Redmond EMS Abstracts.indd - IAFF

ABSTRACTS
Plenary
Speakers
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KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
42nd President of the United States of America
William J. Clinton Foundation
55 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
www.clintonfoundation.org
William Jefferson Clinton was the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice —
first in 1992 and then in 1996. Under his leadership, the country enjoyed the strongest economy
in a generation and the longest economic expansion in United States history. President Clinton’s
core values of building community, creating opportunity, and demanding responsibility resulted in
unprecedented progress for America, including moving the nation from record deficits to record
surpluses; the creation of over 22 million jobs — more than any other administration; low levels
of unemployment, poverty and crime; and the highest home ownership and college enrollment
rates in history.
President Clinton’s accomplishments in the White House include increasing investment in
education, providing tax relief for working families, helping millions of Americans move from
welfare to work, expanding access to technology, encouraging investment in underserved
communities, protecting the environment, countering the threat of terrorism and promoting peace
and strengthening democracy around the world. His administration’s economic policies fostered
the largest peacetime economic expansion in history.
President Clinton did more for professional fire fighters and working families than any president
in our nation’s history. From building the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) into
a top-notch response agency, to mandating that every line-of-duty death is investigated by the
National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), to promulgating into law the
landmark “Two-in / Two-out” requirements to ensure fire fighter safety and adequate fireground
staffing, to championing and signing the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) into law, President
Clinton was always on the frontline for IAFF members and their families.
President Clinton previously served as the governor of Arkansas, chairman of the National Governors’
Association and attorney general of Arkansas. As former chairman of the Democratic Leadership
Council, he is one of the original architects and leading advocates of the Third Way movement.
After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the William J. Clinton Foundation
with the mission to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the
world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. Today the Foundation has staff and
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KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
volunteers around the world working to improve lives through several initiatives, including the
Clinton Health Access Initiative (formerly the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative), a separate nonprofit
organization, which is helping 2.6 million people living with HIV/AIDS access lifesaving drugs.
Other initiatives — including the Clinton Climate Initiative, the Clinton Hunter Development
Initiative, the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, and the Clinton Economic Opportunity
Initiative — are applying a business-oriented approach worldwide to fight climate change and
develop sustainable economic growth in Africa and Latin America. The Clinton Global Initiative
brings together global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s
most pressing issues. In the United States, the Foundation is working to combat the alarming rise
in childhood obesity through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and is helping individuals
and families succeed and small businesses grow.
In addition to his Foundation work, President Clinton has joined with former President George
H.W. Bush three times — after the 2004 tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and
Hurricane Ike in 2008 — to help raise money for recovery efforts. He also served as the UN
Envoy for Tsunami Recovery and is now the UN Special Envoy to Haiti to assist its people and
government as they “build back better” from recent storm and earthquake damages and implement
their economic vision for the future.
President Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He and his wife Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have one daughter, Chelsea, and live in Chappaqua, New York.
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The IAFF’s Role in Addressing Fire Fighters’
Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine
Richard M. Duffy, MSc
Assistant to the General President
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-824-1570
rduffy@iaff.org
Background:
Rich Duffy has been involved with worker occupational health and safety issues for over 37 years,
33 years at the IAFF, where he is the Assistant to the General President for Occupational Health,
Safety and Medicine. He directs the development and implementation of all occupational health,
safety and medical activities for the IAFF membership, including the IAFF Division of Occupational
Health, Safety and Medicine; the IAFF’s Medical Residency Program in cooperation with the
Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Hygiene; the John P. Redmond Foundation; the IAFF’s
Standing Committees on Occupational Health and Safety and Employee Assistance Programs; the
IAFF Representatives on various Standards Development Committees; the IAFF PSOB program; the
IAFF Disaster Relief Operations the IAFF Cancer Study Program; the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness
Initiative; the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial; and grant programs for occupational health, safety
and medicine. He provides technical assistance on fire fighters health and safety issues and is
internationally recognized as a fire fighter health and safety expert. He has authored and edited
numerous books, manuals and articles on worker occupational health and safety issues.
Rich has been involved in numerous committees involving fire fighters’ safety and health, including
those of the federal government, state governments, the NFPA and the International Standards
Organization. He has been actively involved in addressing fire department deployment and staffing
as well as the development of protective clothing and equipment for fire fighters. He served as the
Chairman of the NFPA Technical Correlating Committee for Fire Service Protective Clothing and
Equipment and remains the Secretary of the NFPA Technical Committee for Career Fire Service
Deployment and Organization. He also served as a member of the NFPA Fire Service Occupational
Safety and Health Committee. He directed the NASA/FEMA program Project FIRES (Firefighters
Integrated Response Equipment System), which under the auspices of the IAFF continues to work
towards the development of state-of-the-art protective clothing and equipment, including protection
from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear events through the IAFF’s initiative, Project
HEROES (Homeland Emergency Response Operational and Equipment Systems) and the IAFF
project on light weight SCBA pressure vessels.
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The IAFF’s Role in Addressing Fire Fighters’
Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine
Rich and the IAFF Division of Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine are responsible for the
coordination and technical aspects of the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-
Fitness Initiative (WFI), including the Wellness-Fitness Program, the Candidate Physical Ability
Test Program, the Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program and the new Fire Ground Survival
Program. He serves as the facilitator for the WFI Task Force.
He has been awarded numerous honors for his efforts, including being bestowed as an international
fellow for the Collegium Rommazini. Rich holds Bachelor of Science degrees in environmental
health and in business management and a Master of Science degree in occupational and
environmental health sciences.
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The IAFF’s Role in Addressing
Emergency Medical Services Issues
Lori Moore-Merrell, PhD
Assistant to the General President
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-824-8304
lmoore@iaff.org
Background:
Lori Moore-Merrell is an Assistant to the General President of the International Association of Fire
Fighters (IAFF) in charge of Technical Assistance for Labor Issues and Collective Bargaining, Fire
and EMS Operations, and IAFF Field Services. Lori’s expertise is in emergency response system
design, staffing and deployment of mobile resources, system performance measurement and
evaluation. She has managed emergency response system evaluation teams, including geographic
information systems (GIS) analysis, in more than 400 fire departments throughout the United
States and Canada. Lori is an avid proponent of fire department data collection and understands
its criticality to the future of the fire service.
Lori’s experience and educational background includes seven years of service as a fire/paramedic
with the City of Memphis Fire Department and a member of IAFF Local 1784. She holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Education and EMS from the University of Memphis, a Master of Public
Health degree in Epidemiology and a Doctor of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Quality
Performance Measurement from The George Washington University School of Public Health.
Dr. Moore-Merrell is a professional presenter and author/contributor for topics related to fire
and emergency medical response operations, as well as quality assessment and performance
measurement. Dr. Moore-Merrell has served as an expert witness on fire and EMS staffing and
deployment issues in court and arbitration hearings throughout the United States. She was awarded
the James O. Page Achievement award by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (2001),
the IAFC President’s Award for commitment to firefighter safety (2009) and the Dr. John Granito
Award for Excellence in Fire Leadership and Management Research (2010). Lori served nine years
as a Commissioner to the Commission for Fire Service Accreditation (CFAI) and is a member of
the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Executive Board. Dr. Moore-Merrell
also served four terms as a gubernatorial appointee to the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency
Medical Services Advisory Board.
Dr. Moore-Merrell is a frequent principal investigator on fire and EMS related research projects and
has written or co-authored numerous publications including “Contributing Factors to Firefighter
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The IAFF’s Role in Addressing
Emergency Medical Services Issues
Line-of-Duty Injury” (USFA, 2007), “Contributing Factors to Firefighter Line-of-Duty Death”
(USFA, 2006), a chapter entitled “Performance Measurement in EMS” for an NAEMSP publication
Improving Quality in EMS (2005),“Measuring Quality and Effectiveness of Prehospital EMS”;
Prehospital Emergency Care Journal (October/December, 1999), Emergency Medical Services:
A Guidebook for Fire-Based Systems (May, 1999), Prehospital Emergency Medicine: A Series of
Monographs (1997), and Emergency Medical Service: A Public Relations and Marketing Guide
(1997), Effectiveness of Fire-Based EMS Manual (1995) and Responding to Privatization: A User’s
Guide (1998).
Dr. Moore-Merrell has served as co-principal investigator on a series of research projects, funded by
the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grants (DHS/AFG), to develop tools
to be used by local fire department officials to assess community risks/hazards and plan resource
deployment based on those risks. The Multiphase Study on Firefighter Safety and Deployment of
Resources spans more than 6 years of research and has so far contributed three landmark reports
to the fire service industry. These reports include the Multiphase Study on Firefighter Safety and
Deployment of Resources: Field Experiments (NIST TN #1661, 2010), the Multiphase Study on
Firefighter Safety and Deployment of Resources; EMS Field Experiments, and the Multiphase Study
on Firefighter Safety and Deployment of Resources: Proceedings from the National Data Summit
(NIST TN # 1698, 2010).
At present, Dr. Moore-Merrell serves as the co-principal investigator on a DHS/AFG funded project
known as the Multiphase Study on Firefighter Safety and the Deployment of Resources: Highrise
Deployment and Time-to-Task Field Experiments and as a contributor/reviewer of a USFA funded
project to develop a Guidebook for EMS Medical Directors.
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Public Safety Broadband Issues
Terrell McSweeny
Domestic Policy Advisor
Office of the Vice-President
Old Executive Office Building
Washington, DC 20501
Terrell_P._McSweeny@ovp.eop.gov
Background:
Terrell McSweeny has advised three Presidential candidates on domestic policy and related
matters. In 2008, she worked for Vice President-elect Biden in various capacities, serving as his
Issues Director during the general election campaign and his Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy
Director in the U.S. Senate where she managed domestic and economic policy development and
legislative initiatives as well as his principal domestic policy advisor during his own Presidential
campaign. In 2004, McSweeny served as the Deputy Policy Director for the Wes Clark for President
campaign in Little Rock, Arkansas; earlier, in 2000, she worked in the Gore for President campaign
in Nashville, Tennessee. Her government service includes her work as Counsel to Senator Biden,
where she worked on Judiciary Committee issues such as women's rights, domestic violence,
judicial nominations, immigration and civil rights. In addition to her policy work in Presidential
campaigns, McSweeny was also an attorney at O'Melveny & Myers LLP. McSweeny is a graduate
of Harvard University and Georgetown University Law Center.
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The Evolution of the Specialty of Pre-Hospital Medicine:
The Pivotal Role of the Fire Fighter and the Fire Service
Paul Pepe MD, MPH, MACP, FACEP
Medical Director
Dallas Fire Department
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390
214-648-4812
Background:
Dr. Paul Pepe, Professor of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Public Health & Riggs Family Chair
in Emergency Medicine (EM) at UT Southwestern; heads an academic EM program of about 55
faculty and 70 residents/fellows based at the county emergency-trauma center, Parkland Hospital.
He is also City of Dallas Director of Medical Emergency Services for Public Safety, Public Health
& Homeland Security and is the jurisdictional Medical Director for the regional EMS system and
Medical Director for special services for the DFW Airport, the Dallas Police Dept. and the Dallas
Metropolitan Medical Response System for counter-terrorism and disaster mitigation.
An extremely distinguished academician Dr. Pepe has served simultaneously as a high-level
municipal or state employee for over three decades. Renown for a grass-roots, street-wise style
in planning, implementing and overseeing a systems approach to saving lives, both operationally
and through clinical trials, his programs have resulted in some of the highest cardiac arrest and
trauma survival rates worldwide. In addition to the Chain of Survival publication, he is known for
his original measurements of physiological mechanisms, intrepid clinical concepts and groundbreaking
clinical trials. Many of his numerous studies, injury prevention programs and media
interactions have consistently affected public policy and legislation.
He served as an assistant to the medical directors of the Seattle Fire Department EMS (1977-82), as
Director for the City of Houston EMS System (1982-96) and as Commonwealth Emergency Medical
Director for Pennsylvania under Governor Tom Ridge. In addition, Dr. Pepe has served for years
as emergency medicine-trauma consultant to various entities such as the White House Medical
Unit, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), FBI, NIH, network news organizations, and even the National
Basketball Association Trainers. He coordinates the so-called Eagles consortium, a cohesive and
highly-influential de facto coalition of the jurisdictional 9-1-1 (EMS) system medical directors
for the nation’s 25-30 largest cities and pivotal federal agencies (eg, FBI, USSS, ATF, DHS, White
House Medical Unit).
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The Evolution of the Specialty of Pre-Hospital Medicine:
The Pivotal Role of the Fire Fighter and the Fire Service
He was recently nominated ’Texan of the Year’ and was elected to Mastership in the American
College of Physicians (MACP) for numerous lifetime achievements. Often featured on network
news and prime-time broadcasts, he has been called a ’Mentor to Millions’ and an ’Advocate
for the Injured’. When recently receiving an award in Washington, DC for lifetime achievements
presented by then U.S. Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, on behalf of the American College of
Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Dr. Pepe was cited as the most accomplished emergency medical
services physician of our generation.
Abstract:
In this session, the speaker will provide his personal philosophy of EMS care delivery and review
the pivotal role of the fire service in the specialty practice. He will also discuss strategies to leverage
the effectiveness of the fire service in day-to-day response and also the importance of continually
re-evaluating policies and procedures to further optimize prehospital care delivery. At the same
time, he will predict the future evolution of EMS and the role of the fire service in that dynamic.
Objectives: At the end of the session the participants will:
1. Recognize the impact of the new board certification concept on the EMS
practitioner, both the EMS physician and EMS Crews.
2. Appreciate the pivotal role of the fire service in EMS today and an evolving
philosophy of that role.
3. Describe strategies for leveraging the fire service to effect the most optimal
care in day-to-day responses
4. List the numerous ways in which the fire service can implement continuous
quality improvement
5. Have insight into the potential key role of the fire service in the health care
system of the future.
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Medical Data Collection
Melissa McDiarmid, MD, MPH
Director of Occupational Health Project
University of Maryland
School of Medicine
11 S. Paca Street, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-706-7464
mmcdiarm@medicine.umaryland.edu
Background:
Dr. McDiarmid is Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health and Director of the
University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Occupational Health Program where she teaches,
sees patients, conducts research and directs a surveillance program for Gulf War Veterans.
Dr. McDiarmid received her BA degree in 1975 from the University of Maryland Baltimore County,
in Biological Sciences; her MD from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1979; and her
MPH from The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health 1986 where she also completed fellowship
training in Occupational Medicine. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Occupational
Medicine and Toxicology. She maintains professional society affiliations as a Fellow of the Collegium
Ramazzini, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and as Member of
the American Public Health Association.
Dr. McDiarmid was Director of the Office of Occupational Medicine for the U.S. Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) in Washington, DC, a position she held from 1991 until
1996. From 1987 until moving to OSHA, she was Assistant Professor of Environmental Health
Sciences at The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health where she directed the
Occupational Medicine residency.
Dr. McDiarmid has a long standing affiliation with the fire service and has authored numerous
journal articles and book chapters on occupational and environmental medicine topics related
to fire fighters, healthcare workers, medical surveillance and management, reproductive hazards
and occupational cancers.
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Medical Data Collection
Joanna Gaitens, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland
School of Medicine
11 S. Paca Street, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-706-7464
jgaitens@medicine.umaryland.edu
Background:
Dr. Joanna Gaitens is a doctorally-prepared environmental health researcher and occupational
health nurse who has a strong background in statistical analysis and the use of several statistical
software packages. She has experience with large data sets and the development of data collection
systems through her dissertation work. Currently she leads the development of the Department
of Veterans Affairs national Embedded Fragment Registry. This registry will allow the VA to follow
and manage the medical surveillance for veterans who have retained fragments from wounds
received while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also has a strong toxicology background and
experience with exposure assessment through her previous work which focused on polychlorinated
biphenyl exposure and lead poisoning prevention.
Abstract:
Fire fighters are exposed to numerous chemical, physical, biological and psychosocial hazards,
making firefighting one of the most dangerous occupations. The Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI)
is a historic collaboration between labor and management to improve the health and wellness of
the men and women working in the Fire Service. From the beginning, the WFI included plans for
the centralized collection of the health and fitness data from the annual examinations at each of
the initiative sites. The goal of the centralized database program is to collect long term information
on the health and fitness of fire fighters in order to identify and quantify specific health effects
of employment in the fire service as well as related risk factors. Analysis of data collected from
two sites demonstrates how departments can use information to evaluate the health of their own
population of fire fighters, identify areas for health and fitness education, assess the effectiveness
of screening, health promotion and fitness programs, and assess staffing and department readiness.
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Medical Data Collection
As the central database continues to expand through the addition of other sites and collection of
individual records over time, data can help support policy decisions, determine the success of
the WFI, and strengthen the case for presumptive workers’ compensation legislation. Increasing
the number of fire fighters for whom a standard set of data points related to exposure and other
health risks is collected will also result in more meaningful research studies to better assess the
connection between firefighting and health.
At the end of the presentations by Drs. McDiarmid and Gaitens, participants will be able to:
• Describe the type of data collected in the Wellness-Fitness Database.
• Identify at least 3 ways that analysis of data captured in the Wellness-Fitness
Database can benefit departments and fire fighters as a whole.
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Mass-Casualty Incident
Tucson, Arizona
Kyle Canty
President
IAFF Local 3572
5225 W. Massingale Road
Tucson, Arizona 85743
520-887-1010 ext.3500
kcanty@iaff3572.org
Background:
Kyle Canty graduated from the University of Arizona in 1996 where he earned a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Health Related Sciences and serves as an Engineer for the Northwest Fire
District in Tucson, Arizona. He is currently the President of Northwest Fire Fighters IAFF Local
3572 which provides support and services to over 200 members from three different fire districts
primarily northwest of Tucson, Arizona.
During his tenure as President, the Northwest Fire Fighters have established a Political Action
Committee to increase and enhance their political involvement, improved their Meet and
Confer resolution, and have accomplished the first ever Memorandum of Understanding with
the Northwest Fire District Fire Board. Additionally, Local 3572 has established Northwest Fire
Fighters Charities to continue helping the community through Holiday Assistance Programs and
other charitable events.
Kyle is dedicated to providing leadership, representation and protection to the members of Local
3572 through unity, support and education. Also, through his affiliation with the Professional
Fire Fighters of Arizona, Kyle continually seeks to ensure the safety, welfare and quality of life to
his membership and the communities he serves. He does so through active participation in the
administrative and political processes.
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Mass-Casualty Incident
Tucson, Arizona
Brad Bradley
Battalion Chief
Northwest Fire District
5225 W. Massingale Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85743
520-887-1010 ext 3181
bbradley@northwestfire.org
Background:
Chief Brad Bradley is the Battalion Chief of the Emergency Medical Services Division which
includes medical operations, training and administration for the Northwest Fire District (www.
northwestfire.org) in Tucson, Arizona. Northwest Fire District is an internationally accredited
agency which provides ALS medical and fire protection service to a population of 120,000 residents
over 140 square miles, through 11 strategically placed stations. It was also the recipient of the
Congressional Fire Service Institutes (CFSI) 2011 award for “Excellence in Fire Service Based-EMS
Service.” He has been in the Fire and EMS Service since 1996 working as a Nationally Registered
Paramedic and Firefighter as well as serving as a Tactical Paramedic for the Pima Regional SWAT
team for two years.
Chief Bradley has served the region through his memberships and participation in the Southern
Arizona EMS Council (SAEMS), Southern Arizona Regional Trauma Committee, Southern Arizona
Regional EMS Providers Committee, Pima Fire Chief’s Council, and Nationally through his
memberships with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the International Association
of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT).
Chief Bradley graduated with honors from Andrew Jackson University in 2005 where he earned a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services. During his tenure with the Northwest
Fire District, he has been the recipient of numerous awards to include the Office of the Governor’s
Certificate of Appreciation, and the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition which was
personally presented to him by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in 2009.
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Mass-Casualty Incident
Tucson, Arizona
Abstract:
On January 8, 2011, a mass shooting occurred near Tucson, Arizona. Nineteen people were
shot, six of them fatally, with one other person injured at the scene during an open meeting that
U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was holding with members of her constituency in a Casas
Adobes Safeway supermarket parking lot. Those killed in the incident included United States
District Court for the District of Arizona Chief Judge John Roll and one of Rep. Giffords' staffers.
News reports identified the target of the attack as Giffords, a Democrat representing Arizona's
8th congressional district. She was shot through the head at point-blank range, and her medical
condition was initially described as "critical."
A 22-year old Tucson man, Jared Lee Loughner, was arrested at the scene. Federal prosecutors filed
five charges against him, including the attempted assassination of a member of Congress. Those
charges carry the possibility of the death penalty. Court filings include notes allegedly handwritten
by Loughner indicating he planned to assassinate Giffords. The motive for the shooting remains
unclear, as the suspect has not cooperated with authorities and has invoked his right to remain
silent.
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The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality
Prevention and Investigation Program
John Howard
Director
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Patriots Plaza, Suite 9200
395 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20201
john.howard@cdc.hhs.gov
Background:
Dr. John Howard serves as the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. He served in
this capacity from July 2002 to July 2008 and was re-appointed in September 2009. Prior to his
appointment as Director of NIOSH, Dr. Howard served as Chief of the Division of Occupational
Safety and Health in the California Department of Industrial Relations from 1991 through 2002.
Dr. Howard received his Doctor of Medicine from Loyola University of Chicago in 1974, his
Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health in 1982, his Doctor of Law
from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1986, and his Master of Law in Administrative
Law from the George Washington University in Washington, DC in 1987.
Dr. Howard is board-certified in internal medicine and occupational medicine. He is admitted
to the practice of medicine and law in the State of California and in the District of Columbia,
and he is a member U.S. Supreme Court bar. He has written numerous articles on occupational
health law and policy.
Abstract:
The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) conducts investigations
of fire fighter line-of-duty deaths to formulate recommendations for preventing future deaths and
injuries. The FFFIPP is a public health practice investigation program. NIOSH investigators are
not conducting their investigation to enforce compliance with State or Federal occupational safety
and health standards and do not determine fault or place blame on fire departments or individual
fire fighters. The program’s goal is to learn from these tragic events and prevent future similar
events through its recommendations. NIOSH does not investigate every fire fighter fatality. The
FFFIPP has investigated approximately 40% of fire fighter deaths since the program's start in 1998.
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NIST Fire Modeling
The Charleston Investigation
Nelson Bryner
Deputy Chief
NIST, Fire Research Division
100 Bureau Drive
Stop 1070
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070
301-975-6868
nelson.bryner@nist.gov
Background:
Nelson P. Bryner is the deputy chief of and a chemical engineer in the Fire Research Division (FRD)
of the Engineering Laboratory (EL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The
Division develops and utilizes measurement science for innovative fire protection technologies to
enhance the disaster resilience of buildings and wildland-urban interface communities, fire fighter
safety and effectiveness, and homeland security through cost-effective engineered fire safety for
people, products, structures, and communities.
Following his post graduate work in liquid-liquid drop mixing research, he joined the Center for
Fire Research at NBS as a research chemical engineer. Nelson participated in aerosol particulate
research involving the physical and optical characteristics of combustion smoke (1987-1996).
Mr. Bryner supervised the Large Fire Research Facility Laboratory, a medium-scale live fire testing
facility (1996 -1998). He led the Fire Fighting Technology Group (2000 -2009) and served as
program manager for the Advanced Fire Service Technologies Program (2004-2009).
Mr. Bryner's past research interests have included demonstrating the feasibility of using electrostatic
classifiers to determine the size of small polystyrene latex spheres. This allowed the certification of
0.1 µm spheres for Standard Reference Material 1963. Mr. Bryner also supervised the production
of Standard Reference Material 1006d, which is used by industry to calibrate smoke density
chambers in the non-flaming test mode. He has contributed to the design, operation, and modeling
of a Transmission Cell-Reciprocal Nephelometer which simultaneously measures light scattering
and extinction.. He supervised a series of full-scale compartment burns which examined the
production of carbon monoxide in real scale rooms. Mr. Bryner has helped to characterize the
chemical and physical properties of smoke from crude oil pool fires.
His current research interests include developing measurement science to enable improved
effectiveness and safety for fire fighters. Current research projects include: 1) High Temperature
Respirator Performance Metrics, 2) Reconstruction of Multiple Fatality Fires, 3) Performance of
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NIST Fire Modeling
The Charleston Investigation
Thermal Imagers, and 4), Passive Cooling Technology for fire fighter protective clothing. Mr.
Bryner is currently involved in projects to enhance PASS device capability, improve fire fighter
visibility, self-contained fire fighter data systems, to develop structural integrity monitoring tools,
and to incorporate physiological monitors (heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, & core temperature)
into fire fighter garments.
Mr. Bryner is a member of NFPA Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment. He has
been working with this committee on the development of a new performance metrics for thermal
imagers which have been incorporated into NFPA 1801: Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire
Service. He has also worked with this committee on a new umbrella standard for all electronic
safety equipment used by the Fire Service and on the existing NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal
Alert Safety Systems (PASS). Mr. Bryner is also a member of the American Society of Testing and
Materials (ASTM) Subcommittee E54.04, Personal Protective Equipment, and E54.08 Operational
Equipment.
Mr. Bryner holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemical engineering from the
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Mr. Bryner has published over 72 papers and
reports. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, National Fire Protection
Association, ASTM, American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi (National Engineering),
and Omega Chi Epsilon (Chemical Engineering).
Mr. Bryner's awards include the Equal Employment Opportunity Award (2000) from NIST, and
the Department of Commerce's Bronze Medal (2004) for Smoke Detector Performance Metrics,
Silver Medal (2005) for Rhode Island Fire Reconstruction, Bronze Medal (2007) for Positive
Pressure Ventilation and RFID Tag Field Experiments, and Bronze Medal (2008) for Thermal Imager
Performance Standards.
Abstract:
A fire occurred on the evening of June 18, 2007 in the Sofa Super Store in Charleston, South
Carolina. NIST analyzed the fireground, consulted with other experts, and performed computer
simulations of fire growth alternatives. Based on these analyses, the following sequence of events
is likely to have occurred. A fire began in packing material and discarded furniture outside an
enclosed loading dock area. The fire spread to the loading dock, then into both the retail showroom
and warehouse spaces. During the early stages of the fire in the two latter locations, the fire
spread was slowed by the limited supply of fresh air. This under-ventilation led to generation of a
large mass of pyrolyzed and only partially-oxidized effluent. The smoke and combustible gases
flowed into the interstitial space below the roof and above the suspended ceiling of the main
retail showroom. As this space filled with unburned fuel, the hot smoke also seeped through the
suspended ceiling into the main showroom and formed a hot smoke layer below the suspended
ceiling. Up to this time, the extent of fire spread into the interstitial space was not visible to fire
fighters in the store. If the fire spread had been visible to the fire fighters in the store, it would
have provided a direct indication of a fire hazard in the showroom.
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NIST Fire Modeling
The Charleston Investigation
Meanwhile, the fire at the back of the main showroom and the gas mixture below the suspended
ceiling were both still fuel rich. When the front windows were broken out or vented, the inflow
of additional air allowed the heat release rate of the fire to intensify rapidly and added air to the
layer of unburned fuel below the suspended ceiling enabling the ignition of the unburned fuel/
air mixture. The fire swept from the rear to the front of the main showroom extremely quickly,
and then into the west and east showrooms. Nine fire fighters were killed in the Sofa Super Store
fire. Based on NIST’s simulation of events, this report includes eleven recommendations to help
mitigate such future losses.
- 21 -

