MFRI Bulletin

Bulletin for March/April 2002

MFRI'S NEW HEADQUARTERS HEATS UP - Visitors include FEMA Director Joseph Allbaugh

Something exciting is always happening at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. As soon as the doors first opened to the new headquarters facility in College Park we began receiving visits from some very distinguished people. One of the first visitors was University of Maryland President Dr. C. D. Mote, Jr. who came by for a building tour given by MFRI Director Steven T. Edwards.

MFRI's new state-of-the-art lecture hall was put to immediate use as it filled with a "Who's Who" list of state and national fire service leaders and media representatives.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

The very next day, MFRI welcomed a visit by Joseph M. Allbaugh, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In an unprecedented move for such a high-level Federal official, Director Allbaugh came to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter. Director He committed an entire afternoon to attend an introductory hands-on firefighter training session.

USFA Administrator R. David Paulison (left) stands with FEMA Director Allbaugh as he begins the process of donning protective clothing. Photo by April Walker.

Director Allbaugh took the opportunity to hold a press conference and bravely invited everyone present to come along with him on his day’s journey. MFRI’s new state-of-the-art lecture hall was put to immediate use as it filled with a “Who’s Who” list of state and national fire service leaders and media representatives. 

United States Senator Paul Sarbanes (left) attended the press conference and made brief remarks regarding his commitment to America's fire and rescue services.  After the press conference, the Senator spoke to Director Steve Edwards (right) about the progress that MFRI has made since the tornado destroyed its temporary headquarters last September.  Photo by April Walker.

United States Senator Paul Sarbanes made a surprise appearance and remarked about his on-going commitment to America’s fire and rescue services. Director Allbaugh introduced R. David Paulison, the newly appointed Administrator of the United States Fire Administration. 

He then addressed the challenges and issues confronting America’s emergency fire and rescue services personnel and answered questions about future plans for implementation of federal assistance programs.

Fire service leaders asked tough questions about the need for improvements in on-scene communications capabilities at major emergencies, disasters, and terrorism attacks. Director Allbaugh stated his firm intention to use federal funds to address the most important needs of emergency responders at the local level. He stressed that the most vital needs in some jurisdictions will be different than in others. Director Allbaugh also affirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility with limited bureaucracy.

With assistance from MFRI instructor John Rose and Gary Warren, Director Allbaugh completed the process of being fitted with breathing apparatus.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

After the press conference, Director Allbaugh quickly jumped into firefighter mode. MFRI instructors fitted Director Allbaugh with a full set of protective clothing and breathing apparatus while they provided him with details on the use and cost of each item. While donning all the gear, he quickly noticed its bulk, weight, and warmth.

Allbaugh’s introductory firefighting program was a condensed version of the Congressional staff firefighter training orientation day that Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute hosts each year in partnership with the Congressional Fire Services Institute. Just like Congressional staffers, Director Allbaugh was both excited and a bit apprehensive as he began his firefighter training. Having a large delegation of media and fire service leaders intensely watching and recording his every move added to the excitement.

Director Allbaugh kept up a quick pace as he rode up and down an aerial platform, received instruction in the use of auto extrication equipment, and examined a thermal imaging device and other fire and rescue tools. Training intensified as he next learned how to operate a hose line. 

Directors Allbaugh and Edwards on their way up the aerial platform.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

The most intensive evolution came last, as both Directors Allbaugh and Edwards participated in a live-burn exercise. With facemasks in place and air flowing, both Directors prepared to enter MFRI’s burn building.

A member of Berwyn Heights Rescue Squad 14 guides Director Allbaugh through the vehicle extrication process.  Photo by April Walker.

After final safety checks were complete, MFRI instructors led the way and set the fire.  It was time to feel the heat, try out a thermal imager, and observe a fire being extinguished. 

Director Allbaugh (right) is set to enter the burn building after being prepared by MFRI instructor Gary Warren (left).  Photo by April Walker.

When the evolution was complete and Allbaugh removed his mask everyone present could see the familiar smile of someone who has made it through the burn building for the first time. “I made it through better than I thought I would,” were his first words. Then he stated, “That was incredible. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my mask. Every department should have one of those (cameras).”

George Pachecho of Montgomery County's FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team explains the value of a Search Cam in confined spaces and structural collapses.  Photo by April Walker.

