MFRI Frequently Asked Questions
Index
TRANSCRIPTS/CARDS/CERTIFICATIONS/ACE CREDIT
How do I get a transcript of my training/courses/certifications?
Download a transcript request form from the MFRI website at: www.mfri.org/transcripts
You can also request a form from MFRI Headquarters or your closest regional office.
You may also send/fax a letter with your name, Social Security number, signature and mailing address to Deanna Washington at (301) 314-1497; or drop it off at MFRI Headquarters at 4500 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park Maryland 20742.
Transcripts cannot be faxed; must be mailed or picked up in person.
I have lost my cards/certificates. Can I get replacements?
Can I get college credit for the training I receive at MFRI?
ACE college credit is available for many MFRI courses.
Contact Bob Rose at (301) 226-9922, your college counselor, or refer to the MFRI course catalog at: http://www.mfri.org/about/fy2008coursecatalog.pdf
What are the hours during which I can apply for certifications or request certification information?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at MFRI Headquarters. Please call (301) 226-9926 to confirm before coming to the office.
I possess National Certification (IFSAC or Proboard) and I would like to know how I can receive certification in Maryland.
Contact the Certification Office at (301) 226-9926.
COURSES
How do I check to see if I am registered for a course?
If you are a member of a Maryland emergency services agency and taking a course through the Field Operations Section, check with your fire department's training officer, or the MFRI regional office.
If you are taking an OSHA, private sector, DoD or other contract or specialty course, contact MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940 or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
Are your classes open to the public?
MFRI Emergency Service courses and seminars are only open to members of emergency services agencies in the state of Maryland and those in neighboring jurisdictions who normally respond into Maryland. Contact the MFRI regional office hosting the course or seminar for more information.
MFRI Special Programs courses are available to appropriate personnel anywhere for a fee contact MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940
or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
Which regional office should I contact for a question on a course?
There is a list of regional offices and their constituent counties available on the MFRI web site.
Course schedules are also available by region.
If you are taking an OSHA, private sector, DoD or other contract course, contact MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940 or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
Staff at MFRI Headquarters can also help provide this information. The main phone number is: (301) 226-9900 or toll free: 1-800-ASK-MFRI.
Who do I ask about MFRI On-line courses?
Contact David Lewis at (301) 226-9936 or Shirley Sokolowski at (301) 226-9917.
How do I cancel my registration for a MFRI seminar?
If you must cancel your registration for a MFRI seminar, you can send an email stating that you need to withdraw from the program along with the title, location and start date and time of the program to: seminars@mfri.org
You may also contact the MFRI section hosting the seminar. Field Operations Section at: 301-226-9971 or the Special Programs Section at: 301-226-9940
How do I cancel my registration in a course?
The procedures differ depending on the type of course:
Do you offer CPR/first aid classes for the general public?
Yes! MFRI offers CPR and first aid classes several times a year. The courses are usually held at MFRI Headquarters but arrangements can be made to hold the courses at your office. Contact Scott Wood at (301) 226-9951.
How much do classes cost?
Courses taught by MFRI to Maryland emergency services personnel are free of charge for students who are affiliated with a Maryland emergency services agency. Many of these courses are available to other appropriate personnel for a fee.
MFRI Special Programs Section offers emergency services courses as well as industrial safety and similar training on a fee or contract basis.
MFRI seminars are usually free but some may have an associated charge, specifically for out-of-state attendees.
To determine if you are required to pay a fee for a given course contact the MFRI office that is hosting the course. That information can be found on the MFRI course schedule.
Can I get a list of all of the courses you offer?
All of the courses currently scheduled can be found on the MFRI Website.
The MFRI course catalog is available for download: http://www.mfri.org/about/fy2008coursecatalog.pdf
If you have more questions contact the regional office hosting the course or the MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940
or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
How do I get in touch with an instructor?
Contact the regional office hosting your course or the MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940
or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
Who would I contact about scheduling a class?
For courses aimed at Maryland emergency services personnel contact your regional office.
For OSHA, private sector, DoD or other contract or specialty course, contact MFRI Special Programs Section at: (301) 226-9940 or by email at: specialprog@mfri.org
JOINING A FIRE DEPARTMENT
I'm interested in joining a fire department. How do I do this?
You have a number of opportunities available:
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
I have moved. How do I change the address I have on file at MFRI?
Can you add me to/remove me from your mailing list?
For MFSPQB certifications, contact Evelyn Graf (301) 226-9926 or egraf@mfri.org
Fire Departments and other agencies: contact Deanna Washington (301) 226-9960 or dwashington@mfri.org
For instructors go to MFRI's Instructor Zone on the website or contact Stacey Moltz (301) 226-9906 or smoltz@mfri.org
Those who receive the MFRI Bulletin or Seminar mailings please send an email to: bulletin@mfri.org
FACILITIES
What are the MFRI Headquarters office and Bookstore hours?
Front lobby hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact number is: (301) 226-9900
Individual personnel may work different hours. Please confirm with the party before coming to the office.