Multiple Line-of-Duty Death Investigation
Smoke Inhalation – Bridgeport, Connecticut
Ron Rolfe
Lieutenant
30 Congress Street, 3rd Floor
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
860-867-6015
rrolfe@snet.net
Background:
Lieutenant Ron Rolfe is an 18-year veteran of the fire service, serving the City of Bridgeport for
the last 14 yrs. He is currently assigned to Ladder Company 11 and has worked in some of the
Departments busiest fire duty companies. He is a nationally-certified instructor and has taught
many aspects of the firefighting trade such as Safety and Survival, Rapid Intervention, and many
Technical Rescue disciplines both nationally and within the state of Connecticut.
Abstract:
On July 24, 2010, Lieutenant Steven Velasquez and Fire Fighter Michel Baik were found
unresponsive at a residential structure fire. They, along with two of their crew members were
tasked with conducting a primary search for civilians and fire extension on the 3rd floor of a
multifamily residential structure. The fire had been extinguished on the 2nd floor upon their entry
into the structure. While pulling walls and the ceiling on the 3rd floor, smoke and heat conditions
changed rapidly.
Under duress, Lieutenant Velasquez transmitted a Mayday that was not acknowledged or acted
upon. Minutes later the incident commander ordered an evacuation of the 3rd floor. As a fire fighter
exited the 3rd floor, Lieutenant Velasquez was discovered unconscious and not breathing, sitting
on the stairs to the 3rd floor. Approximately seven minutes later, Fire Fighter Baik was discovered
on the 3rd floor in thick, black smoke conditions.
Both fire fighters were removed by the rapid intervention team (RIT) and other fire fighters who
assisted them. Both were pronounced dead at local hospitals.
- 22 -

Multiple Line-of-Duty Death Investigation
Roof Collapse – Chicago, Illinois
John McNicholas
Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner
Chicago Fire Department
10 West 35th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
john.mcnicholas@cityofchicago.org
Background:
John McNicholas has served over 31 years in the Chicago Fire Department. He was promoted
through the ranks spending 11 years as a Chief Officer and 7 years as an exempt Chief Officer. He
has served throughout the city of Chicago throughout his career including handling emergency
operations at both O'Hare and Midway International Airports. He has held his current position for
one year. His responsibilities are to oversee the daily Fire Suppression & Rescue Operations for
the Chicago Fire Department covering the entire city and working closely with the city's suburban
counterparts. He works closely with and supervises Chicago's six District Chiefs and 24 Deputy
District Chiefs to supervise approximately 3,800 uniformed fire fighters through and including
the rank of Battalion Chief.
Abstract:
On December 22, 2010, Fire Fighter Edward Stringer and Fire Fighter Corey Ankum died when
the roof collapsed during suppression operations at a rubbish fire in an abandoned and unsecured
commercial structure. The bowstring truss roof collapsed at the rear of the 84-year old structure
approximately 16 minutes after the initial companies arrived on-scene and within minutes after
the Incident Commander reported that the fire was under control. The structure, the former site
of a commercial laundry, had been abandoned for over 5 years and city officials had previously
cited the building owners for the deteriorated condition of the structure and ordered the owner to
either repair or demolish the structure. The victims were members of the first alarm assignment and
were working inside the structure. A total of 19 other fire fighters were hurt during the collapse.
- 23 -

Multiple Line-of-Duty Death Investigation
Burns – San Francisco, California
Jim Vannucchi
Battalion Chief
San Francisco Fire Department
1301 Turk Street
San Francisco, California 94115
415-621-7103
jvannucchi@sbcglobal.net
Background:
James Vannucchi has served over 29 years with the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). He
came up through the ranks and currently holds the rank of Battalion Chief. He has also been very
active with IAFF Local 798 where he has served 13 years on the executive board and currently
holds the position of Secretary. Prior to joining the SFFD, he served for three years as a police
officer for the San Francisco Police Department.
Chief Vannucchi is a certified Fire Investigator, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Fire Officer, Chief
Officer and EOD Technician. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy. He was awarded
the prestigious State of California Firefighter of the Year Award in 1986.
Chief Vannucchi holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from the City College of San Francisco
and Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Mathematics from the University of California.
Abstract:
On June 2, 2011 Lieutenant Vincent Perez, Fire Fighter Anthony Valerio and another member of
their crew were caught in a flashover in a four-story residential structure fire. They entered the
structure to investigate light smoke showing at the structure when moments later the flashover
occurred. One of the fire fighters hit the emergency button on their radio triggering the alarm
at the dispatch center. The dispatcher tried to contact the fire fighter directly to confirm that the
button hadn't been hit accidentally and got no response. The dispatcher then radioed the incident
commander on scene who launched the rapid intervention crew. All three fire fighters were found
together. Perez and Valerio were unconscious, and the third fire fighter was able to walk out on
her own. Lt Perez was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Fire fighter Valerio died two
days later. The third fire fighter was treated and released for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
- 24 -

Surviving the Fire Ground
Toronto, Ontario
Geoff Boisseau
Executive Officer
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters
39 Commissioners Street
Toronto, Ontario M5A 1A6
416-466-1167
ffsurvival@rogers.com
Background:
Geoff Boisseau has been with Toronto Fire Services since 1989 and holds the rank of Acting Captain
on Rescue 115. He is in his first term as Executive Officer with Local 3888, Toronto Professional
Fire Fighters Association. Geoff has been the Master Instructor and co-developer of the Toronto
Fire Services Fire Fighter Survival and Rescue Program since its inception in 2004. He is also an
Ontario Fire Marshal Provincial Master Instructor and sits on the Ontario Fire College Fire Fighter
Survival and Rescue Committee. He first presented at the Redmond Symposium in 2007 on this
topic. He has worked with the IAFF since 2007 in the development of the IAFF Fire Ground
Survival (FGS) Program. Geoff is married to Bonnie Summerfeldt and has two children, Shayne
13 and Ty 11. He coaches Minor Peewee AA hockey in Aurora, Ontario.
Neil Brown
Battalion Chief
Toronto Fire Department
Station 132
476 Lawrence Avenue, W.
Toronto, Ontario M6L 1A8
416 338 9132
neilbrown59@gmail.com
Background:
Neil Brown immigrated to Canada from the U.K. in 1987 and quickly joined the North York Fire
Department. He worked for 11 years in the busy and diverse neighborhood of Jane/Finch at Station
142. After amalgamation which formed the Toronto Fire Department, Neil was promoted to Captain
in 2000 and found a “home” in South Command, where he enjoyed facing the challenges of the
- 25 -

