructors on a daily basis. The phone numbers that were established last June when we moved into the temporary building are still in use and will not change. For additional information or assistance call MFRI-HQ at 301-226-9900.

Photo by Ana Melgarejo

On the evening of September 24, 2001 the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute received one of the strongest challenges of its over 70 year history.  Routinely, we teach firefighters how to respond to disasters and major emergencies.  However, to be on the receiving end of one is an extraordinary and sobering experience.  As you know by now, an unprecedented F-3 class tornado struck and totally destroyed our facilities on the campus of the University of Maryland, changing the Institute and affect the lives of our faculty and staff.

            Many people at MFRI suffered a great deal during this ordeal, both physically and mentally.  The loss of Colleen and Erin Marlatt, the daughters of MFRI Assistant Director Pat Marlatt, is a tragedy beyond belief. Seven MFRI faculty and staff were injured as well. The loss of our facilities, equipment, and programs was difficult to imagine.  It felt as though over 70 years of effort and sacrifice were all gone in a matter of seconds.

            As the Director of the Institute I am fully aware of the talent and expertise of the MFRI faculty, staff, and field instructors. They are outstanding people and have a clear record of accomplishment and success accumulated over decades of service. Were we up to this challenge? The answer is a resounding yes, and I have never been more proud of a group of people in my life. Without hesitation and in spite of the many obstacles, MFRI was back in service the day after the tornado teaching classes throughout the state. This is a striking testament to the will and professionalism of MFRI personnel. I dare state that not many organizations could have risen up so quickly after such a traumatic and tragic event.

            We were not alone in our quest to restore the Institute to its former self. In the strongest traditions of the fire serve we received a great deal of help and assistance. A number of fire departments and fire service organizations from throughout the state immediately responded to our plight. On a moment’s notice recruit schools were cancelled throughout the state and the firefighters were dispatched to help us recover our equipment.

            The University of Maryland, under the leadership of President C.D. Mote, did everything possible to assist us to recover. Countless people, including other state fire training program personnel, and national fire service organizations all offered their full assistance.

            There are not enough “thank you’s” to express how much appreciation and respect we all have for the many positive thoughts and actions directed toward the Institute.

            We are still recovering and will be for some period of time, but I can assure you that the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is back – stronger and better then ever. Our mission is too important and our collective desire to excel is too great to do otherwise.

Steven T. Edwards, Director
sedwards@mfri.org

"Charlie" Joins the MFRI Team

By Angela Bennett

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute recently hosted Emergency Medical Services Operations and Planning for Weapons of Mass Destruction. The program was conducted in cooperation with the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (NERRTC) at the MFRI College Park Training Academy. NERRTC developed the course as part of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium’s curricula to improve operations and technician-level abilities to combat domestic terrorism. It is one of several NERRTC programs being funded by the Department of Justice.

The course is specially designed to equip EMS personnel and medical professionals with the skills needed to ensure proper patient triage, transportation, and treatment in the event of exposure to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or biological, nuclear, incendiary, chemical and explosive (B-NICE) weapons. Students are required to demonstrate proper techniques for hazard detection and monitoring, triage, mass decontamination, treatment and stabilization. In addition, participants receive training on the proper techniques for protecting themselves and limiting cross contamination.

The highlight of the program for attendees was without a doubt the opportunity to interact with “Charlie,” a state-of-the-art Human Patient Simulator (HPS). He is not the Six Million Dollar Man, but he is an invaluable asset nonetheless for emergency medical care providers. Actually, Charlie makes the standard Resusci-Annie seem like, well, a boring hunk of plastic. This new, life-like breed of mannequin can be placed in a variety of positions (such as sitting in a car) while remaining fully operational - and its operational capabilities are astounding.

Baltimore County Fire Department Captain Mike Robinson checks the ET tube that has been placed in the Human Patient Simulator by Salisbury Fire Department FF/EMT-P Lorenzo Cropper.  MSFA EMS Committee Chair, Charlie Wills (left) is observing.