Can you special order an ISFTA textbook for me?
Contact the Bookstore at (301) 226-9900 or bookstore@mfri.org
How do I purchase something from the MFRI bookstore?
Contact the Bookstore at (301) 226-9900 or bookstore@mfri.org
More information can be found here: www.mfri.org/bookstore
How do I get to your office?
The MFRI website has maps to each of our regional facilities plus our Headquarters office. Maps and directions can be found here: www.mfri.org/maps
You can also call any of MFRI's facilities and get directions.
What are the closest hotels to your facility?
Please request a list when you register for a class.
Where are places to eat?
There are numerous eateries in the area. Your course instructor can assist you with this.
Are your facilities available for rental/events?
MFRI facilities are not available for rent.
MFRI facilities are available to University of Maryland College Park departments on a space-available basis.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Do you handle fire extinguisher inspections/sales/etc. or sell gear, helmets, or equipment?
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute does not perform inspections or sell equipment of any kind.
STUDENT MEDICAL CLEARANCE
What classes require Medical Clearance for students?
What is meant by "Medical Clearance"?
Medical clearance is written verification from a physician or other licensed health care professional that a student is medically capable of performing the required physical duties. Forms will be provided that you can take to your physician or other licensed health care professional that list, in detail, the physical duties so he/she can more easily make this determination.Can I utilize a physician's assistant or someone other a medical doctor to provide medical clearance?
Yes, in addition to a medical doctor, other examples of licensed health care professionals include: doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O), nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.I get annual physicals examinations from my fire service organization. Is this sufficient?
Medical clearance can be obtained in three (3) main ways:I had a physical exam last year from my personal physician. Is that still good?
Your medical clearance must not be more than three (3) years old from the beginning of your class, provided your health care condition has not changed. If you are seeking medical clearance from a physical that was conducted some time ago, you will still need to have the Medical Release form in Appendix D completed by your physician or other licensed health care professional. It will be up to your personal physician or other licensed health care professional as to whether he/she will sign the form based upon a physical that was performed sometime ago.Am I expected to have medical clearance on the first day of my class?
No, but you must have it prior to the first session within the curriculum that entails the use of self-contained breathing apparatus or hazardous or strenuous duties. Your instructor can tell you exactly when that will occur. But don't delay. You should obtain your medical clearance as soon as possible.Will I be reimbursed for the expense of any exam necessary to obtain my medical clearance?
Maybe - first, you must have undergone an examination as a result of a review of your medical questionnaire and have documentation that provides proof of your payment. Second, you must successfully complete the class. Finally, you must complete a form that attests that your request was a valid expenditure which will not be reimbursed by any other source (insurance, etc.). If approved, you may be approved to be reimbursed for up to $75.00.I am currently obtaining medical clearance to take Firefighter I and plan to take Firefighter II next year. Will I have to get medical clearance again for my Firefighter II class?
Your medical clearance must not be more than three (3) years old from the beginning of your class, provided your health condition has not changed.I do not have access to the internet at home to complete the Medical Questionnaire. Do I have any other options?
Yes, internet access should be available at a number of local locations. First, check access at the fire service organization where you are a member. Free public access to the internet is also available at local libraries.Is there any guidance for completing the Medical Questionnaire?
Yes. First, you must answer all questions honestly. If you fail to do so, you may be prohibited from participating in future MFRI classes. Next, you need to make yourself available to MFRI medical staff who may need to contact you for follow-up question(s) as a result of your responses.Who sees my responses to the questions on my Medical Questionnaire? Are my responses confidential?
Yes, your responses are very confidential. The only person reviewing them will be specially trained and authorized medical personnel at MFRI.What happens after I complete my Medical Questionnaire?
You will receive a form illustrated in Appendix F indicating that you are "approved" or "disapproved" for participation in classes. If you are approved, take the form and give it to your instructor. If you are not, you will be instructed to take the form illustrated in Appendix D to your personal physician or other licensed health care professional. This form lists the specific duties you will be expected to perform so he/she can better understand the demands of your class. At that point, it will be strictly up to your doctor or other licensed health care professional as to whether you will be medically cleared to take the class. If you are, bring the signed form illustrated in Appendix D which will be signed by your physician or other licensed health care professional to class and give it to your instructor. It is important that your medical clearance forms be provided to your instructor prior to the first session within the curriculum that entails the use of self-contained breathing apparatus or hazardous or strenuous duties. Your instructor can tell you exactly when that will occur.If, after a review of my medical questionnaire, I am required to seek further evaluation from a physician or other health care provider, where do I go? I am relatively new to the area.
The specific physician or other health care professional that you select is entirely up to you. However, keep in mind that a variety of locations complete the type of physical exam that can lead to your medical clearance such as clinics within drug store chains. Your training coordinator will have a list of alternatives in the area. Call the regional training office or ask your instructor for this list.What happens if my medical condition changes after I receive medical clearance?
You must advise your instructor of any change(s) to your physical condition that may affect your ability to use self contained breathing apparatus or conduct strenuous or hazardous training. This is very important!