Surviving the Fire Ground
Toronto, Ontario
inner city community of Regent Park at Station 325. In 2012 Neil was designated as an Acting
District Chief and transferred to his current assignment in District 13 at Station 132. Neil lives in
Port Hope, Ontario with his wife Manon; where they enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
Cameron Whittaker
Fire Fighter
Toronto Fire Department
39 Commissioners Street
Toronto, Ontario M5A 1A6
416-466-1167
Camwhitt79@live.com
Background:
Cameron Whittaker is a Toronto fire fighter from Station 332. He was hired July 20, 2009 and
works on an engine company. He is engaged to his fiancée Ashley and has two children, 13 year
old daughter Madison and 4 year old son Jace. He enjoys his time on the job working with great
people who teach him well and are great to train with.
Hugh Doherty
Executive Officer
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters
39 Commissioners Street
Toronto, Ontario M5A 1A6
416-466-1167
hugh.doherty@sympatico.ca
Background:
Hugh Doherty has been with the Toronto Fire Services for 28 years. Hugh holds the rank of Captain
at Station 324. Hugh is an Executive Officer with Local 3888, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters
Association. He is the co-chair and Labour Representative on the Toronto Fire Services Central
Health and Safety Committee. Hugh is also a member of the IAFF Labour/EAP Committee and
sits on the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Human Relations Committee. Hugh is married to
Sandra, a Captain in the Toronto Fire Services CAD/RMS.
- 26 -

Surviving the Fire Ground
Toronto, Ontario
Abstract:
On Monday January 3, 2011, the Toronto Fire Department dispatched apparatus to an initial report
of “smoke in the area” of Yonge Street at Gould Street. The historic three-storey, brick structure
at 335 Yonge Street became fully involved and the fire quickly went defensive. Alarm levels
escalated to a Fourth at 04:45. Then the incident took a dangerous turn as a Mayday call was
made at approximately 05:26. Quick actions and trained crews saved the lives of two fire fighters.
Some crews engaged in fire suppression at 335 Yonge were positioned on a three-story flat roof
at 333 Yonge Street for the purpose of protecting that exposure. The roof access to the building at
333 Yonge Street was via a roof hatch from the third floor. The roof of the building at 335 Yonge
Street had collapsed onto the third floor and subsequently pancaked onto the second floor. The
brick wall shell of 335 Yonge remained standing.
Three aerials ladders and two aerial towers were extended and conducted firefighting operations
from the west, north and east sides of the involved structure. This, and a number of other factors,
created varying smoke conditions on the roof of the building next door at 333 Yonge. R325, P325
and Haz332 crews were on that roof staffing one 38 mm and two 65 mm hand lines when R325
Captain became disoriented in the occasional heavy smoke and fell from the roof of 333 Yonge into
the fire at 335 Yonge. The fall was approximately 5 m (15’). Fire conditions in the vicinity of the
downed Captain were diminished by aerial operations. However, smoke conditions were heavy.
At 05:26, R325 Captain made a clear and concise Mayday call. Crews standing by on the third
floor of 333 Yonge, set to relieve the roof crews, immediately moved forward to the roof. During
the effort to spot the downed Captain from the roof an additional fire fighter fell. A second Mayday
was issued at 05:30 by personnel on the roof.
Two RIT crews were deployed. R325 Captain was low on air and an effort was made to use an
aerial tower to lower a full-cylinder SCBA using a rope from the illuminated basket of the tower.
Mechanical failure of the aerial tower prevented its movement and this plan was abandoned.
Roof crews were able to briefly spot the beams of light from the hand lights of the second missing
fire fighter. A simultaneous effort was being made to breach the wall on the second floor of
333 Yonge in an effort to reach the downed fire fighters. A suggestion was made on the roof to
conduct a RIT “through-the-floor” rescue of the downed fire fighters. This would be performed
up the north side wall of 333 Yonge. Additional 38 mm hose line was pulled onto the roof. The
second fire fighter to fall in was located at 05:35 in an easterly position along the wall. The hose
was looped down to his position and he stepped into the loop in the smoke. As crews pulled, the
fire fighter lost his footing but held on as he was lifted because, as trained, his arms were locked
around the hose. He ended up sitting in the hose loop like a swing and he was pulled up to the
- 27 -

Surviving the Fire Ground
Toronto, Ontario
edge of the roof where personnel grabbed him and hauled him onto the roof surface. It was later
determined that he had fallen approximately 10 m (30’). He was hauled up that entire distance
by approximately seven fire fighters on each side of the loop. Command was updated at 05:36
that the fire fighter had been rescued.
An attempt was made to locate R325 Captain using a thermal imaging camera. This proved useless
given the heat from the fire in his vicinity. The first downed fire fighter, R325 Captain, was located
at 05:38 in a more westerly position along the wall approximately 10 m (30’) from the first fire
fighter rescued. This was done through effective communications and visual spotting of the light
used by the Captain. Crews moved west along the wall and lowered the 38 mm hose loop to his
location. He positioned himself on the hose, locked his arms and was hauled the 5 m to the roof
at 05:41. Command was updated. At 05:51 the roof was evacuated.
This experience provided a number of lessons including the following:
• As instructed during the 2010 “Stand Down” Training, when situations go bad they can
go very bad. The error chain increases rapidly; for example, after first Mayday, second
fire fighter falls and second Mayday called, aerial tower becomes immobile.
• Clear, calm and effective communications by all personnel but particularly by the
downed fire fighters, maintained a calm at the incident and aided in the successful
resolution of the situation.
• While RIT teams were deployed after the Mayday calls, the quick actions of personnel
in the vicinity of the downed fire fighters performed this rescue.
• The RIT training of all personnel, including the downed fire fighters, proved to be a key
component in the success of the rescue.
• Despite the “through-the-floor” rescue technique never being taught for use up the
side of a wall, the crews on the scene used the RIT skills they had been taught, and
practiced, then improvised and adapted those skills to the situation.
- 28 -

Special 9/11 Ten-Year Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
www.dhs.gov
Background:
Janet Napolitano is the third Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and is leading
our nation's collective efforts to secure our country from the threats we face - from terrorism to
natural disasters.
To counter the threat of terrorism, Napolitano has forged new partnerships with international
allies, and expanded information sharing with federal, state and local law enforcement - building
a collaborative effort to detect and disrupt threats early on.
She has initiated a new, more strategic course to strengthen security along our southwest border,
deploying additional personnel and advanced technology, while working closely with Mexico to
combat violent international drug cartels - resulting in increased seizures of illegal contraband
along the border and throughout our country's interior.
Napolitano also has forged a smart and effective approach to enforcing our immigration laws and
prioritizing public safety while targeting criminal aliens and aggressively pursuing employers that
knowingly take advantage of illegal labor.
She has strengthened the nation's ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters by
cutting through red tape and expediting decision-making along the Gulf Coast, providing new
resources to build resilient communities and bolster their response capabilities, and calling on all
Americans to play a role in the shared responsibility of making our homeland secure.
In each of these areas - counterterrorism; border security; immigration enforcement; and disaster
preparedness, response and recovery - Napolitano is building upon the skills and resources of this
young department by deploying the best that science and technology have to offer; reinvigorating
partnerships with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector - our nation's first
detectors and first responders; and implementing a bold Efficiency Review that is making the
Department a leaner, smarter agency better equipped to protect the nation.
- 29 -

Special 9/11 Ten-Year Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Prior to becoming Secretary, Napolitano was in her second term as Governor of Arizona and was
recognized as a national leader on homeland security, border security and immigration. She was
the first woman to chair the National Governors Association and was named one of the top five
governors in the country by Time Magazine. Napolitano was also the first female Attorney General
of Arizona and served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona.
Napolitano was born in New York City and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Albuquerque,
New Mexico. She graduated from Santa Clara University, where she won a Truman Scholarship and
was the university's first female valedictorian, and received her Juris Doctor from the University of
Virginia School of Law. Before entering public office, Napolitano served as a clerk for Judge Mary
M. Schroeder on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and practiced law in Phoenix at
the firm of Lewis and Roca.
- 30 -

ABSTRACTS
Briefing
Speakers
- 31 -

- 32 -

BRIEFING:
EMS Response - Fire Ground Carbon Monoxide
Randolph Mantooth
Actor, EMS Advocate
Route 51
1626 Wilcox #1330
Los Angeles, California 90028-1330
www.randymantooth.com/
Background:
Randolph Mantooth is one of those rare individuals who can move back and forth between two
dramatically different professional worlds — one of "make believe," and the other as hard-core
reality as it gets — and be equally at home in both.
A working actor in television, documentaries, theater, and film for 36 years, Mantooth is as well
known—if not better known—to fire fighters, paramedics, and EMTs the world over as the man
who inspired, and continues to inspire, their careers. His role as LA County Fire Fighter/Paramedic
Johnny Gage on the 1970s television series EMERGENCY not only changed the lives of countless
young viewers, it changed the course of his life as well.
Today, 30 years and many acting roles later, he's still known in the other world as the most
recognized fire fighter in America. Randy is one of very few civilians who has earned the privilege
of being embraced as "one of their own" by the brotherhood of fire fighters, from LA County to
FDNY, and all points between.
Mantooth has been honored with numerous fire service awards and recognitions including: IAFC
EMS Section James O. Page Award of Excellence, lifetime member of the National Association
of Emergency Medical Technicians, lifetime member of the Washington DC-based Advocates for
EMS, and Chairman and spokesperson for the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum.
- 33 -

Mike McEvoy, PhD, NRP, RN, CCRN
EMS Coordinator
Saratoga County
33 Anchor Drive
Waterford, New York 12188
518-383-8608
mcevoymike@aol.com
BRIEFING:
EMS Response - Fire Ground Carbon Monoxide
Background:
Mike McEvoy, PhD, RN, CCRN, REMT-P, is the EMS coordinator for Saratoga County, N.Y., and
teaches critical care medicine at Albany Medical College. He’s a nurse clinician in the cardiothoracic
surgical intensive care units at Albany Med, a paramedic with Clifton Park-Halfmoon Ambulance,
a fire fighter and chief medical officer for West Crescent Fire Department and EMS director on
the Board of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.
Abstract:
Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of poisoning in industrialized countries including
the United States and Canada. Fire department personnel are often the first to encounter victims
of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, because of the nature of the profession, fire fighters
are at increased risk of occupational exposure to carbon monoxide. This workshop is presented
by Randolph Mantooth and Dr. Mike McEvoy an accomplished author and lecturer of EMS and
fire topics. Mr. Mantooth will profile his real-life story of CO and his work to increase fire fighter
awareness at a national level through IAFF. Dr. McEvoy will describe the latest research and
findings related to CO and fire fighters and his efforts to improve fire fighter health and safety
through education.
- 34 -

BRIEFING:
Fire Ground Survival
Jim Brinkley
Director of Occupational Health and Safety
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-824-8304
jbrinkley@iaff.org
Background:
Jim Brinkley is the Director of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Department of
Occupational Health and Safety. The IAFF represents more than 298,000 full-time professional
fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,100
affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada.
The IAFF dedicates significant resources to the never-ending struggle to make a dangerous profession
as safe as possible. The purpose of the IAFF’s Occupational Health and Safety Department is to
identify hazards, develop and disseminate user friendly technical materials and information, and
provide assistance so IAFF members can recognize and control the safety, health and medical
needs associated with their profession.
Prior to coming to the IAFF Jim served for more than 21 years with the Prince George’s County
Fire/EMS Department, and 14 years as a member of the Prince George’s County Professional Fire
Fighters & Paramedics Association, IAFF local 1619 Executive Board. Jim has received several
awards and commendations for his work in fire fighter health and safety. As a member of his
departmental safety committee he was responsible for evaluating and testing personal protective
equipment including turn-out gear, PASS devices, and SCBA. At the time of his retirement he had
just been re-elected as President of IAFF Local 1619. During his tenure he was instrumental in
developing the Department’s wellness fitness program and the Department’s “Fire Fighter Survival
Program”. His efforts played a significant role in Local 1619 receiving the Congressional Fire
Service Institute Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for 2008. Jim was
also one of the original instructors with the IAFF Partnership Education Program.
Jim was responsible for overseeing the revisions for the 3rd edition of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness
Fitness Initiative and the updates to the Peer Fitness Training (PFT) Certification program. He is
currently overseeing the development of the IAFF Fire Ground Survival Program and is directing
the effort to revise the IAFF Infectious Disease Program and the IAFF’s manual on Cardiovascular
- 35 -

BRIEFING:
Fire Ground Survival
Disease in the Fire Service. In addition to these duties, Jim also provides expert testimony to
assist in arbitration cases and passing presumptive heart, lung, and infectious disease legislation
to assist our members.
Derek Alkonis
Battalion Chief
Los Angeles County Fire Department
200 North Main Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-485-5971
DAlkonis@fire.lacounty.gov
Background:
Derek Alkonis is currently a Battalion Chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department assigned
to Fire Station 3 in East LA. During his 21-year career he has been instrumental in establishing the
department as a leader in fire service wellness-fitness. Chief Alkonis served as the department’s
first Wellness-Fitness Coordinator from 1996 to 2001 and during this time established and directed
the Wellness-Fitness Program. Chief Alkonis is also a current Peer Fitness Trainer. In this capacity
he has worked to improve the fitness level of the fire department’s most impressionable resource
- the entry level fire fighter.
In addition to his interests in improving the health and fitness of fire fighters, Chief Alkonis has
also worked to develop policy and training programs for fire fighter survival. During the past four
years Chief Alkonis has been responsible for training LACoFD recruits in self-survival skills.
Since December 2007, Chief Alkonis has served as the Lead Investigator for the IAFF Fire Ground
Survival Program. The comprehensive program addresses Preventing the Mayday, Being Ready
for the Mayday, Mayday Procedures and Skills, and Fire Fighter Expectations of Command. The
program is available to all fire fighters in North America.
Chief Alkonis is a member of the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness
Initiative (WFI) Technical Committee, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Technical Committee,
and Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) Oversight Committee. As a committee member he has assisted in
writing the manuals and worked closely with CPAT prop manufactures to ensure firefighting props
were an accurate simulation of actual firefighting tasks. Chief Alkonis has been a featured speaker
at past IAFF Redmond Symposiums, Phoenix Fire Department Health and Fitness Symposiums,
FDIC conferences, and Fire Rescue Conferences. He has assisted many fire departments around
the country in implementing the WFI and CPAT.
- 36 -

BRIEFING:
Fire Ground Survival
Abstract:
Fireground survival has been an issue for as long as fire fighters have conducted offensive fire
suppression operations. For the past 200 years, the dangers that fire fighters were exposed to have
been considered part of the job. Risks of death and injury were what fire fighters were paid for.
Protection of property was considered more important than the safety of fire fighters.
Since World War II, this attitude has changed. The risks of fire fighting have been reconsidered,
as have the economic costs of fire fighter injury and death. The safety engineering profession
was created and has grown; fire departments have faced litigation for unsafe work practices; the
creation and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have
mandated changes. The moral and legal priorities of fire fighting strategies and tactics have been
defined. Protection of life is the highest priority of fire fighting, and this includes the lives of fire
fighters as well as those of the people fire fighters serve. Fire containment is the second priority
of fire fighting. Property protection is now the last priority of fire fighting strategy and tactics.
The IAFF Fire Ground Survival Program and Delivery component builds on the program that
was funded by our 2006 FP&S grant. These materials include a video used to train fire fighters to
perform standard, potentially life-saving actions if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on
air, or trapped; a facilitator manual with lesson plans for classroom lecture, supported by video
and PowerPoint presentations; a student manual; practical application modules where fire fighters
must demonstrate proficiency to ensure they have learned the objectives; and an evaluation
component..
- 37 -

BRIEFING:
Resuscitation Outcome Consortium
Mohamud Daya
EMS Director
Oregon Health Sciences University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Mailcode CDW-EM
Portland, Oregon 97239
503-494-7248
dayam@ohsu.edu
Background:
Dr. Daya’s specialty is emergency medical care with a focus on out-of-hospital care. He also has
an interest in international health and tropical medicine. He is currently undergoing a clinical
trial, evaluating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of automatic defibrillators in public settings.
Dr. Daya received his medical degree at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver in 1984
and he did his medical residency in Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health Sciences University
in Portland, Oregon.
Stephen Perry RN, MICP
President
IAFF Local 2595
King County Fire & Rescue
7064 South 220 Street, Building 9
Kent, Washington 98032
206-296-8550
steve.perry@iaff2595.org
Background:
Steve is a Paramedic with King County Medic One and has an extensive background in Emergency
Department Nursing. Additionally, he coordinates King County's Defibrillation Program (a QA
program focused on the EMT's management of cardiac arrest / resuscitation). He conducts EMT/
paramedic instruction and continuing education, and teaches PALS and ACLS for the AHA. He is
currently the Interim MSO4 for Seattle/King County EMS. Steve is a busy dad and bicycle racer.
- 38 -

