FSWBC Symposium 2024 Programme
*****Pre-conference Session BC Wildfire TFL-1 starts Wednesday, April 3rd at 8am - Full 2-Day Course*****
CLASSROOM SESSIONS
(Sessions are 120 minutes unless otherwise stated)
The Task Force Leader workshop is designed for BC Municipal Fire Departments to meet BCWS training and practical requirements for regional wildfire deployments. The program will focus on wildland structural fire defense, BCWS specific documentation, risk management, tactical operations, and safety. The program is based on the newly created BCWS Guide to Municipal Structure Protection Organization and Tactics for Wildland Deployment.
Prerequisites:
Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training
ICS 200
S290 – Intermediate Wildland Fire Behaviour*
Fire Officer 1 is recommended.
Engine Boss is recommended.
ICS 300 is recommended.
***Course link for pre-work to be sent in advance. Bring copy of certificate of completion to course instructor.***
This course is intended as a baseline for the principles of Fire Dynamics. It will look into the variables that control a fire's growth and spread, threatening life, property and environment. It will attempt to take some of the repeatability of scientific parameters of fire presented by UL and NIST and apply them to the everyday fire environment. It is the hope that these principles will provide the opportunity for firefighters from Volunteers to Career Officers to begin to place their perceptions into the foundational boxes that shape our experiences on the fireground.
We will share the findings from a survey conducted among female firefighters, investigating the influence of demographic characteristics, life experiences, and firefighting experiences on their work-related injuries and encounters with cancer. This will be followed by audience discussion to gather input on solutions/what can be done to reduce injury and exposures leading to cancers.
Go beyond your fire service instructor course and learn the tips, tricks, and skills that took most instructors decades to master. Learn about instructional leadership, executive presence, generational differences, and wisdom passed on from some of the most successful and respected fire service instructors. Don't just deliver information, learn to lead and inspire the students in your class so that you can "own the classroom".
The amount of damage we do while gaining entry, should be consistent with the type of call we are running. Let’s have a progressive plan, that only escalates damage if needed. This in class session will dive into the world of respectful Entry. We will learn how to identify various type of locks including key-in-knob locks, deadbolts, rim locks, mortise locks, and mag locks. We will also discuss various through the lock tools including shove knives, K-tool, adz rex, J-tool, force wedge, mod. framing square). Lastly we will review through the lock techniques on residential, commercial, and add-on locks.
This workshop utilizes the metaphorical term “Outer Inner Circle,” drawing parallels to fire ground assessments for Motor Vehicle Accidents. The workshop aims to provide psychoeducation on prevalent mental health issues, validate female firefighters’ experiences, foster open dialogues, and raise awareness of unspoken mental health concerns. Addressing the crucial 92% male demographic ratio, unique behavioral health challenges, and promoting retention, the session explores Exposure to potentially traumatic events, Organizational Stress, and Individual factors. Attendees will gain tangible tools for departments, proactive mental health strategies, and insights into advocating for women in the Fire Service. Join us for an engaging session empowering women in the Fire Service through mental wellness.
Experience and tradition have informed our beliefs about how to direct our hose streams, but what does science tell us is most effective? We’ll explore current fire safety research and evaluate the impact of different applications in the field during this 90-minute session, The Fire Safety Research Institute’s studies on water mapping and air entrainment are important for all firefighters. Gain insights and jumpstart your firefighting tactics backed by scientific findings.
WorkSafeBC defines a supervisor as a person who instructs, directs, or controls workers in the safe performance of their duties. In the fire service, a supervisor could anyone from the firefighter assigned to be team-lead to the department’s Fire Chief.
The term "due diligence" is commonly used when describing the need to manage workplace health and safety risks. This session will introduce and explore the elements of due diligence for supervisors of all levels.
In this informative session we will explore key aspects of fire investigation. Topics covered include the pivotal role of the fire investigator, the motivations behind investigating fires, and how firefighters can actively contribute to investigations. Dive into the significance of Accelerant Detection Canines, understanding their role and the benefits they bring to fire investigations. The session includes a compelling demonstration featuring an Accelerant Detection Canine, offering valuable insights into their capabilities and impact in the field.
Explore the evolving landscape of firefighter wellness and mental health in our 90-minute workshop. While firefighting agencies have set industry standards, Emergency Managers and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff in local governments face challenges. Discover the impact of stress and trauma on first responders and emergency program staff, especially in the aftermath of catastrophic events.