MFRI Director Steven Edwards ended the program by presenting Director Allbaugh with a certificate of completion on behalf of MFRI and the University of Maryland. He was also presented with the white helmet he used during training as a permanent reminder of all that he’d accomplished. Director Allbaugh left MFRI with a deeper appreciation of the dangerous and complex work facing firefighters and emergency rescue workers each day.

With training complete, MFRI Director Steve Edwards presented Director Allbaugh with his helmit as a memento of his experience.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

As I write this article I am sitting in my new office at MFRI Headquarters in College Park. The view from my window is quite extraordinary. I can see firefighters entering the structural burn building and another group approaching the flammable liquids pit for training exercises. When I walk down the hall I encounter a Fire Officer class in session and an Industrial Haz-Mat Training class whose students are beginning to learn how to don protective clothing. As I proceed through the building I witness breathing apparatus maintenance, curriculum development in progress, and payroll journals being completed. All of this is within mere steps of my office.

My brief journey is one of great pride and fulfillment because I am experiencing what has been planned and envisioned for many years. The new MFRI Headquarters facility is now occupied and fully functional. Getting here has been quite a journey, but it has been well worth the wait. This modern facility will serve the emergency services training needs of the state via an educational environment equipped with the latest technology and amenities. A new lecture hall and five classrooms as well as an expanded fire training area all await your use. Please stop by for a visit at any time. The grand opening of the new MFRI Headquarters is taking place on April 19, 2002.

Many people and organizations have been instrumental in the planning and construction of this new facility. Dr. C.D. Mote, Jr., President of the University of Maryland, College Park, continues to be a strong supporter of the entire MFRI system. All of the statewide fire service organizations have helped in numerous ways to complete this project. Within MFRI, many people have worked hard and contributed to this effort. Assistant Director Pat Marlatt had responsibility for the overall coordination of the project. MFRI Managers Steve Carter, Ann Davidson, and Steve Cox assisted him in large ways. I extend a sincere thanks to all who worked to make this transition possible.

On another note, MFRI recently had the distinct honor to host a fire service training day for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Joseph Allbaugh. Mr. Allbaugh had no previous fire service experience, but left that day with a new appreciation and respect for what firefighters and emergency medical personnel do every day. My compliments and respect are extended to Director Allbaugh for taking the time to walk in our boots and feel what it is like to be a firefighter. His expanded knowledge and understanding of the fire service will benefit all firefighters in the United States.

Steven T. Edwards, Director
sedwards@mfri.org

Have You Noticed? "CPR" Training is New and Now Includes "AED"!

By April Walker

Have you completed a CPR class recently? If so, the following numbers may sound familiar:

• 61,000,000. The American Heart Association’s latest estimate of the number of Americans who have one or more types of cardiac disease. Surprisingly, that’s one out of every five people in this country. 

•  1,100,000. The approximate number of people who will have a coronary event in a single year. 250,000 of these people will die without even being hospitalized.

• 958,000. The reported number of people who lost their lives in 1999 to cardiac disease, the Nation’s number one killer. Alarmingly, half of the people who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms of the disease.

While adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention, providing people with the finest in pre-hospital care is one way to significantly reduce these numbers. Since new CPR guidelines are being implemented, it’s a good time to stress that saving more lives requires a team effort. Fire and rescue personnel must lead the way; however, the chain of survival begins before emergency responders arrive.

New American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines

In August of 2000, the American Heart Association adopted a revised set of international guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies. July of 2001 marked the final implementation deadline and now both AHA and the American Red Cross are providing CPR instructors with updated training. The new guidelines cover a variety of topics such as CPR, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and new recommendations for emergency medical personnel.

Techniques for CPR have changed in several ways. One major change is that lay rescuers are no longer being taught to check for a pulse. Instead, they are being taught to check for signs of circulation such as normal breathing, coughing, or movement in response to stimulation. However, emergency medical and health-care professionals will still check for a pulse before starting CPR. Another change that applies to everyone is the use of a standard ratio of 15 chest compressions to one rescue breath for both one-and two-person CPR. With this ratio the blood circulates effectively and the process is simplified.

The management of choking and airway obstruction in an unconscious person is another overall change. Now the procedure is simply to start CPR since the force of chest compressions can dislodge airway obstructions. Abdominal thrusts and finger sweeps are no longer recommended. The Heimlich maneuver is still being taught as the best way to clear the airway of a conscious person.