BRIEFING:
Resuscitation Outcome Consortium
Ron Straight
President
SAFE Emergency Care Education
3436 West 30th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia V6S 1W4
604 261-5756
straight@shaw.ca
Background:
Ron Straight is a highly educated and experienced educator and practitioner in the Pre-Hospital
Emergency Medical field. Ron with his wife Heather started SAFE Emergency Care Education
over 30 years ago and have educated countless students from the general public right through to
physicians, locally to internationally (Vancouver, Hong Kong, South Africa to name a few).
While working as an Advanced Care Paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance service for
over 30 years, Ron’s passion for teaching has also been a vocation and avocation, leading him to
a Masters Degree in Adult Education from the University of British Columbia in 2000.
Ron is also a key participant in resuscitation research. Currently he serves as the Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) representative on the executive committee of the Resuscitation Outcomes
Consortium (ROC) for the US and Canada which conducts research on serious trauma and cardiac
arrest care.
With his flair for teaching, public speaking, solid credentials and experience, Ron speaks and
gives presentations at conferences internationally.
Abstract:
The mission of the Resuscitation Consortium is to provide infrastructure and project support for
clinical trials and other outcome-oriented research in the areas of cardiopulmonary arrest and
severe traumatic injury that will rapidly lead to evidence-based change in clinical practice. The
focus on pre-hospital and early hospitalization interventions recognizes the critical importance of
this time frame and early congruence between the emergency cardiac and trauma populations.
ROC Investigators will conduct collaborative trials of variable size and duration (equally directed
towards the cardiac and trauma populations), leveraging the combined power of the member
institutions and promoting the rapid translation of promising scientific and clinical advances for
the public good.
- 39 -

BRIEFING:
Revolutionary SCBA Pressure Vessel Technology
Jeff Stull
President
International Personnel Protection, Inc.
7809 Adelaide Drive
Austin, Texas 78709-2493
512-288-8272
Intlperpro@aol.com
Background:
Jeffrey O. Stull is the President of International Personnel Protection, Inc., which provides expertise
on the design, evaluation, selection and use of personal protective clothing, equipment and related
products to end users and manufacturers. International Personnel Protection, Inc. has conducted
numerous studies for effectiveness and performance of protective clothing and equipment. Mr.
Stull is currently a member of several NFPA Technical Committees for Fire and Emergency Services
Protective Clothing and Equipment and other groups that address protective clothing and equipment.
Mr. Stull participates in the government’s Interagency Board for Equipment Standardization and
Interoperability. International Personnel Protection, Inc. is considered one of the leading sources
of expertise in the field of personal protective equipment.
Benjamin A. Mauti
Product Line Manager
First Responder Products
Mine Safety Appliances
1100 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066
724-776-7820
Ben.Mauti@msanet.com; www.msanet.com
Background:
Benjamin A. Mauti is a Product Line Manager in the Product Planning and Marketing Department
at MSA, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based global manufacturer of personal protective equipment.
A key focus area for MSA is the North American First Responder market, where Ben is responsible
for Cairns Helmets, Air Purifying Respirators, and Firefighter Location Systems. Over the past 15
- 40 -

BRIEFING:
Revolutionary SCBA Pressure Vessel Technology
months Ben has been managing the IAFF sponsored low-profile SCBA prototype development
project. Ben has been with MSA for over 11 years and has previously worked as a Product Design
Engineer for Air Purifying Respirators and as a Process Engineer and Quality Engineering Co-op
at MSA's Murrysville, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility. Ben currently serves as Secretary on
the NFPA Technical Committee for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting Protective Clothing and
Equipment and actively participates on several other NFPA committees.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from Kettering University in
Flint Michigan and a Master of Business Administration degree from Carnegie Mellon University
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dana Brooks
Captain
10010 Old Indian Head Rd
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-7976
240-681-3441
dana_brooks@earthlink.net
Background:
Dana Brooks has lived most of her life in Prince George’s County, graduating with honors from
Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications
from Towson University and an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health from Prince George’s Community
College. After spending over 10 years in the corporate world of power lunches, travel, expense
accounts, and private parking, she resolved within herself the need for a change. This change
landed her in the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in the year 2000. This change also
fulfilled her desire to work within the community where all her efforts could have an immediate
positive impact. Since entering the field nearly ten years ago, Ms. Brooks has had the opportunity
to work with the Fire Chief’s office on special projects; she obtained her county certification as
a paramedic; she has become a nationally certified Peer Fitness Trainer for the Department; and
she was recently promoted to Fire Captain, currently assigned to the PGFD Fire Training Academy
as an instructor.
Lieutenant Brooks participated in the IAFF evaluation of this new technology, as well as the pilot
Fire Ground Survival training program last year. Since then, she has been part of the IAFF Health
and Safety Team to help bring you the best possible end-product.
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BRIEFING:
Revolutionary SCBA Pressure Vessel Technology
Mike Lobianco
Battalion Chief
Chicago Fire Department
10 W. 35th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
312-745-3705
milbff@sbcglobal.net
Background:
Michael Lobianco is a Battalion Chief with the Chicago Fire Department. He is a 35-year veteran
of the fire service with 31 years on the job with the Chicago Fire Department. He is an active
member of IAFF Local 2 and has served on the Health and Safety Committee for over 20 years.
Abstract:
The IAFF was awarded a contract by the DHS in July 2008 to develop a new DOT-approved SCBA
pressure vessel (cylinder) that is lighter, thinner, and more flexible than any SCBA pressure vessel
on the market today and to transition this device from a concept prototype to an operational
technology demonstration unit that can be tested to relevant Department of Transportation (DOT)
requirements and certified against existing government regulations and NFPA standards.
As part of this contract, the IAFF has worked with Sanders Industrial Design/Vulcore Industrial (Fort
Wayne, Indiana), which was responsible for inventing and further developing the new pressure
vessel technology, and International Personnel Protection, Inc. (Austin, Texas), which has assisted
the IAFF with the technical management of the contract and coordination of testing.
The technical approach for developing prototype pressure vessels and demonstrating their use as
part of first responder SCBA pressure vessel has included the following six elements:
1. The establishment of a technical advisory committee (TAC) consisting of
representatives from industry for various emergency services, including law
enforcement, fire service, special operations, hazardous materials, and other
groups that use emergency services SCBA. The technical advisory committee
has provided end user based reviews of the technology and input to create
industry awareness for future potential commercialization and implementation
of the new technology.
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BRIEFING:
Revolutionary SCBA Pressure Vessel Technology
2. A Special Permit Request was prepared and submitted to the U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT) to allow the use of the new pressure vessel as part
of SCBA. The proposed pressure vessel technology does not fall under any of
the existing DOT regulations for pressurized vessels in Title 49 CFR Subpart
C, Specification for Cylinders. Therefore, the IAFF Project Team developed
a strategy to support its request for showing compliance of the new pressure
vessel with ISO 11119-3, the standard considered by DOT to be most
relevant to this technology. The Special Permit was originally issued in June
2010; however, amendments were needed to address specific aspects of the
pressure vessel cover and manifold. The Special Permit amendments were
issued in February 2011.
3. A qualified SCBA manufacturer (Mine Safety Appliances Company – MSA)
was selected for configuring the overall SCBA to use the new pressure vessel
technology as part of a newly designed SCBA. MSA undertook the design of
prototype SCBA based on their proposed concept and then created additional
changes for non-functional prototypes that were evaluated in the first end
user evaluation. Observations and findings from the first evaluation were then
used to guide further refinement of the low pressure SCBA design, resulting
in a new functional prototype, which was subject of the Chicago evaluation
with additional prototypes provided for selected certification testing.
4. Two different end user evaluations were performed to evaluate prototype
SCBA using the new pressure vessel technology. The first was conducted in
Prince George’s County in May 2010. That evaluation involved 17 fire fighters,
fire officers and law enforcement officers from 5 different organizations
completing 5 skill-based exercises and 1 ergonometric assessment of nonfunctional
prototype SCBA for their form, fit, and function. The second was
conducted in Chicago in May 2011 at the Chicago Fire Department Training
Academy. This field test involved 12 fire fighters and fire officers from the
Chicago Fire Department and 4 different fireground exercises over the 2-day
period.
5 Final prototypes have been submitted to key federal respirator certification
requirements provided in Title 42 Part 84, Approval of Respiratory Protective
Devices and industry requirements established in NFPA 1981, Standard on
Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency
Services. At the time this report was prepared, the NFPA 1981 testing had
been completed satisfactorily with the exception of a longer than maximum
allowed afterflame time during the overall heat and flame test. In NIOSH
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BRIEFING:
Revolutionary SCBA Pressure Vessel Technology
testing for the federal requirements, the service life was found to be slightly
shorter then the intended 45-minute rating. This testing is intended to show
that SCBA integrating the new pressure vessels could be certified to applicable
industry requirements but was not a complete certification of the resulting
prototype.
6. At the end of the project, the IAFF Project Team will deliver Technology
Demonstration Units (TDUs) to DHS that incorporate the final prototype
changes that show the benefits of the new pressure vessel technology as part
of emergency responder SCBA. Complete specifications and user information
will also be provided in the form of a final report and related documentation.
- 44 -

BRIEFING:
Geolocation and Tracking
Bruce H. Varner
CFO, MIFireE
BH Varner & Associates
14175 West Indian School Road
Suite B4-419
Goodyear, Arizona 85395
602-448-1161
bhvarner@cox.net
Background:
Bruce Varner was appointed Fire Chief of Santa Rosa, California in 2004. He previously served as
the Fire Chief in Carrollton, Texas from 1992 to 2004. Chief Varner began his fire service career
with the Phoenix, Arizona Fire Department in 1967, promoting to Deputy Chief in 1985. His fire
service experience includes administration, operations, communications, safety, airport operations,
training, fire prevention and investigations. He has taught numerous fire service training classes
throughout the United States and is recognized for his expertise in fire fighter protective clothing
and safety issues.
Chief Varner holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration. He is an active member of the California State Firefighters Association,
California Fire Chiefs Association, National Fire Protection Association, Sonoma County Fire
Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and The Institution of Fire Engineers. He is an
Accredited Chief Fire Officer.
Bruce also serves on the National Fire Protection Association Technical Correlating Committee on
Fire Service Protective Clothing and Equipment and Chairs the Technical Committee on Electronic
Safety Equipment for Fire and Emergency Services; He is a Life member of the NFPA and has been
involved in the Protective Clothing and Equipment project since 1985. He serves as a member
of the Fireman’s Fund Heritage Advisory Committee and is an active member of the IAFC Safety
and Health Section. In 2001 was Fire Chief Magazine’s Career Fire Chief of the Year.
- 45 -

BRIEFING:
Geolocation and Tracking
Jalal Mapar
Program Manager
Infrastructure Protection & Disaster Management Division
Science and Technology Directorate
US Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
Jalal.Mapar@dhs.gov
Background:
Mr. Jalal Mapar is a Program Manager for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. He
currently manages a portfolio of S&T programs that provide capabilities to the nation's emergency
preparedness and response community. Mr. Mapar will be providing an overview on 3-D location
technology.
Maxim A. Batalin
Research Program Manager
UCLA Wireless Health Institute
UCLA, EE Department
420 Westwood Plaza
56-125KK, EEIV
Los Angeles, California 90095-1594
310-437-7775
maxim@ee.ucla.edu
Background:
Dr. Maxim A. Batalin is a Senior Technology Strategist for ITA with extensive expertise in Intelligent
Information Technology (IIT) with specific emphasis on security, intelligent systems, sensor
networking, biomedical systems, robotics and automation, embedded systems and IIT infrastructure
design. Dr. Batalin has extensive experience in applying IIT in the fields of wireless health and
telemedicine, environmental technologies, resource conservation, defense and space exploration.
Prior to joining ITA, Dr. Batalin was a Research Program Manager at the UCLA Wireless Health
Institute. In that role, he led the development of the first of its kind system for remote monitoring
and diagnosis, medical sensor/device automated management and patient feedback. Dr. Batalin
has led multiple technology development programs funded by NSF, NASA, NIH, DARPA, DHS,
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BRIEFING:
Geolocation and Tracking
commercial enterprises as well as other national agencies. Dr. Batalin’s expertise is routinely
sought in the government/education/industrial community where he has served as a reviewer
for DOE and NSF grants and a variety of conference/journal publications (e.g. ICST Bodynets,
IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, IEEE Transactions on Robotics and
Automation, Autonomous Robots, IEEE ICRA and IROS, ACM Sensys and IPSN).
Dr. Batalin is well-respected in the field of wireless health, sensor networks, information technology
infrastructure design, intelligent systems and robotics with numerous publications, technical reports
and patents. He holds a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from University of Oregon
(Eugene, USA), MS in Computer Science from University of Southern California (Los Angeles,
USA), MS in Management from Tavriya National University (Simferopol, Ukaine), and PhD in
Computer Science from University of Southern California (Los Angeles, USA).
Abstract:
The Physiological Health Assessment System for Emergency Responders (PHASER) Program was
created by the Department of Homeland Security (Science and Technology) to address a primary
national objective to develop a breakthrough in assuring health and safety for the First Responder
community. This national objective requires an unprecedented state-of-the-art approach combining
medical science with technological innovations. The PHASER team is led by the UCLA David
Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science
as well as other national leaders in medicine, engineering, and industry, while guided by the
leaders of the First Responder community.
Since the beginning of the program, the PHASER team has made significant breakthroughs in endto-end
First Responder risk factor analysis and prioritization, sensor measurement identification
and the development of the low-cost secure networked system for physiological monitoring,
assessment and prevention (referred to as PHASER-Net).
The presentation will provide an overview of the following components of the PHASER program:
1. PHASER approach to First Responder health and safety
2. First Responder risk factor analysis, prioritization and measurement selection
3. Laboratory and in-field physiological monitoring approach and
accomplishments
4. Development and deployment of the first of its kind low cost secure networked
system for physiological assessment of First Responders (e.g. PHASER-Net)
5. Development of the novel Enterprise Testbed system for standardized evaluation
of the First Responder vendor supplied technologies
The presentation will also include PHASER team outreach and training program components for
the First Responder community.
- 47 -

BRIEFING:
9/11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
James Melius, MD, MPH
Chairman
IAFF Medical Advisory Board
18 Corporate Woods Boulevard
Albany, New York 12211
518-449-1715
melius@nysliuna.org
Background:
Dr. James Melius is an occupational physician and epidemiologist with over 30 years of experience
working in occupational safety and health. From 1980 to 1987, he worked for the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health directing a field investigations unit. From 1987 to 1994, he
worked for the New York State Department of Health directing occupational and environmental
health programs. He is currently the Director of the New York State Laborers’ Health and Safety
Trust Fund and the Research Director for the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America.
He is currently a member of the Presidential Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health and
Chair of the Steering Committee for the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment
Program. In the past, he has served on a number of government and National Academy of Sciences
advisory committees. Since 1983, Dr. Melius has served as Chairman of the Medical Advisory
Board for the IAFF’s John P. Redmond Foundation. He has conducted research on a number of
fire safety and health issues and he continuously provides assistance and expert advice to the
membership of the IAFF.
Dr. Melius is an occupational medicine physician and an epidemiologist. He received his MD
from the University of Illinois and his DrPH from the University of Illinois, School of Public Health.
- 48 -

BRIEFING:
9/11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
David Prezant, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Fire Department, City of New York
9 Metro Tech Center, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
917-999-2696
prezand@fdny.nyc.gov
Background:
Dr. David Prezant received his Bachelor of Science from Columbia College in 1977 and his Doctor
of Medicine from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1981. After completing his internal
medicine residency at Harlem Hospital, he returned to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and
Montefiore Medical Center for his Pulmonary Fellowship training. He is a Professor of Medicine at
the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a pulmonary physician at Montefiore Medical Center.
He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine.
Dr. Prezant’s is the Chief Medical Officer for the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)
and Special Advisor to the Fire Commissioner for Health Policy. He is also FDNY’s senior Pulmonary
Consultant, Co-Director of FDNY’s World Trade Center Medical Programs and the Principal
Investigator for the NIOSH funded FDNY World Trade Center Data Center. Prior to 9/11/01, Dr.
Prezant’s research interests concentrated on firefighter thermal-related injuries/illness. On 9/11/01,
Dr. Prezant was at the World Trade Center (WTC) taking care of FDNY firefighters and EMS rescue
workers. He was present during the collapse and its aftermath. Since that day he has devoted his
entire clinical and research efforts to the design and implementation of a medical monitoring and
treatment program for FDNY firefighters and EMS rescue workers and to improvements in EMS
pre-hospital medical care. To date, Dr. Prezant has published nearly forty research papers on the
health impact of World Trade Center Collapse on NYC Firefighters and EMS workers.
Dr. Prezant is also responsible for EMS medical policy. Under his leadership, the NYC 911 system
has a robust cardiac survival program including STEMI and Hypothermia Resuscitation, a flu-surge
program and has just begun a new triage system, which for the first time includes medical and
pediatric complications in disaster emergencies.
Dr. Prezant serves on the IAFF John P. Redmond Medical Advisory Board. He is a member of
the IAFF technical committee for the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness
Fitness Initiative and was one of the committee’s medical experts designing the WFI and CPAT.
He also serves on the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) medical committee designing
medical standards for fire fighters and candidates and is a member of the Institute of Medicine’s
study group on personal protective technology.
- 49 -