Using the 2018 flooding in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) as a case study, delve into the collaboration between Kootenay Boundary fire departments, the emergency program, and mental health professionals. Uncover the development of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue (KBRFR) Mental Health Toolkit and EOC Responder Wellness and Mental Health Toolkit. These programs provide essential tools for managing stress and trauma resulting from various emergency events.
The session will provide a comprehensive overview of both toolkits, emphasizing the benefits of implementing Wellness and Mental Health programs. Learn how these programs prepare new responders, retain firefighting and emergency ops staff, safeguard their well-being, and foster positive, inclusive fire departments and EOC environments.
Unlock the power of your body's natural stress relief mechanism in this 2-hour workshop. Delve into the fascinating world of the autonomic nervous system, where a 'bottom-up' approach proves to be 90% more effective in calming the body than traditional 'top-down' methods. The session begins by explaining the nervous system and empowering individuals with language to understand their bodily experiences. Following this, explore Tension, Stress, and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®), a transformative series that triggers a natural shaking reflex, releasing muscle tension linked to stress, trauma, or injury. Developed by Dr. David Berceli, an expert in trauma intervention, TRE® allows the body to safely release tension over time, promoting a return to a balanced state. While not a substitute for medical procedures, TRE® serves as a powerful complement to other healing practices, providing participants with valuable tools for stress relief.
Explore the foundations of NFPA 1584, delve into the latest research and emerging practices, and understand the science behind heat-related illnesses as they relate to the primary causes of firefighter fatalities post-event. Gain insights into the necessary equipment for on-site firefighter rehabilitation, discover the role of the Fire Response Paramedic in the Calgary Fire Department, and hear compelling real-life stories in this engaging workshop.
Join us for a deep dive into the intricate world of female hormones and how they can impact performance and health in the fire service. Learn practical tips and strategies for optimizing hormone balance, energy, and mental focus, allowing female firefighters to excel in their roles while maintaining their well-being.
As a Burnout Survivor, I am sharing my 7 gifts I received from Burnout to live a life I love and to once again Thrive. "The 7 Gifts of Burnout". The 90 min presentation with Q&A portion will be on self-care and Burnout prevention for Firefighters. The presentation shares my story of Burnout and the gifts the stress and burnout gave me to live a healthier happier life. The presentation expands on the strategies and tactics I share in my book Burnt Around the Edges - A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout.
Embark on the journey of mastering Scene Size-Ups with our workshop tailored for new or aspiring officers. This session is designed for individuals with limited experience, providing foundational knowledge on the intricacies of a well-executed scene size-up. Join us to build essential skills for effective decision-making and situational awareness in emergency response scenarios.
Although Confined space rescue is a subset of many technical rescue disciplines. It is almost always the Fire Service that gets involved in the rescue and recovery of victims. Dynamic Rescue intends to provide you with options for a modern & efficient approach to this very challenging skillset. Discussion on Team size, speed of approach, and complexity of systems, are just a few of the topics to be discussed.
Will discuss how nutrition can influence the female body during peri-menopause and menopause, hormone balancing to manage menopausal symptoms and how specific foods, herbs & spices can heal your body with a specific focus on firefighter ailments (atherosclerosis, CVD, arthritis, weight-management) and female health issues such as osteoporosis and muscle-mass loss.
The concept of firefighting as an occupational athlete recognizes that firefighting is a physically demanding and dynamic profession that requires a high level of fitness and athleticism. However, different personal, leadership and promotional situations can arise where having an option to work in less physically demanding roles as a firefighter can be a welcome and natural evolution, and sometimes even a necessary one. Seeking out new roles requires a proactive approach that includes careful planning, self-reflection, research and self-advocacy. In this workshop we will explore available education, resources, networking, training and other support options in your own fire service and beyond to ensure a long and rewarding career.
HOT CLASSES
(Sessions are 4 hours unless otherwise stated)
***** Full PPE will be required for all Hot Classes *****
In this 3.5-hour session we will review foundational skills for auto extraction. This hands-on course provides valuable tool time and insights from leaders in the field of auto extrication, enhancing your proficiency in essential techniques for effective and efficient operations.
FULL DAY:
Embark on a comprehensive Electric Vehicle Training for Emergency Responders, a 7 hour course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively respond to electric vehicle accidents. Delve into fundamental electrical concepts, hazards associated with compromised high voltage systems, and gain insights into vehicle systems and safety features. Learn the critical steps of initial response – Identify, Immobilize, and Disable – ensuring a secure approach to emergency situations. This course provides essential training for emergency responders, covering every aspect of electric vehicle incidents and enhancing their preparedness for effective emergency operations.
Life safety is our #1 fireground priority. We will start the day in class looking at search techniques to locate occupants. The majority of the class will focus on learning rescue drags for various situations including: feet first drags, head first drags, dragging occupants with webbing, and options for large occupants.