The HPS, developed by Medical Education Technologies, Inc. (METI) is a state-of-the-art teaching tool that looks and responds like a real patient. There are heart/breath sounds, palpable pulses, chest excursion, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide output. The life-size mannequin exhibits numerous illnesses and injury-related symptoms. It reacts to over 50 medicines at various dosages, and responds to emergency medical interventions like an actual person. For example, if Charlie is in shock, his pupils will remain fixed and dilated. If his heart stops, he can be revived with CPR. Likewise, Charlie responds appropriately to heart defibrillators and ventilators. Even tongue swelling can be activated to varying degrees to simulate a problem such as anaphylaxis that obstructs the airway. Perhaps best of all, it is designed to work with virtually all types of other standardized emergency medical training equipment.

Training can be approached using a lecture-based format where a condition is known ahead of time and various treatment methods are discussed. Training can then progress to diagnosis and treatment with and without the aid of an instructor. If vital signs plummet, the airway is compromised, and Charlie dies during class; for paramedics it is little more than an embarrassment. A few simple keystrokes, Control-Alt-Delete, and Charlie is “alive” again. Despite having bleeding wounds, a beating heart, and lungs that exchange oxygen, Charlie is, after all, just a “dummy.” Students truly receive a hands-on learning experience that provides no risk to a real patient.

The reality of the HPS is achieved through sophisticated computer modeling. The mannequin is “driven” by a computer that creates a life-like response. If a student takes an action, right or wrong, Charlie will respond appropriately without prompting from an instructor. There are numerous pre-configured patients programmed into the computer representing various ages, physiological parameters, medical histories, and gender. The HPS allows for an objective and realistic assessment of student performance, another of its many major benefits.

Intubation practice is more realistic with the Human Patient Simulator.

Unfortunately, Charlie had to head back to College Station, Texas after the class demonstration, but advanced life support providers throughout Maryland can look forward to the arrival of a Human Patient Simulator of their own. The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Advanced Life Support Program will be accepting delivery of the newest generation of METI’s HPS in time for instruction late this spring.

The HPS will be incorporated into MFRI ALS continuing education programs. In addition, the HPS will be available for jurisdictional proficiency evaluations and terminal competency evaluations for initial training programs throughout the state. If you are interested in bringing the HPS technology to your classroom, please contact the MFRI ALS Program Coordinator, Angela Bennett at abennett@mfri.org or 800-ASK-MFRI for scheduling information.

  Photos by Angela Bennett

Newly Adopted Bloodborne Pathogen Regulations Reduce Risks to Maryland's Emergency Service Providers

by April Walker

"Occupational Exposure" is one of the key terms upon which the standard rests. This term’s definition contains the criteria that trigger its application. The definition reads: “Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties.”

Diseases caused by occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens include: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, malaria, and syphilis. Some less known diseases include: babesiosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis, arboviral infections, relapsing fever, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, human T-lymphotrophic virus type #1, and viral hemorrhagic fever.

"Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)" is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an individual to protect him or her from a hazard.” This term includes, but is not limited to, clothing and equipment such as gloves, gowns, aprons, lab coats, face shields, protective eyewear, masks, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices. General work clothes, not intended to function as protection against a hazard, are not considered to be personal protective equipment. Along with use of safer devices and procedures (engineering controls), consistent use of PPE is an important part of exposure reduction and elimination.

The new standard contains an appendix designed to assist employers in implementing the provisions of regulations. Appendix A is incorporated as part of this standard and imposes additional mandatory obligations on employers. Maryland’s Infection Control Committee of the Statewide EMS Advisory Council (SEMSAC) has assembled a list of resources to further assist with standard compliance. Captain Dale A. Crutchley from the Annapolis Fire Department is the committee chair. Particularly useful internet sites include www.osha.gov and www.dllr.state.md.us.

MFRI Fire Testing Helps Noveon's BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems Achieve New UL Listing

by April Walker

Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute has a long history as the state’s fire service training agency. Since the beginning, the Institute has provided a wide range of services. There is a close connection between MFRI and the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) program. Fire testing and fire reconstruction are two expert services that MFRI has developed as a result of working with faculty, students, and graduates of the FPE program.