BRIEFING:
9/11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
Sheila L. Birnbaum
Special Master
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; LLP
Four Times Square
New York, New York 10036
212-735-2450
sheila.birnbaum@skadden.com; http://www.skadden.com/attorneys/106
Background:
As co-head of Skadden’s Mass Torts and Insurance Litigation Group, Sheila L. Birnbaum practices
primarily in the areas of products liability, toxic torts and insurance coverage litigation. Prior to
becoming a Skadden, Arps partner, Ms. Birnbaum served as counsel to the firm while she was a
professor of law and associate dean at New York University School of Law.
Ms. Birnbaum was national counsel or lead defense counsel for numerous Fortune 500 companies
in some of the largest and most complicated tort cases in the country. She was national counsel
for Dow Corning Corporation in the breast implant litigation, for Aventis Crop Science in several
class actions and multidistrict litigation arising out of biogenetic corn and for Thompson-Delaco
in the over-the-counter drug “PPA” litigation.
Ms. Birnbaum has argued many significant appeals in appellate courts throughout the country. In
the U.S. Supreme Court, she successfully argued the case of Buckley v. Metro North, a landmark
case involving medical monitoring. She successfully represented an insurer in the New York Court of
Appeals on the issue of whether a punitive damage verdict awarded in another state was insurable
under New York law. She also represented Chrysler Corporation before the Florida Supreme Court
in a case involving the standard of proof necessary to establish liability for punitive damages. Ms.
Birnbaum represented FMC Corporation in an appeal in New York that resulted in a reversal and
new trial of a $5 million punitive damage award arising out of a construction accident.
She has lectured extensively and has authored numerous law review articles. She is co-author of
the Practitioner’s Guide to Litigating Insurance Coverage Actions. Ms. Birnbaum has also written
a regular column on New York practice in the New York Law Journal, as well as a column on
products liability in The National Law Journal.
Ms. Birnbaum has received the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the
American Bar Association, the John L. McCloy Memorial Award from the Fund for Modern Courts,
and the Law and Society Award from the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest. She is also
the recipient of the New York University Law Alumni Award for outstanding achievement in the
legal profession, the George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award and the Milton S. Gould Award for
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BRIEFING:
9/11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
Outstanding Appellate Advocacy. Ms. Birnbaum was honored with the Louis D. Brandeis Award
by the American Jewish Congress and an award from Touro Law School for achieving the highest
standards of professional excellence. She is a member of the Hunter College Hall of Fame.
Law360 recently profiled Ms. Birnbaum in an article that named Skadden as a “Product Liability
Group Of The Year” for 2010. The publication also named her one of the 10 Most Admired Product
Liability Attorneys. Her work was included in a feature in The American Lawyer, which selected
Skadden as a finalist for “Litigation Department of the Year.” Ms. Birnbaum has been chosen as the
leading product liability lawyer in the world by The International Who’s Who of Product Liability
Defence Lawyers each year since its inception in 2005 and has been repeatedly selected for
inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for personal injury and mass tort litigation. In addition,
she has been selected by The National Law Journal as one of the 100 most outstanding members of
the legal profession, and, more recently, she was profiled as one of the three outstanding lawyers of
the year. She also has been named by Fortune as one of the 50 most powerful women in American
business, by Chambers USA as a “star individual” in the area of products liability, by Crain’s New
York Business as one of the 25 most influential women in New York business and by Lawdragon
Magazine as one of the 500 leading lawyers in the country. Ms. Birnbaum was honored at New
York University’s 2008 Law Alumni Association Awards with the Vanderbilt Medal, the highest
honor bestowed on an alumnus of the NYU School of Law.
Bill Romaka
Health & Safety Director, Sergeant-at-Arms
IAFF Local 94, Uniformed Fire Fighters Association
204 East 23rd Street
New York, New York 10010
212-683-4832
bromaka@ufanyc.org
Background:
Bill Romaka has recently been re-elected to his third term as the Uniformed Firefighters Association
IAFF Local 94’s Sergeant-at-Arms/Health and Safety Officer. He has a degree in Business
Administration with a major in Accounting from Dowling College and is also a tax preparer.
He joined the New York City Fire Department in July of 1987 and was assigned to Engine 238
in Brooklyn. Late in 1989, he was elected delegate of his Engine Company after showing an
interest in the members’ well being. In 1999, he was elected as a Battalion Delegate representing
Battalion 28 and approximately 175 members. His dedication to the membership led him to run
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BRIEFING:
9-11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
for the position of the Sergeant-at-Arms/Health and Safety Officer for the Uniformed Firefighters
Association IAFF Local 94 in 2005. At the UFA President’s urging, he worked with the NYS AFL/
CIO’s Suzy Ballantine, the UFOA’s Chief Richie Alles, the IAFF, and the President of the Professional
Firefighters of Maine, John Martell to help pass the 9/11 WTC Zadroga Bill that covers all our IAFF
Brothers and Sisters who were exposed to carcinogens and other toxic materials in the weeks and
months after 9/11. He is married with two grown daughters and a granddaughter.
Ritchard Alles
Health & Safety Director, Chief’s Representative
IAFF Local 854
Uniformed Fire Officers Association
225 Broadway, Suite 401
New York, New York 10007
212-293-9300
ralles@ufoa.org
Background:
Rich was appointed to the FDNY in 1979 and served on Engine 91 and Ladder 43 in Spanish
Harlem. Upon promotion to Lieutenant in 1987, he was briefly assigned to lower Manhattan and
later transferred to Ladder 174 in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Rich was promoted to Captain in 1993
and was assigned to Ladder 106 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Upon promotion to Battalion Chief in
1999 Rich was assigned to FDNY Headquarters and worked on the Department’s Operational
Millennium Plan. Rich was rewarded for his efforts by then Chief of Department Peter Ganci
with a transfer to Battalion 58 in Canarsie, Brooklyn in 2000. He was designated Battalion
Commander in 2005 and served until his promotion to Deputy Chief in 2007. Rich has always
been actively involved in his labor union, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, and has
assisted the organization in different roles until deciding to seek an open Chiefs Representative
position on the UFOA Executive Board in 2007. Upon winning his election, Rich has served in
various postions, including Sergeant at Arms. He is presently the UFOA Financial Secretary and
the National Legislative Director. Rich was asked by his local President, Al Hagan, to represent
L-854 and to work with L-94, the AFL-CIO, and the IAFF to lobby and gain passage of the 9/11
Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga bill), which covers all IAFF brothers and sisters who were
exposed to carcinogens in the weeks and months after September 11, 2001. The law was passed
on 12/22/10 and became effective on 7/1/11.
Rich is a graduate of St. John’s University with a BS in Criminal Justice. He continues his education
by attending labor courses at Cornell University as well as the International Association of Fire
Fighters Political Training Academy. Rich resides in Jackson Heights, Queens with his wife Dinah.
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BRIEFING:
9-11 Health Compensation Act (Zadroga)
They have been married for 26 years. Their daughter Meghan attends Massachusetts College of
Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston.
Abstract:
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 establishes a federally-funded
World Trade Center Health Program for adverse health effects associated with the terrorist attacks
on Sept. 11, 2001. The program went into effect July 1, 2011, and is funded under the Act for
five years. NIOSH administers the program. Steps necessary for standing up the program have
been implemented:
• An interim final rule with program requirements for enrollment, appeals,
certification of health conditions, and reimbursement—with a request for
public comment on the interim final rule—was published July 1 (Federal
Register, July 1, 2011, Vol. 76, No. 127, pp. 38914-38936).
• Contracts were signed with the Clinical Centers of Excellence that will provide
monitoring and treatment services for responders. Those centers are the Fire
Department of New York (FDNY), Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York
University/Bellevue, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, State University of
New York at Stony Brook, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey.
• Contracts were signed with two Data Centers that will receive, analyze, and
report on data associated with health effects. Those centers are FDNY and
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
• The WTC Environmental Health Center, which provides monitoring and
treatment services for survivors, will continue to be funded under their
existing funding through a grant until on or before September 28, 2011.
Responders eligible for the program include those who received monitoring and treatment services
under previous programs for conditions associated with the World Trade Center attack. They will
be automatically enrolled in the new program unless they decline. The James Zadroga Act also
extends eligibility to apply for services to responders at the Shanksville and Pentagon disaster sites.
Survivors can still go to the WTC Environmental Health Center to receive their initial screening
exams and, if found to have a condition associated with the World Trade Center attack, receive
treatment and monitoring services.
People that have been identified and diagnosed with a health condition specified in the James
Zadroga Act will receive health monitoring and treatment services, at no cost to them. The law also
establishes a process by which additional health conditions can be covered under the program
if scientific evidence links them to the 9/11 attacks.
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BRIEFING:
Fire Retardants and Fire Fighter Exposures
Matt Vinci
President
Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont
20 Kimball Avenue Suite 108
South Burlington, Vermont 05403
802-652-0085
mattvinci@comcast.net
Background:
Matthew Vinci was elected President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont at the 2007
convention in Burlington, VT. Prior to this he served as the Executive Vice President from 1997-
2007; in this capacity he was involved in the passage of three major pieces of fire service legislation
beginning with the Fire Fighters' Survivors Benefit, the Fire Fighter Presumptive Heart Law, and
most recently the Fire Fighter Presumptive Cancer Law. He was appointed by Congressman
Peter Welch to serve as the Chair of the Congressman's Labor Advisory Committee in February
of 2007. He also serves on Governor Jim Douglas' Homeland Security Advisory Council since
2003. He has served as the State Representative for the International Association of Fire Fighters
since 1997 and has played a role in assisting candidates that support fire fighter issues in getting
elected to public office. Matt is a Captain with the South Burlington Fire Department where he
has served since 1994.
Sharyle Patton
Director
Health and Environment Program
Commonweal
451 Mesa Road
Bolinas, California 94924
415-868 0970 ext. 728
spatton@igc.org
Background:
Sharyle Patton is co-director of the Collaborative on Health and Environment, a group of individuals
and organizations interested in linkages between environment and health. She was previously the
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BRIEFING:
Fire Retardants and Fire Fighter Exposures
northern co-chair of the International Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) Elimination Network, a
network of over 350 non-governmental organizations around the world which worked successfully
for the positive conclusion of the UN treaty on POPS, signed in May 2001. She has been active
in UN conferences on women’s reproductive health and sexual rights issues.
Kathleen A. Curtis, LPN
Policy Director
Clean New York
323 Bonnyview Lane
Schenectady, New York 12306
518-708-3922
clean.kathy@gmail.com
Background:
Kathleen Curtis, LPN, Policy Director of Clean NY, has two decades of experience in New York’s
environmental health movement, and is a widely recognized national leader. She is on the Safer
Chemicals, Healthy Families steering committee, participates in the Business-NGO Working Group
for Safer Chemicals & Sustainable Materials and the steering committee of the Alliance of Nurses
for Healthy Environments, for which she coordinates the policy and advocacy workgroup. She
co-coordinates the JustGreen Partnership, is the coordinator of the PBDE Strategic Campaign and
is a long-time leader of the Coming Clean Collaborative’s Policy Workgroup, through which she
co-founded the SAFER campaign. She serves on the Rotterdam Conservation Advisory Council, the
board of the Occupational & Environmental Health Clinic of Eastern NY, the Steering Committee
of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment decaBDE Alternatives
Assessment Partnership and the NYS Taskforce on Flame Retardant Safety.
Clean New York advances broad policy and market changes to protect people and communities
from toxic chemicals, focusing on comprehensive chemical policy reform, including engaging New
Yorkers at the grassroots level through gateway issues such as cleaners, cosmetics, and children’s
products, as well as documenting problems posed by our failed system through bio-monitoring
and product testing.
- 55 -

Cris A. Williams, PhD
Senior Science Advisor
BRIEFING:
Fire Retardants and Fire Fighter Exposures
ENVIRON
10150 Highland Manor Drive, Suite 440
Tampa, Florida 33610
850-668-3551
cwilliams@environcorp.com; www.environcorp.com
Background:
Doctor Cris A. Williams has 19 years of experience in litigation support, applied toxicology,
quantitative risk assessment and public health. Cris has authored technical documents in these
subject areas for private and public clients and has been published in the peer review literature.
Cris develops practical risk assessment approaches to complex litigation and serves as an expert in
matters of risk analysis, consumer product, occupational and environmental exposure assessment,
toxicology and public health. He has conducted numerous risk-based site investigations and has
served as the lead in regulatory negotiations. Cris has extensive experience evaluating exposure
to and the health effects from dioxins, metals including chromium and arsenic, volatile organic
compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. He has been
retained as a testifying expert in matters involving exposures to asbestos, metals such as arsenic,
and air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, benzene, as well as sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
Abstract:
The IAFF has been addressing the use of fire retardant materials that have become a concern
because of their persistence in the environment and potential health effects to those exposures,
especially fire fighters during fire incidents. There are 209 different brominated diphenal ethers
(BDE) in this class of chemicals. Penta-, octa- and deca-BDE formulations were commonly used
in the United States. In 2004 the penta- and octa-BDE formulations were removed from US
markets. The deca-BDE formulation remains in use. Deca-BDE has been found in measurable
quantities in both blood and breast milk in biomonitoring studies conducted by the US Centers
for Disease Control and other research centers across the United States. The IAFF has worked to
ban Deca-BDE in a number of states and has worked with industry and the federal government
to completely phase these materials out of production.
The IAFF is also interested in perfluorinated chemicals (PFC) used in some fire fighting foam and
the possible exposures to PFCs by fire fighters during training or during fire fighting. PFCs have
been associated with cancer and other diseases.
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BRIEFING:
Fire Retardants and Fire Fighter Exposures
To further address this issue, the IAFF partnered with Commonweal to conduct a study of fire
fighters in 17 different locations in the United States. The purpose of the study was to evaluate fire
fighter exposure to brominated fire retardants (BFR) and to PFCs. This study will provide information
about these exposures and determine if further studies of fire fighters are warranted. Depending
on study outcomes, results may be used to support the phase out of harmful flame retardants.
Further, the IAFF has worked with the fire retardant industry to address not only phase out of toxic
fire retardants, but to seek out safer alternatives.
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ABSTRACTS
Workshops
Group A
Speakers
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Residential Fireground Field Experiments
In a landmark study, NIST investigated the effect of varying crew size, first apparatus arrival
time and response time on fire fighter safety. This workshop will help local affiliate leaders
understand the importance of the study’s results and assess where the findings are applicable to
their department. Also, participants will learn how to develop a campaign strategy and delivery
techniques to effectively convey the message to their members and local decision-makers.
PANEL
Jason Averill
Group Leader
Engineered Fire Safety Group
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Science and Technology
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Rocky Hanes
President
IAFF Local 1660, Tualatin Valley
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Dave Rohr
Fire Chief
Fairfax City Fire Department
Fairfax, Virginia
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Residential Fireground Field Experiments
Jason Averill
Group Leader
Engineered Fire Safety Group
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Building and Fire Research Laboratory; 100 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8600
jason.averill@nist.gov
Background:
Since joining the Building and Fire Research Laboratory in 1998, Mr. Averill has focused his
research on quantification and assessment of fire hazards. Mr. Averill is currently leading the
BFRL Safety of Building Occupants project which will develop a technical foundation for best
practices in the design and performance prediction of building evacuation and emergency access
systems. Key focus areas include human behavior, movement of people, emergency preparedness,
and building systems and technologies. In addition, Mr. Averill is developing a risk assessment
model for the fire service. The project in fire fighter safety and deployment of resources seeks to
enable fire departments and city/county managers to make sound decisions regarding optimal
resource allocation and service based upon scientifically-based community risk assessment,
strategic emergency response system design and the local government’s service commitment to
the community. Recently, Mr. Averill has assessed fire safety for passenger rail cars, characterized
material toxicity in large and bench scale experiments, and evaluated smoke detection technologies
in residential housing.
Mr. Averill is a member of the International Code Council’s Means of Egress Committee, the
NFPA Life Safety Code Committee (Means of Egress), and a member of the ASME A17 Task Group
developing guidelines for Occupant and Fire Fighter Use of Elevators During Fire Emergencies.
In December 2005, Mr. Averill received the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award for
Distinguished Achievement in the Federal Service for his work as leader of the Occupant Egress,
Human Behavior, and Emergency Communication in the World Trade Center on September 11,
2001 project (Project 7). In 2004, he received the U.S. Department of Commerce Bronze Medal
Award for Superior Federal Service for research into the characterization of the performance of
home smoke alarms.
Mr. Averill is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, the Society of Fire Protection
Engineers, and the Salamander Society.
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Residential Fireground Field Experiments
Dave Rohr
Chief
Fairfax City Fire Department
4081 University Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-385-7940
dave.rohr@fairfaxva.gov
Background:
David “Dave” Rohr is the Fire Chief of Fairfax City, Virginia. Formerly, he was the chief of operations
for the Fairfax County Fire Department. He spent 31 years serving as a fire fighter in Fairfax County.
His involvement in the department continued to grow throughout that time, moving him from
lieutenant to assistant chief of operations for the Fairfax County Fire Department.
Rohr began his professional fire fighting career immediately after high school graduation, getting a
job at the Annandale station in 1979 while taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College
concurrently. He worked at the station for approximately four years until he was promoted to
driver and was transferred the Burke Centre Fire Station followed by additional transfers to the
Oakton and Edsall Road stations.
Rohr was eventually promoted to sergeant and was transferred to the McLean station where he
worked on the Heavy Rescue Squad performing car extractions and handled hazardous materials,
among many other responsibilities. This promotion kicked off a series of promotions and transfers
over the next 18 years in which he moved up the ladder from lieutenant to assistant chief of
operations and saw him serve everywhere from Tyson’s Corner to the county’s training academy
to an office job leading the department’s human resources division.
Rohr is focused on promoting safety and wellness within the city department, upgrading fire/
rescue equipment and facilities, and coming up with improved information programs meant to
keep Fairfax City residents safe.
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Residential Fireground Field Experiments
Rocky Hanes
President
IAFF Local 1660
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
PO Box 1904
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
503-449-5758
pres1660@iaff1660.org
Background:
Rocky Hanes is a lieutenant/paramedic for Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (Oregon) and is President
of Local 1660. Rocky has been a fire fighter for 13 years and was instrumental in helping secure a
local option tax to increase staffing to a four person minimum on key companies throughout the
Tualatin Valley Fire District. Rocky’s local represents 10 different fire departments, each with its
own labor contract. As president of his local, Rocky has negotiated more than a dozen contracts
for these departments in the past eight years. Prior to his election as president, Rocky was the
local secretary and had served on various committees at the local, state and international level.
Rocky has been a Partnership Education Program instructor since the program began in May
2002. He also conducts new member orientation and training for shop stewards on their roles
and responsibilities.
Abstract:
Many fire departments across the nation are being challenged by budget crises, rising call volume,
personnel and equipment shortages, security issues and the overall expectation to do more with
less. These and other factors, all too often, have our responding crews encountering increasing
line of duty risk of injury and death as they continue to work to reduce civilian injury and property
loss. Even with the technological advances of the last decades, we have not yet been able to
scientifically quantify our experiences to determine what staffing levels, asset configurations and
response time frames are best when responding to various levels of fire or EMS events so that we
minimize risk to the fire fighters, paramedics and the public. We believe the time has come to
change that.
With major grants from the research section of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (the Fire Act), five top fire research organizations continue
collaborating to develop tools that will help local fire departments better assess the risks in their
local communities and plan to respond to them more effectively and efficiently.
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Residential Fireground Field Experiments
The multi-year project, being conducted jointly by the Commission on Fire Accreditation
International (CFAI), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association
of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Worcester
Polytechnic Institute (WPI), will establish a technical basis for risk evaluation and deployment of
resources by local fire departments and create tools the departments can use to better assess the
risks and hazards in their communities; plan adequate resource deployment to respond to and
mitigate emergency events; and measure their effectiveness in responding to and handling events.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Vehicle and Roadway Safety for the First Responder
This workshop will review the best practices while responding to emergencies and operating at
the emergency scene. Additionally, we will address and demonstrate emergency response needs
for alternative energy vehicles, including the inherent safety of such vehicles and the ability to
safely respond, as well as required extrication and training needs.
MODERATOR
Kevin Roche
Assistant Fire Marshal
Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix, Arizona
PANEL
Mike Wieder
Assistant Director
International Fire Service Training Association
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Steve Crothers
Lieutenant
Seattle Fire Department
Seattle, Washington
Mike Wilbur
Lieutenant
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
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Vehicle and Roadway Safety for the First Responder
Kevin Roche
Assistant to the Fire Chief
Phoenix Fire Department
150 South 12th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
602256-3175
kevin.roche@phoenix.gov
Background:
Kevin Roche is an Assistant to the Fire Chief for the Phoenix Fire Department. He is a graduate
of the Fire Protection program at Oklahoma State University and earned a Master’s Degree from
the University of Florida. Kevin began his career with the Gainesville Fire-Rescue Department in
Florida and has been a member of the Phoenix Fire Department since 1990. He is also an active
writer and consultant on fire fighter safety and management issues.
Mike Wieder
Assistant Director and Managing Editor
International Fire Service Training Association
930 North Willis Street
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-8045
405-880-2525
mwieder@osufpp.org
Background:
Michael A. Wieder, MS, CFPS, MIFireE, is the Assistant Director at Fire Protection Publications,
headquarters for IFSTA at Oklahoma State University. He has written or edited over two dozen
books and 100 periodical articles. Mr. Wieder holds an Associate Degree in Fire Technology from
Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree
in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology and a Master's Degree in Occupational and
Adult Education from Oklahoma State University. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist and a member
of the Institution of Fire Engineers, he is a member of the National Fire Protection Association's
Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1001) and Fire Service Training committees, and
serves as secretary of the National Fire Service Incident Management System Consortium.
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Vehicle and Roadway Safety for the First Responder
He is a contributing editor to Firehouse® Magazine and The Pennsylvania Fireman. He maintains
a very active fire service lecture and legal consultation workload.
Mr. Wieder began his fire service career in 1979 as a volunteer fire fighter with the Pennsburg,
Pennsylvania, Fire Company. He also served as a fire fighter with the Stillwater, Oklahoma, Fire
Department.
Steven Crothers
Lieutenant
Seattle Fire Department
1007 South 31st Court
Renton, Washington 98055-5041
206-285-1271
steve.crothers@seattle.gov
Background:
Steve Crothers has 16 years experience in the fire service, with 12 of those in the Seattle Fire
Department, where he is a lieutenant and training officer. He is currently the Driver Instructor
Officer for the department. His duties include design of training curriculum and coordinating
the continued development and delivery. He is a Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident
Prevention Instructor and Tractor Drawn Aerial Instructor. He has taught at FDIC and conducted
tiller training with fire departments in the U.S. and Canada. He was the lead on developing and
building the tiller program for the Seattle Fire Department and produced the “Raleigh/Seattle
Accident Prevention” video.
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Vehicle and Roadway Safety for the First Responder
Mike Wilbur
Lieutenant
Fire Department, City of New York
121 Whitlock Road
Otisville, New York 10963
mwilbur@hvc.rr.com
Background:
Mike Wilbur is a Lieutenant with the Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), assigned to Ladder
Company 27 in the Bronx. His career with the FDNY spans almost 30 years. Mike has served on
FDNY’s Apparatus Purchasing Committee and has recently done work on the development of a
new seat belt technology for all FDNY apparatus. Mike is also a contributing editor for Firehouse
Magazine and Fire Apparatus Journal. He has also served on the IFSTA validation committees for the
Apparatus Operator and Aerial Operator manuals. Lieutenant Wilbur is a nationally- recognized
trainer and speaker in emergency vehicle operations, apparatus placement, and purchasing.
Mike is the President of Emergency Vehicle Response, an apparatus consulting and training
company based in New York.
- 71 -