We will finish the class with a few scenarios, so you can practice what you’ve learned. As firefighters, we take ownership of the problems, of people the we serve. This is why we search. Are you ready to make the rescue?
There are many like it, but this one is mine! A Halligan bar is truly a firefighter’s best friend. The purpose of this course is to understand the Mechanical Advantage of the Halligan bar, and how it benefits us as firefighters during forcible entry. We will go through the theory of mechanical advantage and then we will practice what we have learned on the forcible entry door. We will also discuss techniques to generate force as the axe firefighter. I look forward to sharing with you how the Halligan bar can make us stronger!
Introduction and use of the modern rope rescue tools and equipment that firefighters use in today's Fire Service.
As LNG gains traction as a prominent fuel source in various industries, it is crucial for first responders to grasp hazard identification, incident mitigation, and response protocols. This workshop addresses the knowledge gap surrounding LNG incidents, offering real-world simulations using props like the vault, bulkhead, and bell hole. Participants will gain insights into LNG properties, compare them to natural gas, and learn mitigation strategies. Practical demonstrations with dry chemical fire extinguishers and considerations for using water on an LNG release will enhance responders’ skills. Suitable for firefighters, first responders, and LNG/natural gas staff, the event features expert instruction from LNG specialists and fire training instructors at JIBC, ensuring a thorough understanding of LNG safety measures.
Join our intensive 4-hour workshop for hands-on experience in SCBA Familiarization, Wall Breaching, and Ladder Bails. Delve into the essential aspects of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) usage, gaining practical insights and proficiency. Explore Wall Breaching techniques, understanding the principles behind breaching walls effectively. Elevate your skills with Ladder Bails, mastering the techniques and safety measures associated with swift and efficient ladder escapes. This workshop is designed to provide firefighters with practical knowledge and hands-on training in these critical areas, enhancing their capabilities in real-life emergency scenarios.
PLENARY
This talk will review the published FIREWELL research and other related research on the musculoskeletal health and mental health of women firefighters. It will explore gender differences in musculoskeletal health and mental health among firefighters, and the factors that might explain these differences.
Join us for a thought-provoking session that delves into the nuances of unconscious bias, with a specific focus on women’s internal biases and internal sexism in male-dominated workplaces. This presentation aims to foster awareness and understanding of the subtle biases that influence our perceptions, decisions, and interactions. We’ll explore practical strategies to identify and counteract these biases, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women working in traditionally male-dominated fields. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to building a workplace that empowers everyone, regardless of gender.
Join us in this session and explore the dynamics of your organizational culture. Delve into questions surrounding inclusivity and effectiveness for everyone. Uncover your role in fostering a positive culture, recognizing the impact of both formal and informal leadership. Discover how taking responsibility for our influence can shape a healthy environment that resonates with all. Shell will guide you through insights from leadership experts, providing strategies to build a culture that serves the entire organization. Throughout the session, you’ll gain an understanding of how embodying leadership qualities strengthens relationships and elevates organizational culture. Acquire techniques used by successful leaders to foster a thriving environment. Learn how intentional communication can enhance your leadership skills, empower team members, and positively transform your organizational or departmental culture.
The Leadership Panel discussion will bring together seasoned leaders from various agencies to share their insights and experiences in navigating the complexities of leading in the dynamic field of emergency response. The panel, composed of distinguished fire chiefs and officers, will delve into topics ranging from crisis management strategies to fostering a culture of teamwork and resilience within their respective departments. Engaging in a candid exchange of ideas, the panelists will explore innovative approaches to training, technology adoption, and community engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on decision-making under pressure, resource allocation, and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of fire service. The event will not only showcase the expertise of the panelists but also provide a platform for aspiring leaders and firefighters to glean valuable insights that can contribute to the advancement of effective leadership within the fire service community.
Chief Karen Fry - Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
District Chief Sophie Lasiuk - Toronto Fire Service
Superintendent Leanne Ingham - BC Wildfire Service
Captain Mary Foster - Maple Ridge Fire Rescue Service
Facilitated by Arjuna George and FSWBC President Jenn Dawkins, join us for dynamic discussions using the World Café methodology—a powerful format for large group dialogue. Before concluding the symposium, we’ll revisit crucial topics like leadership, mentoring, mental health, and aspects of a fire service career, fostering resilience. This session provides a chance to connect with friends and colleagues, engaging in meaningful conversations throughout the weekend. Seize the opportunity to contribute to insightful dialogues and enhance connections in this collaborative closing session.