On March 16, classes normally scheduled at the Institute’s regional training centers and headquarters came to a halt due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Under Director Cox’s advisement, the Planning Section quickly began working to resume classes in its new online format. By adapting online tools such as Canvas, a learning management platform and Zoom, a video and web conferencing service, we were able to pilot two courses.

In preparation for classes to return back into rotation, our team members worked diligently to train 600 instructors on how to use these new tools and get acquainted with the features Zoom had to offer. In these training sessions we included methodologies to encourage student engagement and interaction in this new environment.

Being considered an essential organization for Maryland’s fire and emergency services, EMS and EMT courses quickly rolled out due to the anticipated demand from EMTs. Firefighting and management courses followed and are now online.

Shortly after EMS and EMT courses were up and running, a task force was formed to determine how to safely begin practical evolutions under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Equipment has since been implemented to screen individuals upon arrival at the regions and headquarters prior to starting practicals.

Although the processes have been challenging for some instructors and students, together we have worked on finding resolutions. There have been many lessons learned throughout this experience. Given these unusual times, some of these lessons have opened doors to future opportunities that we may not have otherwise considered. As we continue to telework, MFRI faculty and staff are still available and working hard to serve our customers.