- 72 -

WORKSHOP GROUP A
Fire Fighter Environment
Today’s fires are hotter and more dangerous than ever due to building construction and the
building materials that are fueling them. Learn about the detection and toxic nature of these
products of combustion and how to protect yourself from them. The workshop will provide
valuable information to interpret fire hazards for both the fire fighters and the medical community
and provide the epidemiological effects of fire fighter exposures.
MODERATOR
Jeff Burgess MD, MPH
Division Director, Professor
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
PANEL
Stewart Baxter, MD
Associate Professor
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Glen Selkirk, PhD
MITACS Elevate Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario
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Fire Fighter Environment
Jeff Burgess MD, MPH
Division Director, Professor
1295 N. Martin
Campus PO Box: 245210
Drachman Hall Room A-235
Tucson, Arizona 85724
520-626-4918
jburgess@u.arizona.edu
Background:
Jeff L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, is an associate professor and the director of the Community,
Environment and Policy Division at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College
of Public Health in Tucson, Arizona. His research includes respiratory toxicology in fire fighters
and smoke inhalation victims; reduction of mining-related injuries and exposures; environmental
arsenic exposure; and hazardous materials exposures including methamphetamine laboratories.
Dr. Burgess is the Principal Investigator (PI) for the CDC-funded Arizona Center for Public Health
Preparedness as well as for research projects evaluating mining injury surveillance and arsenic
exposure.
Dr. Burgess has a multi-pronged research program focusing on respiratory toxicology and, more
recently, injury prevention. As PI and co-investigator, he has published manuscripts with researchers
in respiratory sciences, cell biology, toxicology, and mining and geological engineering, as well
as with fellow UA Zuckerman College of Public Health faculty and students.
Since 2002, he has been a participant in university-wide health collaborations, such as the
Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center and the Superfund Basic Research Program
in the College of Pharmacy, the Arizona Cancer Center, Institute for the Study of Planet Earth,
and Bio5, The University of Arizona’s collaborative bioresearch institute. He also currently holds
an adjunct appointment in the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering and works
extensively with the department on mining health and safety issues.
In addition to his research, Dr. Burgess teaches public health classes in the area of environmental
and occupational health, in which he has been the lead faculty in five different courses for the
College as well as regularly giving guest lectures in additional courses. His service and outreach
work has been with agencies such as the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Meth and Kids
Committee (now Drug Endangered Children) and the National Working Group on Clean-up and
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Fire Fighter Environment
Remediation of Methamphetamine Laboratories. He developed the meth lab cleanup standards
that are currently used by the State of Arizona. He is also the chair of the Institutional Chemical
Safety Committee at the UA.
At the national level, Dr. Burgess is an elected member of the Board of Trustees for the American
Academy of Clinical Toxicology. He is an Associate Medical Director of the Washington Poison
Center, which provides guidance for the treatment of poisoned patients. Dr. Burgess is American
Board of Medical Specialties certified in occupational and environmental medicine, medical
toxicology, and emergency medicine.
Dr. Burgess received his medical degree from the University of Washington in 1988. He also
earned a master’s degree in toxicology and industrial hygiene from the UA in 1993 and a Master
of Public Health degree from the University of Washington in 1996.
Stewart Baxter
Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Health
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
PO Box 670056
Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0056
513-558-1704
c.stuart.baxter@uc.edu
Background:
Dr. Baxter received his BA from St. John’s College in Cambridge, England in 1967 and his PhD
from University College in London, England in 1970. He was awarded the Science Research
Council Studentship from 1967-1970 and the NIH Young Investigator Award from 1978-1980.
His research interests are in the application of computational methods to research problems in
toxicology. Current topics of particular interest are the identification of common genetic elements
that regulate the response of gene clusters to environmental agents, and the identification of
functional and regulatory sequences in environmental susceptibility genes by phylogenetic analysis.
Other interests are mechanisms of skin and lung carcinogenesis.
- 76 -

Glen A Selkirk, PhD
MITACS Elevate Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Brock University, Department of Kinesiology
500 Glenridge Road
St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1
416-606-8071
gselkirk@brocku.ca
Fire Fighter Environment
Background:
Glen completed his PhD at York University in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science
(KAHS) and his Masters of Exercise Science and Bachelors of Physical and Health Education at
the University of Toronto. His field of research expertise is Exercise Physiology and Immunology,
with a specific focus on the immuno-inflammatory pathways associated with exertional heat
illness, volitional fatigue and performance decrement. In addition, Glen has extensive applied
research experience working with the Toronto Fire Service and Canadian Military, examining the
physiological determinants of heat tolerance and the importance of cooling strategies. Following
the completion of his PhD, Glen is now looking forward to returning to an academic/teaching
environment, while maintaining his research interests. As an alumnus of the Varsity Blues Men’s
Basketball team, a former Academic All-Canadian and current member of the Toronto Association
of Basketball Officials, Glen’s commitment to excellence in sport and the pursuit of athletic/
academic achievement remains a valued personal attribute.
Abstract:
The potential for hazardous exposures exists on the fireground and throughout the fire service.
The health hazards are well known for some exposures and poorly understood for others. This
presentation is divided into three parts: hazards at the fireground due to inhalation exposure,
hazards from skin contamination, and other hazards.
Smoke at high concentrations is lethal. However, since gases and small particles may be invisible,
adverse health effects may occur during even in the absence of visible smoke. Studies have shown
that fire fighters may develop chronic lung injury associated with their workplace exposures.
Cancer and increased risk of heart attacks are continuous concerns for fire fighters, but not much
is known about which exposures are to blame. Unprotected exposures due to removal of SCBA
during overhaul have been shown to cause acute lung injury, and some smoke components may
even pass through standard air purifying respirators, leading to our recommendation to use SCBA
during overhaul. Exposure monitoring to combustible gases, O2 and CO will not identify many
other dangerous contaminants such as cyanide, carcinogens and ultrafine particles.
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Fire Fighter Environment
The skin of fire fighters is routinely contaminated with soot and other substances from burning and
overheated materials during fire suppression. This remains after leaving the fire scene and often
for a considerable time after. There is also a great chance of indirect skin contamination from
contaminated gear such as gloves and hoods, and soot often reaches areas otherwise thought to
be protected. Chemicals present in soot have been long known to cross the skin into the body
and are suspected to cause cancer and other diseases by this route. The chemical contaminants
identified on skin and gear which have been found to cause cancer and reproductive effects in
animals have also been found to readily cross the skin, and to be absorbed much more quickly
at the high temperatures which fire fighters experience at the fire scene. Our recommendation is
therefore that skin is protected from contamination from smoke-derived chemicals, and washed as
soon as possible after leaving the fire scene. Protective gear, including gloves and hoods, should
also be washed frequently.
It is clear that personal protective equipment (PPE) is a necessary tool to ensure fire fighter safety
in the modern fire fighting scene; however, it comes with a cost. Current PPE is heavy, thick,
multi-layered and bulky, challenging the fire fighter’s ability to maintain thermal equilibrium
and exacerbating their physiologic burden during fire suppression. This thermoregulatory strain,
combined with the anxiety of an emergency response and the exertion required to perform fire
fighting activities, competes for cardiovascular reserves and substantially increases the risk for the
onset of a cardiovascular event, heat-related illness and potential for mental/cognitive impairment.
Ultimately, these physiological and cognitive decrements threaten both fire fighter and patient
safety. Thus, it is imperative that we gain an understanding of these multisystem cascades during
a variety of real-life emergency responses. We also must develop, validate and implement
effective strategies and/or interventions that enable fire fighters to maintain work limits within a
safe physiological range, below critical thresholds, while simultaneously maximizing operational
effectiveness.
This workshop will help fire fighters to better understand and control the hazards in their work
environment, and to address concerns they may have in this regard.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Physical Demands of Fire Fighting
Fire fighting continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States and Canada
requiring high levels of physical fitness to safely perform this arduous work with intense physical
demands. This workshop will reveal the scientific data collected while monitoring fire fighters
on the fireground and discuss strategies for preparing for these acute physiological responses
and heat stressors during arduous work as well as needs for emergency scene rehabilitation.
MODERATOR
Darrell Mendenhall
Fire Service Fitness/Wellness Consultant
Indianapolis, Indiana
PANEL
James Brown, PhD
Director, Firefighter Health & Safety Research
Indiana University - Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Tom Hales, MD
Senior Medical Epidemiologist
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Cincinnati, Ohio
Steve Moffatt, MD
Director
Public Safety Medical Services
Indianapolis, Indiana
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Physical Demands of Fire Fighting
Darrell Mendenhall
Fire Service Fitness/Wellness Consultant
2304 Lammermoor Circle
Indianapolis, Indiana 46214
317-979-7348
darrell_mendenhall@yahoo.com
Background:
Darrell Mendenhall received his Master of Science degree in Exercise Science from Indiana
University, Bloomington, Indiana and has over 25 years experience in the fitness/wellness industry.
Throughout his career he has worked in the areas of industrial rehabilitation, corporate wellness,
and occupational medicine.
For the last nine years he has worked exclusively within the fire service. During that time he
has served as Director of Fitness and Health Promotion for an occupational medicine clinic that
provided services to fire departments throughout Indiana and the surrounding states.
Recently, he served as a member of a team of researchers from Indiana University who conducted
a study on “Physiological Stresses Associated with Structural Firefighting”, and continues to be
involved with them in pursuing additional fire fighter health and safety-related research projects.
Darrell is a Peer Fitness Trainer workshop instructor for the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor Management
Wellness Fitness Initiative and is a member of the Technical Oversight Committee for that program.
Darrell also has his own consulting business and works with fire departments in the areas of fitness
and wellness and the development and validation of work performance evaluations.
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Physical Demands of Fire Fighting
Jim Brown, PhD
Director
Firefighter Health & Safety Research
Indiana University at Bloomington
107 S. Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, Indiana 47405 7000
jbrown@saferesponder.com
Background:
Dr. Brown is an applied physiologist with a background in cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular
aspects of work and exercise physiology. His research focuses on ambulatory measurement of
human physiology, especially within the first responder population. Dr. Brown has conducted
multiple federally-funded studies in the fire service and is dedicated to the reduction of fire fighter
line of duty deaths. Jim joined the faculty at Indiana University in the fall of 2007 to establish the
IU Firefighter Health & Safety Research Program.
Dr. Brown received his Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance, a Master of Science in
Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology all from Indiana University.
Steve Moffatt, MD
Director
Public Safety Medical Services
303 N. Alabama, Suite 110
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Steven.moffatt@publicsafetymed.com
Background:
Dr. Moffatt is the owner and medical director of Public Safety Medical based in Indianapolis,
Indiana. He is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine with a specialty in Internal
Medicine. With a focus on the prevention of early death and disability, his occupational medical
clinic has been providing medical, fitness and health promotion services to public safety agencies
since 1990. His organization currently serves over 250 departments and over 9,000 personnel
annually throughout Indiana and into Illinois and Ohio.
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Physical Demands of Fire Fighting
Dr. Moffatt is a founding member of the IAFF/IAFC Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Task
Force Technical Committee and serves on the medical advisory boards for the NIOSH Firefighter
Cardiovascular Mortality Study and the IAFF John P. Redmond Foundation. He has also received
the prestigious National Corporate Health Achievement Award from the American College of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine for his work with the City of Indianapolis police and
fire departments.
Thomas Hales, MD
Senior Medical Epidemiologist
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
DSCHEFS
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
513-841-4382
thales@cdc.gov
Background:
Dr. Hales is a senior medical epidemiologist with the CDC – NIOSH. He received his BA from
Stanford University, his MD from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and his
MPH from University of California – Berkeley. He is board certified in internal and occupational
medicine. For the past 10 years he has been the Team Leader of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Program
- Cardiovascular Component, a member of the NFPA Technical Committee or Occupational Safety
and Health, a working group member of NFPA 1581, 1582, and 1584, Vice-Chair of Public Safety
Medicine Section of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and
co-investigator of the NIOSH Fire Fighter Cancer Study.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Economics of Fire Fighter Wellness
Workplace health promotion efforts are receiving significant attention in today’s health care
reform debate. This presentation will examine major criteria for a fire service health promotion
program and how it will affect illness and injury costs. This workshop will highlight the cost
justification of the IAFF’s Wellness-Fitness Initiative and new injury cost data from the PHLAME
Study discussing the necessary cost-effective approach to wellness in today’s difficult financial
situation.
MODERATOR
George Cruz
Battalion Chief
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Los Angeles, California
PANEL
Kerry Kuehl, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Oregon Health Sciences University
Portland, Oregon
Rick Segrest
Battalion Chief
Orange County Fire & Rescue
Winter Park, Florida
Bill Bussing
Wellness-Fitness Coordinator
IAFF Local 1619
Prince George’s County Fire Department
Largo, Maryland
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Economics of Fire Fighter Wellness
George Cruz
Battalion Chief
Los Angeles County Fire Department
26009 Tourelle Place
Valencia, California 91355
661-917-7372
gcruz@lacofd.org
Background:
George Cruz is a Battalion Chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He has been in the
Fire Service for 26 years. During this time he has worked in the position of fire fighter, paramedic,
and engineer and was previously assigned as the Fitness for Life Coordinator for the last five years.
He graduated with a B.S. Degree in 1986 from the University of California Irvine. He is a current
instructor for the Joint IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Training Certification Program and part of the
IAFF/IAFC/ACE Technical Oversight Committee. In addition, he holds certifications as an Urban
Search and Rescue Specialist and Hazardous Materials Technician.
Bill Bussing
Wellness-Fitness Coordinator
IAFF Local 1619
Prince George’s County Fire Department
2714 Route 32, West
Friendship, Maryland 21794-9308
301-325-7933
CDBussing@co.pg.md.us
Background:
Charles “Bill” Bussing has been working for the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department for
the last 18 years and has been the Wellness and Fitness Coordinator for the past five years assigned
to the Risk Management Office. He has developed the Department’s Wellness and Fitness Program
and serves on the Executive Board of IAFF Local 1619 as the Health and Wellness Committee
Chair. The Prince George’s County Government Office of Human Resources has also assigned
Bill Bussing as Vice-Chair to the County Health and Wellness Executive Advisory Committee.
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Economics of Fire Fighter Wellness
He is a Peer Fitness Trainer and an instructor for the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer Fitness Trainer certification
program. With his experiences, Bill Bussing has sought to develop outreach and training methods to
ensure public safety officials, fire fighters, paramedics and their families view wellness and fitness
programs as a valued service. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science at the University of
Maryland.
Prior to his career in the fire service, Bill was enlisted in the United States Navy as a Search and
Rescue Swimmer.
Rick Segrest
Battalion Chief
Orange County Fire & Rescue
PO Box 5879
Winter Park, Florida 32793-5879
407-836-9860
rick.segrest@ocfl.net
Background:
Rick Segrest began his career with the Union Park Fire Department in June of 1981. He was
promoted to Engineer in September of 1986 and to Lieutenant in June of 2001 where he served
as OCFRD’s first full time Wellness Coordinator. He was promoted to Captain in June of 2005
and served as a Safety Captain and then promoted to Battalion Chief in February 2006 and was
assigned to Operations in Battalion 1. In his current position he is assigned as the Battalion Chief
of Safety and Wellness.
Chief Segrest was recognized by Mayor Crotty for developing a piece of equipment that prevented
large diameter hose from falling from the hose bed of fire apparatus. This equipment saved Orange
County thousands of dollars in damaged hose. He was also recognized for developing a wellness
program for OCFRD and implementing the Candidate Physical Ability Test for OCFRD. He designed
a Mobile Fitness Testing Unit that received a NACo award. He is an IAFF/ACE certified Peer Fitness
Trainer and has designed and patented a piece of fitness equipment specifically for fire fighters.
Chief Segrest completed the Orange County Leadership Class in 2006 and was the 2004 Orlando
Elk’s Lodge Firefighter of the Year.
Chief Segrest has been married to his wife Kerri for eleven years and has 3 children, daughters
Crystal 29, Shawna 27, and son Luke 20.
- 88 -

