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November/December 2002
MFRI Bulletin
Bulletin for November/December 2002
Confined Space Pilot Program Utilizes New Simulatorby April Walker
The newly revised MFRI Rescue Technician Confined Space Rescue Program is a 30-hour class packed with technical instruction, demonstrations of the proper use of retrieval equipment and hands-on rescue scenarios. The pilot for the program was held in October at MFRI Headquarters. Course topics include: vertical lifting and hoisting devices; horizontal rescues; non-entry rescues; fall protection; atmosphere monitoring; and the correct use of SCBA and supplied air breathing apparatus. By week’s end, participants had the opportunity to use a new permit-required confined space simulator that enables the replication of numerous true-to-life rescue situations.
photos by April Walker
I have been dismayed during my career by the general resistance within the fire service to using new technologies. We are too often content to purchase equipment and use techniques that are rooted in the past when what we should be doing is looking to the future. The time is past for the fire service to focus on working both smarter and safer. Rather than just lament this situation the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, in cooperation with several other University of Maryland departments, proposes to lead the way. The national fire and rescue service is in need of academic inspired research to bring forth solutions and new technologies to address many of our most perplexing problems. This research needs to be sustained through funding sources that will allow it to continue and be broad-based in scope. The University of Maryland, College Park is ideally suited to play a major role in this effort. A proposal has been developed to initiate a collaborative research effort among the Fire Protection Engineering Department (FPE), the Small Smart System Center (SSSC), the MIND Lab, and MFRI. These University of Maryland departments have agreed to form the Center for Firefighter Safety Research and Development. The goal of this effort is to develop and support research that affects firefighter safety in a positive manner. The Center will focus all the resources and talents within the University of Maryland toward enhancing firefighter safety through the use of advanced technology. The eventual result will be a reduction in firefighter deaths and injuries. Specifically, the goals are to:
University of Maryland President C.D. Mote, Jr. approved the creation of The Center for Firefighter Safety Research and Development on September 26, 2002. We are now pursuing funding opportunities via federal, state, and private-sector grants. This pursuit represents a significant opportunity to make advances in technology and, more importantly, the safety of firefighters. Our efforts will be solely directed at issues involving firefighter safety. Fire and rescue personnel accountability on the scene of emergency incidents is the first priority. I ask for your support and cooperation as we proceed with this new fire service technologies research and development venture. Steven T. Edwards, Director
Homeland Security, Terrorism Preparedness, and Response TrainingKey To Maryland State Emergency Plansby Richard Armstrong
Coordinating the terrorism training offered by Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute will be more than a full-time job for the foreseeable future. Evidence of this can be found in a recent 40-page report issued by the Task Force on Homeland Security Imperatives that was released in October 2002. Among other things, the report urges the Bush Administration to quickly provide funds for training and protective gear needed to respond to a terrorism catastrophe. "A year after Sept. 11, 2001, America remains dangerously unprepared to prevent and respond to a catastrophic terrorist attack on U.S. soil," the task force concluded. "In all likelihood, the next attack will result in even greater casualties and widespread disruption to American lives and the economy." In fact, the 107th Congress introduced over 20 Acts since September 11, 2001 that are related in many ways to terrorism and emergency response training and preparedness. These acts, which are in various stages in the legislative process, include:
Just keeping abreast of the extensive legislative efforts occurring within our country is obviously a major challenge. MFRI is both providing input into the process and seeking opportunities for participation in current and future federal programs. At the same time, MFRI has intensified efforts to provide terrorism response training for all Maryland fire and rescue personnel. A terrorism training plan has been developed and implemented based on current USFA/NFA training programs. NFA introductory programs, Emergency Response to Terrorism: Self Study, and Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic Concepts, have been augmented with specific programs designed for EMS responders, company officers, hazardous materials technicians, and incident commanders. MFRI has been delivering each of these programs successfully across the state. Now we need to examine where additional training is needed and resolve to continue preparing to protect our state’s citizens from all types of terrorism. During the upcoming year, basic skills and knowledge required for a terrorism attack response (or other large-scale incident) will continue to be emphasized. Each fire department needs to examine its emergency response plan. Do you have a copy? Do you understand what it is designed to accomplish? Have you participated in the development of the plan? Regular exercises and drills will determine if the plan provides the appropriate guidance when an emergency occurs. MFRI will be providing training programs that address emergency response planning and how a plan should be written. This is important because in the near future FEMA and other government agencies will call for more extensive use of the Incident Management System (IMS). Many departments use some IMS procedures without having a formal written plan. The Institute will be conducting training programs explaining how jurisdictions can formally adopt an IMS plan. Each of Maryland’s 23 counties, and each city, can expect additional funds to purchase emergency response equipment to help fight the battle against terrorism. MFRI will soon have new personal protective equipment, new