Noveon Senior Associate Bob Frimel, and R&D Technologists Tom Ware and Mike Perkovich, (left to right) are pictured with Donny Boyd outside MFRI constructed fire testing facility.

Through the re-creation of fatal fires, gas explosions, and equipment failure scenarios, MFRI’s Logistical Support Section staff assists forensic experts with gathering the facts needed to prepare court testimony pertaining to the chain of events related to the cause of a fire or explosion. Fire scene reconstruction is based on information from fire investigation reports and fire scene photographs. 

Donny Boyd and Mike Perkovich are examining one of the CPVC pipes and fitting configurations exposed to fire testing in order to confirm that it withstands temperatures in excess of 1200°F.

MFRI has also developed the technical ability to assist fire protection equipment designers and manufacturers with product development and testing. For the past three years, the Institute’s Special Programs and Logistical Support Sections have teamed up to assist Noveon with conducting fire tests designed to gain Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval for new BlazeMaster^® fire sprinkler piping applications. Noveon, formerly BFGoodrich Performance Materials, is a global producer of performance polymer systems and additives. Noveon materials are based on proprietary technology used to improve the performance of many products in many industries including BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe and fittings.

Donny Boyd is at Underwriters Laboratories assisting with the performance of a fire test.  Times associated with initial head activation, temperature peak, and pressure testing are carefully recorded.

R & D Technologist Mike Perovich and additional members of Noveon’s research and development team, have worked closely with MFRI liaison, Donny Boyd, at the College Park Training Academy. Donny constructs a test facility based on UL specifications and then he carefully recreates the testing environment according to specific room sizes, ceiling heights, roof and ceiling designs, and sprinkler spacing and configurations. The size of the fuel pan and the type of testing fuel is also replicated.

BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe and fittings are the first to be listed by UL for use in unfinished basements with exposed solid wood joist installations in accordance with NFPA 13D and in exposed system risers in accordance with NFPA 13D and 13R. BlazeMaster^® CPVC pipe is the only non-metallic pipe Listed by UL for these applications. BlazeMaster^® pipe and fittings have also been approved by UL for many other automatic sprinkler system applications.

Mike Perkovich and Donny Boyd pictured outside of the Underwriters Laboratories testing facility located just outside of Chicago, Illinois.

(Photos 1 & 2: April Walker; photos 3-5: courtesy Noveon Inc.)

The ability to use UL's large-scale fire tests facilities is based on being able to schedule needed time in the facility and being able to pay for it. The UL tests provide needed data on fire suppression characteristics of automatic water sprinkler systems, but it comes at a high cost. Conducting these tests first at MFRI fully prepares Noveon for final testing at the UL testing facility near Chicago. Knowing what to expect going in, confident that the product will pass the test, allows Noveon to schedule less time at a lower cost.

Donny Boyd accompanied Noveon technologists to Underwriters Laboratories in early December of 2001 for seven days of preparation and testing. This was Donny’s fourth trip to UL during the past year. The latest UL test successfully proved that BlazeMaster would meet NFPA requirements with wider sprinkler head spacing, to extend coverage. The success of these trips and testing leads to additional BlazeMaster^® uses and cost savings which are ultimately passed on to building and homeowners. MFRI is proud to be one of a limited number of places where clients like Noveon can go and replicate UL testing procedures prior to final testing. 

MFRI Director Edwards Travels to China

MFRI Director Steven T. Edwards recently accepted an invitation to participate as a member of the “People to People Fire Chiefs Delegation to the People’s Republic of China.” The goodwill, cultural exchange trip included visits to the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Director Edwards toured fire departments, fire apparatus manufacturers, fire research facilities, and fire training academies. Director Edwards is pictured here presenting the MFRI Special Report to Senior Colonel Liu Yuanjiig, commanding officer of the Fire Department of the Ministry of Public Security in Beijing. Over 14 million people live in the city of Beijing; however, they are protected by only 56 fire stations.

Copyright © 2001 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, All rights reserved.