Airway management and ventilation requirements have shifted from endotracheal intubation to also allow the use of a bag-mask device. The emergency care provider can select either device based on the patient’s condition and the rescuer’s experience. Preventing and detecting tracheal tube displacement is also covered in the new guidelines.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

The widespread use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for police, firefighters, security personnel, and other emergency service providers is stressed in the new guidelines. A course that combines CPR and AED training into a single program is also being recommended for the public. Ease of use has significantly improved due to current technology and AEDs can now be found in some office buildings and public places. The American Heart Association estimates that broader use of AEDs by the public can save 50,000 lives per year.

A local community member may ask fire and emergency services personnel to provide information about setting up a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) program. In Maryland all PAD programs must be approved by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Basic components of a PAD program include: CPR and AED training; a physician willing to oversee the program; and AED access. Advise people to call MIEMSS at 410-706-4740 for additional information.

The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s Special Programs Section offers American Heart Association training programs in CPR and Heartsaver AED. Call 301-226-9940 for information about scheduling a class. Complete details on CPR and AED guidelines are also available through the Internet at: www.americanheart.org, www.redcross.org/services/hss, and www.cpr-ecc.org. A free video, Championing Early Defibrillation in Your Community, is available through the Internet at www.medical.philips.com (click on Products, Cardiac and Monitoring, Public Access/Corp, Free Video) or by calling 1-888-201-0229.

Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Requests CPR Class

Everyone needs to know how to perform CPR and Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, is no exception. She recently asked MFRI to teach a CPR class at her Annapolis State House office. The Lieutenant Governor requested the class after she witnessed her husband successfully perform the Heimlich maneuver to remove a blockage when one of their daughters was choking. Feeling that she may not have been able to help her daughter herself, Ms. Townsend immediately recognized a need for CPR training for both herself and her staff members.

CPR Instructor Kim Vogts is pictured with Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as she practices the proper technique for performing chest compressions.  Photo by Angela Bennett

Activity Abounds at MFRI's New Headquarters in College Park

MFRI Instructor Trainer Tom Cusick teaches a successful Instructor II class. Students in the class are comfortable in a high-quality learning environment. Photo by April Walker

Faculty and staff have been working in the new headquarters facility since an unscheduled move took place on September 25, 2001, one day after a severe tornado destroyed our temporary building and its contents. Initially, business was conducted in the large second floor classroom. As soon as possible, various Sections within the Institute moved into the newly constructed 20,000 square foot addition. By January of 2002, everyone was able to occupy the new office space. Due to the need to move more quickly than originally planned, some building construction items are still being wrapped-up.

Logistical Support Section unload MFRI personnel boxes maintained in long-term storage from the move out of Berwyn Heights facility.  Photo by April Walker.

A state of the art auditorium resides within, providing MFRI with a premium venue in which to host special events.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

IDS Manager Rebecca Spicer-Himes begins the arduous task of unpacking boxes and making sure that remaining materials and resources are appropriately cataloged.  Photo by April Walker.

As always, MFRI’s ability to multi-task has been essential as we work, teach, and complete the final move. We are looking forward to the grand opening being held on April 19, 2002. Much is being done in preparation for the event. However, MFRI’s work as the state’s training agency for fire and rescue services personnel continues to come first. A variety of classes are being conducted each week. At the same time, we are still unpacking boxes that are being taken out of long-term storage. Everything being accomplished has been done in conjunction with construction personnel who are painting, wallpapering, installing equipment, and completing a variety of building punch list items.

MFRI's reproduction technician supervises the latest in digital documentation services.  Photo by Ana Melgarejo.

At the same time, cabinets and appliances are being installed in the faculty and staff lunchroom.  Photo by April Walker.

MFRI COMMEMORATIVE

The past year at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute has certainly been like no other in history. Numerous achievements are recognized and our catastrophic losses are documented in a special publication entitled, MFRI 2001-Year In Review. During a recent visit, University of Maryland President Dr. C.D. Mote, Jr. congratulated MFRI’s publication design team on a job well done.  The team is pictured with Dr. Mote in the lobby of our new headquarters facility.

(l to r) - April Walker, Dr. Mote, Karen Haje, and Ana Melgarejo. Photo: MFRI Archives