monitoring equipment, and enhanced decontamination materials. Some of this equipment will be totally new, such as biological detection tickets. MFRI will conduct training on this new equipment and provide a forum for manufacturers and distributors to explain the proper uses and advantages associated with their equipment. Greg Noll and Mike Hildebrand along with Chris Hawley have introduced a new textbook, Special Operations. The Institute will provide training programs to teach the material contained in the textbook, an expansion of the familiar hazardous materials response model, The Eight Step Process. Topics such as terrorism response, assistance at police emergencies, and operational security are introduced. Operations Security (OPSEC) is a process that is new to fire service personnel. OPSEC involves the protection of fire service information in order to keep criminals and terrorists from undermining our response efforts. There are many MFRI training programs and various area-specific seminars related to terrorism response to look forward to attending over the next year. Contact your regional coordinator, or Terrorism Training Coordinator Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@mfri.org, to discuss any terrorism training issues. photo by April Walker
MFRI Develops New Practical Lessons Guide for National Disaster Medical Systemby April Walker
Since the late 1980’s, the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service (PHS) Office of Emergency Preparedness has been charged by the Federal Government to lead the administration of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), a network of Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT). These teams are deployed as the Health and Medical Function within the FEMA Disaster Response Plan. Thousands of DMAT members across the country voluntarily participate each year in training, exercises, special events, annual conferences, and maintenance of plans. Specific professions represented within a team may include doctors, dentists, nurses, paramedics, respiratory technicians, physician assistants, communications specialists, and logistical specialists. Currently, there are about 50 teams located throughout the country.
Training NeedsDeveloping easily accessible and consistent training for DMAT teams is of utmost importance. This work is being accomplished through a five-year contract with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) that began in April 2000. The initial task was to develop a series of on-line distance learning training sessions. The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute participated in the second task to develop and pilot test 34 practical field training lesson guides. Practical training is needed to train DMAT personnel on how to properly establish a base of operations at deployment sites. Fully functional teams must be self-sufficient for a three-day period utilizing an extensive equipment cache which includes: Western Shelter tents used for medical functions and billeting; electrical distribution and lighting systems; sink and shower units; heating and generator units; purified water distribution systems; and medical/pharmacy supplies. NDMS/DMAT Deployments
An increased threat of terrorist attacks and the corresponding need for emergency preparedness in recent years has led to regular DMAT deployments to high-risk events attended by large groups of people, such as: Presidential inaugurations, Papal visits, World Bank meetings, Olympic events, and political gatherings. Some of the most recognized DMAT deployments include: the Oklahoma City bombing; Hurricane Floyd; the terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon; and the Salt Lake City Olympics. The Federal Response Plan and the National Disaster Medical System are our nation’s primary method to mitigate the extensive medical needs associated with these types of situations. As such, additional specialty teams have been formed to respond to pediatric, burn, mortuary, veterinary, mental health, and surgical needs. To address all these needs, additional training was identi- fied as necessary.
New Field Training ProgramThe new field training program was developed on a fast-track schedule by MFRI’s Institute Development Section Instructional Designers Larry Preston and Gloria Bizjak, assisted by a team of subject matter experts. The program provides hands-on instructor training on effective methods of accomplishing the key tasks required during a DMAT deployment. Specific lessons address topics such as: cache equipment familiarization; DMAT deployment site considerations; tent assembly and command set up; water systems; generator operations; logistical issues; and litter bearing. These tasks, not normally done by medical professionals, must be accomplished in order to begin patient treatment duties. MFRI participated in a one-week train-the-trainer pilot program in October at the Maritime Institute of Technology near Baltimore in order to prepare the first team of DMAT instructors to teach the practical sessions. The pilot for this course was then held in November in Galveston, Texas. Together, UMBC and MFRI have now successfully assisted the U.S. Public Health Service with the completion of this phase of project work. Program enhancements to the practical sessions are now underway in preparation for approximately 15 nationwide instructional programs scheduled next year.
photos by April Walker
MFRI Calendar of Events
For further information or to register contact MFRI at 1-800-ASK-MFRI or 301.226.9900 Paramedic Update and Refresher Courses
For more information email Angie Bennett at abennett@mfri.org
First Annual Shamrock Open- A Big SuccessThe first annual Shamrock Open golf tournament, to benefit the Colleen and Erin Marlatt Scholarship Fund, was held on October 17, 2002 and was by all accounts an unqualified success. The University of Maryland Golf Course played host to 144 enthusiastic golfers on a beautiful autumn afternoon. The Marlatt family was extremely gratified at the large number of sponsors and volunteers who were instrumental in the success of this worthwhile event. The generosity of donors allowed for many prizes and awards. MFRI Assistant Director Pat Marlatt (left) graciously accepts a basketball autographed by the NCAA champion Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team, from Head Coach Gary Williams (right).
photos by April Walker |
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