Kerry Kuehl
Associate Professor of Medicine
Economics of Fire Fighter Wellness
Oregon Health Sciences University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code CR110
Portland, Oregon 97239
503-494-5991
kuehlk@ohsu.edu
Background:
Kerry Kuehl, MD, DrPH, MS is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Medical
Wellness Program in the Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine at Oregon Health
Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. He is a teacher, researcher, and primary care physician
specializing in cardiovascular disease and injury prevention. He has been involved with
occupational medical exams on Oregon and Washington fire fighters, law enforcement officers,
and EMS personnel the past 15 years. He most recently published a comprehensive review of
the literature on the effects of sleep deprivation on performance and fatigue among fire fighter
and EMS personnel. Dr. Kuehl has published over 50 scientific and 100 lay articles and is
currently the principal investigator of the CHOICE Study (Changing Health Outcomes In Clinical
Environments), a study on overweight sedentary patients to improve exercise and nutrition habits,
and Co-Investigator of the PHLAME Study, a program which follows the health and injury rates
of over 600 Oregon and Washington fire fighters.
Abstract:
Fire fighting is a dangerous and demanding job. Fire fighters are at increased risk for heart disease,
cancer and musculoskeletal injuries. During a year, approximately one-third of fire fighters sustain
a work-related injury. Worksites have been identified as key channels for health promotion and
investment in employee wellness programs has yielded 1:3 to 1:6 cost benefit ratios. Still, those
findings have not resulted in widespread adoption of worker wellness programs among fire
departments. While organizational decisions are not made exclusively on financial concerns, and
safety initiatives may not always bring financial returns, information on costs can be invaluable
input on decisions to undertake a program (Tompa, 2006). Fire departments currently spend
approximately three dollars to maintain their apparatus (i.e., engines and trucks), for every one
dollar that they spend on repairs. This workshop will focus on the fire fighter as the most important
resource of a fire department, and that investment in fire fighter wellness yields an immediate
and longer lasting beneficial return on investment. Dr. Kuehl will review two recent fire fighter
health promotion studies and the economic evaluations will demonstrate an analogous economic
argument for fire fighter employee wellness.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Medical Director Course – Three-Part Series
This workshop is intended to bridge the gap between experienced EMS physicians and their
associated fire department leadership from across the nation. The workshop will provide an
interactive, problem-based forum presented by a nationally-recognized leader and educator
in EMS Medical Direction. The workshop will also cover new 9-1-1 technology that can
enhance fire-based EMS system performance.
MODERATOR
Paul Pepe MD, MPH, MACP, FACEP, FCCM
Medical Director
Dallas Fire Department
Dallas, Texas
PANEL
David Persse, MD, EMT-P, FACEP
Medical Director
Houston Fire Department
Houston, Texas
Raymond Fowler, MD, FACEP
Professor
U. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
Kathleen S. Schrank, MD
Chief of Emergency Medicine
University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Terence Valenzuela, MD
Medical Director
Tucson Fire Department
Tucson, Arizona
Corey M. Slovis, MD, FACP
Chairman
Emergency Medicine
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
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Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
Paul Pepe MD, MPH, MACP, FACEP
Medical Director
Dallas Fire Department
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390
214-648-4812
Background:
Dr. Paul Pepe, Professor of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Public Health & Riggs Family Chair
in Emergency Medicine (EM) at UT Southwestern; heads an academic EM program of about 55
faculty and 70 residents/fellows based at the county emergency-trauma center, Parkland Hospital.
He is also City of Dallas Director of Medical Emergency Services for Public Safety, Public Health
& Homeland Security and is the jurisdictional Medical Director for the regional EMS system and
Medical Director for special services for the DFW Airport, the Dallas Police Department and the
Dallas Metropolitan Medical Response System for counter-terrorism and disaster mitigation.
An extremely distinguished academician, Dr. Pepe has served simultaneously as a high-level
municipal or state employee for over three decades. Renown for a grass-roots, street-wise style
in planning, implementing and overseeing a systems approach to saving lives, both operationally
and through clinical trials, his programs have resulted in some of the highest cardiac arrest and
trauma survival rates worldwide. In addition to the Chain of Survival publication, he is known for
his original measurements of physiological mechanisms, intrepid clinical concepts and groundbreaking
clinical trials. Many of his numerous studies, injury prevention programs and media
interactions have consistently affected public policy and legislation.
He served as an assistant to the medical directors of the Seattle Fire Department EMS (1977-82), as
Director for the City of Houston EMS System (1982-96) and as Commonwealth Emergency Medical
Director for Pennsylvania under Governor Tom Ridge. In addition, Dr. Pepe has served for years
as emergency medicine-trauma consultant to various entities such as the White House Medical
Unit, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), FBI, NIH, network news organizations, and even the National
Basketball Association Trainers. He coordinates the so-called Eagles consortium, a cohesive and
highly-influential de facto coalition of the jurisdictional 9-1-1 (EMS) system medical directors for
the nation’s 25-30 largest cities and pivotal federal agencies (e.g., FBI, USSS, ATF, DHS, White
House Medical Unit).
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Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
He was recently nominated ’Texan of the Year’ and was elected to Mastership in the American
College of Physicians (MACP) for numerous lifetime achievements. Often featured on network
news and prime-time broadcasts, he has been called a ’Mentor to Millions’ and an ’Advocate
for the Injured’. When recently receiving an award in Washington, DC for lifetime achievements
presented by then U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, on behalf of the American College of
Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Dr. Pepe was cited as the most accomplished emergency medical
services physician of our generation.
David Persse, MD, EMT-P, FACEP
Medical Director
Houston Fire Department
600 Jefferson Street, Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77002
832-394-6819
david.persse@houstontx.gov
Background:
Dr. Persse's career in medicine started with ten years experience as a field paramedic and
paramedic instructor in upstate New York and New Jersey. After receiving his pre-med training at
Columbia University in New York, he then attended Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Graduating with honors in emergency medicine from Georgetown, Dr. Persse then completed
residency training in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
After residency, Dr. Persse completed a resuscitation research fellowship at the Ohio State University.
Dr. Persse was then awarded a grant from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and
completed fellowship training in emergency medical services and resuscitation at the Baylor
College of Medicine and the City of Houston Emergency Medical Services program. Following
his EMS fellowship Dr. Persse became the Assistant Medical Director for the Emergency Medical
Services system of Houston. He then moved to California to become the Medical Director of the
Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute, and the Assistant Medical Director of the Los
Angeles County EMS Agency.
In 1996 Dr. Persse returned to Houston to assume the role of the Director of Emergency Medical
Services for the City of Houston. In May of 2004 he was appointed by City Council as Houston’s
Public Health Authority. In his role as Public Health Authority Dr. Persse is responsible for the
medical aspects of clinical care quality management, disease control and public health preparedness.
He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the South East Texas Trauma Regional Advisory
Council and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
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Raymond L. Fowler, MD, FACEP
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
University of Texas Southwestern
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390-8890
214-648-3022
drray@doctorfowler.com; www.rayfowler.com.
Background:
Dr. Fowler has played an important role in the history of EMS medical direction and provider
education. He served on the initial steering committee to form the National Association of EMS
Physicians, later becoming its fourth President, and he is past-President of the Georgia College
of Emergency Physicians. He was a leader in the expansion and proliferation of the International
Trauma Life Support International program, having served as National Program Director and
ITLS Medical Director for the State of Georgia. A native of Georgia, he is now in his 33rd year
of emergency medicine practice and EMS medical direction, having been Medical Director of
Parkway Medical Center Emergency Department in Lithia Springs, Georgia for 20 years and on the
state EMS council of Georgia for over 30 years. He is Professor of Emergency Medicine, Surgery,
Emergency Medical Education, and Health Professions at the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center in Dallas, Attending Emergency Medicine Faculty at Parkland Memorial Hospital
Emergency Department, the Chief of Operations for the Dallas Area BioTel EMS System, and
Co-Chief of the Section on EMS, Disaster Medicine, and Homeland Security at the University of
Texas Southwestern.
A prolific author of over 20 textbook chapters on emergency medicine, Dr. Fowler is Senior Editor
for the new edition of Emergency Medical Services: Clinical Practice and Systems Oversight,
the textbook from the National Association of EMS Physicians and for which he was a founding
author. He was a founding author of the National EMS Medical Director Training Course and
Practicum. He is a contributing author for numerous recent textbooks including Lippincott’s The
Medical Response to Terrorism, Lippincott’s Tactical Emergency Medicine, and McGraw-Hill’s The
Paramedic. He is a principal author and designer of the National Disaster Life Support program,
jointly developed and sponsored by the AMA, CDC, DHS, Medical College of Georgia, and UT
Southwestern Medical Center, one of the most active disaster and antiterrorism training programs
in the nation.
Dr. Fowler is avidly involved in international EMS research. He is Co-Principal Investigator for the
Dallas Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium and served as Co-Principal Investigator for the Dallas
arm of the NIHNHLBI IMMEDIATE trial. Through these studies, Dr. Fowler is leading the EMS
coordination in the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex of some fifteen hundred paramedics in research
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Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
in CPR, traumatic hemorrhagic shock, traumatic brain injury, and acute coronary syndromes.
He and his staff recently received a $3.5 million grant to create a system-wide “Recognition to
Reperfusion Program for STEMI” in Dallas County. A gifted and acclaimed lecturer in all areas of
emergency medicine, Dr. Fowler is now leading the EMS continuing education industry through
his work in streaming Internet-based EMS education at www.utsw.ws. A collection of his lectures,
as well as his novels “A Time in Space” and “Spring in the Woods”, may be found at his website,
www.rayfowler.com.
Kathleen Schrank, MD, FACEP, FACP
Chief of Emergency Medicine
University of Miami
Holtz Center - JMH East Tower
1611 NW 12th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33136
305-585-7793
Background:
Kathleen Schrank, MD, FACEP, FACP, is a professor at the University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, chief of the University of Miami Division of Emergency Medicine and an emergency
medicine physician at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has served as the EMS medical director for
City of Miami Fire Rescue since 1988 and for the Village of Key Biscayne Fire Rescue since 1994.
Terrance Valenzuela, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Tucson Fire Department
Arizona Health Sciences Center, Emergency Medicine
PO Box 245057
Tucson, Arizona 85724-5057
520-626-5033
terry@aemrc.arizona.edu
Background:
Dr. Valenzuela has been Medical Director of the Tucson Fire Department since 1987. He is
Professor of Emergency Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Arizona in Tucson,
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Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
Arizona. Dr. Valenzuela studied at Harvard University and Oxford University before receiving his
medical degree from the University of California San Francisco Medical School. He completed his
post-graduate Medical Education at the University of Washington and the University of California
San Francisco.
Corey M. Slovis, MD, FACP
Chairman of Emergency Medicine
Vanderbilt University
Department of Emergency Medicine
1313 21st Avenue, South
703 Oxford House
Nashville, Tennessee 37232-4700
615-936-1315
corey.slovis@vanderbilt.edu
Background:
Corey M. Slovis, M.D. is Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medicine, and Chairman of
the Department of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville,
Tennessee. Dr. Slovis has completed residencies in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine
at Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and is a Fellow of the
American College of Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American
Academy of Emergency Medicine. He spent a total of 15 years at Grady Hospital and served as
its Director of EMS and the Fire Surgeon for the City of Atlanta. Dr. Slovis’ responsibilities center
on his roles as Chief of Emergency Services at Vanderbilt and serving as the Medical Director for
Metro Nashville’s Fire Department and Nashville International Airport.
Dr. Slovis is a nationally-renowned teacher. He has received numerous teaching awards including
Outstanding Speaker of the Year by the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Hal
Jayne Award for Academic Excellence by the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine, has
been named Medical School Best Clinical Professor seven times, and has been awarded the title
Master Clinical Teacher by Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. In addition to his teaching
activities, Dr. Slovis has authored more than 100 medical articles and book chapters. Dr. Slovis
has authored two books, A Little Book of Emergency Medicine Rules, and DRUGology. He is
also on the editorial board of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.
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Medical Director Course - Three Part Series
Abstract:
As in any field of endeavor, the education process is essential to the success of the provision of
Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Given that pre-hospital care is provided under the auspices
and licenses of physicians, it is critical that physicians be actively involved in the education process
for all levels of EMS providers.
Before the establishment of standard EMS curricula, most EMS education courses were conducted
by pioneering EMS physicians seeking to extend themselves through their students. With the
proliferation of education programs which followed development of national standard curricula,
physician involvement diminished and has been essentially lost in some areas, particularly at the
first responder and EMT-Basic levels. This lack of physician involvement is being corrected with
revisions to the national standard curricula. Also, the need for medical direction in the development
and implementation of education programs is being acknowledged.
The education of EMS personnel is accomplished by programs in many settings, both formal
(colleges) and informal (squad level). In all settings, input from a physician should be sought to
assure the accuracy and validity of the medical content to be presented. It is important that the
EMS agency medical director play a central role in EMS education. The agency medical director
should be involved in the development of agency-based continuing education to assure the
accuracy and validity of the program’s medical content.
The physician medical director should have authority over the medical content related to patient
care for all courses in the EMS education program. The physician medical director should have
a specific job description dictated by local needs.
This workshop is intended to bridge the gap between experienced EMS physicians and their
associated fire department leadership from across the nation. The workshop will provide an
interactive, problem-based forum presented by a nationally-recognized leader and educator in
EMS Medical Direction. The workshop will also cover new 9-1-1 technology that can enhance
fire-based EMS system performance.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
EMS Field Experiments
A new study report issued by the same coalition that participated in the Residential Fireground
Field Experiments shows that the size and configuration of an EMS first responder crew and an
advanced life support (ALS) crew have a substantial effect on a fire department’s ability to respond
to calls for emergency medical service. The study is the first attempt to investigate the effects
of varying crew configurations for first responders, the apparatus assignment of ALS personnel,
the number of ALS personnel on scene, and the task completion times for ALS level incidents.
PANEL
Greg Mears, MD, FACEP
Associate Professor
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mike McAdams
Assistant Chief
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department
Rockville, Maryland
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EMS Field Experiments
Greg Mears, MD, FACEP
Associate Professor
North Carolina EMS Medical Director
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
10002 Main Street
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
919-843-0201
gdm@med.unc.edu
Background:
Greg Mears, MD, is the EMS medical director for North Carolina, executive director of the EMS
Performance Improvement Center and an associate professor with the department of emergency
medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He began his involvement with data
systems by working at the local level at UNC Chapel Hill. He was named a 2008 EMS 10 Innovator
in EMS by JEMS/Physio-Control Inc. Increasing demands on the fire service, including the rising
number of EMS responses, point to the need for scientifically-based studies on the effect of first
responder crew size, Advanced Life Support configuration, and the number of Advanced Life
Support (ALS) personnel on scene on the safety of responders, as well as the operational efficiency
and effectiveness of fire departments responding to emergency medical incidents. To address
this need, a research partnership of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI),
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF),
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
was formed to conduct a multiphase study of firefighter safety and the deployment of resources.
A portion of that study included an assessment of time-to-tasks for EMS incidents.
Abstract:
The EMS portion of the Firefighter Safety and Deployment of Resources Study was designed
solely to assess the personnel number and configuration aspect of an EMS incident for responder
safety, effectiveness, and efficiency. This study does not address the efficacy of any patient care
intervention. This study does however quantify first responder crew size, i.e., the number and
placement of ALS trained personnel resources on the time-to-task measures for EMS interventions.
Upon recommendation of technical experts, the investigators selected trauma and cardiac scenarios
to be used in the experiments as these events are resource intensive and will likely reveal relevant
differences in regard to the research questions.
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EMS Field Experiments
Mike McAdams
Assistant Chief
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Department
101 Monroe Street, 12th Floor
Rockville, Maryland 20850
301-897-2233
Michael.McAdams@montgomerycountymd.gov
Background:
Mike McAdams is a Firefighter/Paramedic with 28 years experience rising through the ranks from
a back step firefighter to Assistant Chief in one of the nation’s largest combination fire-based
emergency medical services systems.
Chief McAdams is an advocate for Fire-Based Emergency Medical Service Systems serving on a
variety of committees and leaderships positions on a local, regional and national basis. Today he
will discuss his role as a technical advisor in the research process for collecting, analyzing and
presenting the data on the time to task study for the fire based emergency medical service systems.
Chief McAdams is a graduate of the University of Maryland Emergency Health Services Program
and the George Washington University as a certified planner and recently received his Masters
Degree from the Naval Post Graduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
He is proud to be here today representing the many personnel dedicated to this project and those
who are working the streets of the communities across America providing effective and efficient
care through a cooperative effort connecting local people through common areas of trusted
information into links of partnership that solidify the network of safety services our communities
require to sustain today and meet the new and emerging threats of the future.
Abstract:
The fire service has become the first line medical responder for all types of medical emergencies in
the majority of the United States. Fire departments typically deliver first-on-scene, out-of-hospital
care services, regardless of whether or not they provide transport. The design of fire departmentbased
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems varies across communities. Some departments
deploy only Basic Life Support (BLS) units and personnel, some deploy a mix of BLS and Advanced
Life Support (ALS) units and personnel, and a few departments operate solely at an ALS level.
Additionally, the number of total personnel dispatched on an EMS call also differs. This number
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EMS Field Experiments
is dependent on factors such as the type of system resources, the nature of the EMS incident, and
the number of simultaneous and concurrent incidents.
For the first time, this study investigates the effects of varying crew configurations for first responders,
the apparatus assignment of ALS personnel, and the number of ALS personnel on scene on the
task completion times for ALS level incidents. This study is also unique because of the array of
stakeholders and the caliber of technical experts involved. Throughout the experiments, all industry
standards and safety protocols were followed and robust research methods were used. The results
and conclusions will directly inform the NFPA 1710 and NFPA 1720 Technical Committees, who
are responsible for developing industry operational and deployment standards.
This report presents the results of more than 102 field experiments designed to quantify the effects
of various fire department-based EMS deployment configurations for three different scenarios:
1) patient access and removal from the incident scene,
2) a victim of systemic trauma due to a long distance fall, and
3) a patient with chest pain leading to a cardiac arrest.
In addition to systematically controlling for arrival times of units, first responder crew size was
varied to consider two-, three-, and four-person staffing. ALS personnel configuration for both the
first responder unit and ambulance transport unit were also varied for purposes of the experiments.
In each deployment, personnel performed a series of defined tasks consistent with the scenario
being evaluated. Report results quantify the effectiveness of crew size, ALS configuration, and
the number of ALS personnel on the start, duration, and completion time of all tasks delineated
in the three scenarios. Conclusions are drawn from statistically significant results.
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WORKSHOP GROUP A
Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
To deliver necessary protection for their respective communities, Fire and Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Departments require adequate levels of funding for salaries, benefits, training,
operating expenses and equipment. With shortfalls in municipal budgets and decreasing government
subsidies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for fire and EMS departments to meet greater
and more complex demands for their services. To meet the critical needs of the community,
departments must become proactive in the development of alternative funding mechanisms.
Some of these alternatives include non-emergency patient transportation, contracted special
event coverage, or billing for services exclusive of patient transportation. This workshop examines
real case scenarios.
PANEL
Gary Ludwig
Vice-Chairman
IAFC EMS Executive Board
Memphis, Tennessee
Jeffrey Caynon
President
IAFF Local 341
Houston, Texas
Manual Chavez
IAFF Standing Committee on EMS
IAFF Local 341
Houston, Texas
David P. Keseg, MD, FACEP
Medical Director
Columbus Division of Fire
Columbus, Ohio
Dean Fletcher
President
IAFF Local 1285
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jeff Hurley
President
IAFF Local 1607
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Jack Reall
President
IAFF Local 67
Columbus, Ohio
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- 106 -

Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
Gary Ludwig
Vice Chairman
IAFC EMS Executive Board
109 N Main, Suite 504
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
636-789-5660
TheLudwigGroup@aol.com
www.garyludwig.com
Background:
Mr. Ludwig is a much sought-after consultant, national speaker, writer, and expert on fire and
EMS systems designs who pioneered many concepts that are now standard practice in the fire
and EMS/medical transportation field.
Mr. Ludwig is formerly the Chief Paramedic of the St. Louis Fire Department. He retired in September
2001. His career spanned 24 years with the City of St. Louis, 22 years in a management capacity.
During his administration of EMS for the St. Louis Fire Department, the department earned the
title of Missouri’s “EMS Service of the Year” for 1998 and was nominated several other years.
Mr. Ludwig has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science
in Management. Additionally, he is a licensed paramedic in the State of Missouri.
Mr. Ludwig currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the EMS Executive Board with the 15,000
member International Association of Fire Chiefs. In this position, he regularly interacts with national
EMS and fire organizations to establish national policy. Additionally, he is a principal member
of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) technical committee on Emergency Medical
Service. Mr. Ludwig was also awarded Missouri’s “EMS Administrator of the Year” for 1998.
Mr. Ludwig is also a contributing editor and writes a monthly EMS column that appears in Firehouse
Magazine - which is the largest subscription based professional trade journal in the EMS and fire
profession, with some 110,000 subscriptions and an estimated readership of 500,000.
Mr. Ludwig also sits on the editorial review boards for Emergency Medical Service Magazine and
9-1-1 Magazine. Additionally, Mr. Ludwig is on the faculty of three colleges; American College of
Pre-hospital Medicine, University of Missouri Fire Rescue Institute, and Forest Park Community
College.
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Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
Mr. Ludwig has authored over 250 articles in such magazines as On Scene, Journal of Emergency
Medical Services, EMS Magazine, 9-1-1 Magazine, Fire Chief Magazine, Firehouse Magazine,
and National Fire and Rescue. Additionally, he has been invited and asked to speak at over 150
conferences or professional seminars nationally and internationally specializing in the EMS and
fire profession.
Jeffrey Caynon
President
IAFF Local 341
1907 Freeman Street
Houston, Texas 77009-8334
800-845-3473
caynonj@sbcglobal.net
Background:
Jeff Caynon has been the President of IAFF Local 341 for four years after being recently re-elected
for a second three-year term. He is a 16-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department. Jeff is an
Engineer Operator Paramedic- Hazmat Tech assigned full time at IAFF Local 341’s union hall as
part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Jeff served as a member of the Board of Directors for three years prior to becoming President.
Additionally, he has served as the editor of the union’s monthly magazine, on the Grievance and
Collective Bargaining Committees and chaired the EMS Committee. He is a graduate of the 2011
Harvard Trade Union Program.
Jeff has been married to his wife Gail for 12 years. They have three children (Jacob, Jessica and
Jennifer) and a dog.
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Manuel Chavez
IAFF Standing Committee on EMS
Houston Fire Department
1907 Freeman Street
Houston, Texas 77009-8334
800-845-3473
manchav@earthlink.net
Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
Background:
Manuel Chavez is currently a Captain/Paramedic in the Houston Fire Department and is assigned
as the North-East Quadrant EMS Supervisor. Captain Chavez is also the Financial Director for the
Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 341 and serves as the Grievance/Disciplinary
Chairman. Captain Chavez has been a Fire Fighter/Paramedic for 25 years and serves on numerous
Boards and Committees. Captain Chavez is the 11th District EMS representative, as well as the
IAFF Representative for NFPA EMS Technical Committee.
Captain Chavez was born and raised in Houston Texas and is the father of four children.
Jack Reall
President
IAFF Local 67
1380 Dublin Road, Suite 103
Columbus, Ohio 43215-1025
614-481-8900
jreall@rescuebus.com
Background:
Jack Reall is a 22-year member of the Columbus Fire Division. He is currently a Battalion Chief/
Paramedic working downtown in Battalion 1. He is also the president of Columbus FFs Union,
IAFF local 67. He was first elected president in 2001 and is the longest serving in the local’s history.
Jack has served many capacities in the fire department, including training, HazMat, dispatching
and rescue operations. He is actively involved in USAR operations and is a rescue team manager
with Ohio Task Force 1. He sits on the IAFF Health and Safety committee, national fire academy
board, several NFPA committees and was a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
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David P. Keseg, MD, FACEP
Medical Director
Columbus Division of Fire
3639 South Parsons Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43207
614-270-1324
dkeseg@columbus.gov
Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
Background:
David P. Keseg MD, FACEP has over 30 years of experience as an Emergency Physician and an
EMS Medical Director. He did his Emergency Medical residency at the Los Angeles County-USC
program and during this time participated in Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County EMS
Systems as well as disaster planning for the 1984 Summer Olympics. He has overseen both rural
and urban EMS Systems and has been the Medical Director for the Columbus Division of Fire
for the past 24 years. He has written numerous articles for both JEMS and EMS magazines and
participated in several EMS Research projects. He is on the Editorial Board of JEMS.
Dean Fletcher
President
IAFF Local 1285
5650 West Charleston Boulevard, Suite 2
Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-1354
702-523-9996
local1285@aol.com
Background:
Dean Fletcher is a Fire Captain with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. He has been on the department
for 31 years. He has served as a principal officer for IAFF Local 1285 since 1986. He has been
the President of Local 1285 since 1992. He is proud of the membership of Local 1285 and the
contributions they have made to the department and the Las Vegas community.
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Fire-Based EMS Case Scenarios
Jeff Hurley
President
IAFF Local 1607
PO Box 751510
Las Vegas, Nevada 89136-1510
702-491-2419
1607captain@gmail.com
Background:
Jeff Hurley has 14 years experience in the Fire Service and is an 11-year veteran of the North
Las Vegas Fire Department. He has 10 years experience as an EMS Instructor and Preceptor. He
is currently an Engine Captain/Paramedic, working out of Fire Station 53. Jeff is the President of
IAFF Local 1607, serving in this capacity since 2004. Jeff, in cooperation with the leadership of
other IAFF locals, has been intricately involved with the struggle in Southern Nevada to preserve
Fire-Based EMS.
Abstract:
To deliver necessary protection for their respective communities, fire and emergency medical
services (EMS) departments require adequate levels of funding for salaries, benefits, training,
operating expenses and equipment. With shortfalls in municipal budgets and decreasing
government subsidies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for fire and EMS departments to meet
greater and more complex demands for their services. Departments must become proactive in
the development of alternative funding mechanisms like non-emergency patient transportation,
contracted special event coverage, or billing for services exclusive of patient transportation. This
workshop examines real case scenarios in Memphis, Tennessee, Houston Texas, Columbus, Ohio,
and Las Vegas Nevada.
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- 112 -

ABSTRACTS
Workshops
Group B
Speakers
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WORKSHOP GROUP B
Occupational Diseases
An occupational disease takes years to develop. It’s the result of a career of responding to fires
and chemical spills; it’s the result of breathing toxic smoke and fumes on the job; it is the response
to continuous medical runs or extricating wounded victims at accidents. This workshop will
discuss the toll fire fighting takes on fire fighters' health and will address the screening of fire
fighters for early detection, treatment and prevention, as well as addressing novel risk factors
related to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and occupational cancers.
MODERATOR
Melissa McDiarmid, MD, MPH
Director, Occupational Health Project
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
PANEL
Stefanos Kales, MD, MPH, FACO, FACOEM
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Harvard School of Medicine
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Travis Kubale, PhD
Epidemiologist
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies
Cincinnati, Ohio
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- 116 -

Occupational Diseases
Melissa McDiarmid, MD, MPH
Director, Occupational Health Project
University of Maryland
405 West Redwood Street, 2nd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
410-706-7464
Mmcdiarm@medicine.umaryland.edu
Background:
Dr. McDiarmid is Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health and Director of the
University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Occupational Health Program where she teaches,
sees patients, conducts research and directs a surveillance program for Gulf War Veterans.
Dr. McDiarmid received her BA degree in 1975 from the University of Maryland Baltimore County,
in Biological Sciences; her MD from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1979; and her
MPH from The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health 1986 where she also completed fellowship
training in Occupational Medicine. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Occupational
Medicine and Toxicology. She maintains professional society affiliations as a Fellow of the
Collegium Ramazzini, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and as
Member of the American Public Health Association.
Dr. McDiarmid was Director of the Office of Occupational Medicine for the U.S. Occupational
Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) in Washington, D.C., a position she held from 1991 until
1996. From 1987 until moving to OSHA, she was Assistant Professor of Environmental Health
Sciences at The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health where she directed the
Occupational Medicine residency.
Dr. McDiarmid has a long standing affiliation with the fire service and has authored numerous
journal articles and book chapters on occupational and environmental medicine topics related
to: firefighters, healthcare workers, medical surveillance and management, reproductive hazards
and occupational cancers.
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Occupational Diseases
Stefanos Kales, MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Macht Building, Cambridge Hospital Room 427
1493 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
stefokali@aol.com
Background:
Dr. Kales became the Director of the Occupational & Environmental Medicine Residency in
July 2006. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine: Occupational
Medicine, and has been elected to Fellowship by both the American College of Physicians and
by the American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Dr. Kales has participated in a wide range of research, advisory and teaching activities on three
continents resulting in over 45 publications. His primary research has focused on fire fighters.
Further studies have sought to identify risk factors for adverse health and employment outcomes,
and heart disease in particular. His group’s work is influencing medical standards for fire fighter’s
fitness for duty, the need for improved wellness programs and methods for determining the causal
relationship of heart disease among fire fighters to their job activities and other factors.
Dr. Kales’ research on fire fighters has received Massachusetts, Federal and Canadian funding.
Other collaborations focus on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and their evolution over
time, including a new cohort study of young adults in Cyprus funded by the Research Promotion
Foundation of Cyprus. Additional research areas have included carbon monoxide exposure,
chemical terrorism and chemical emergencies and heavy metals. One particular area, related to
lead exposure from traditional Indian medications has had wide impact, triggering changes in the
regulation of these medications by the Indian and Canadian governments and spurring various
American health departments to scrutinize the sale of these folk remedies.
Dr. Kales is on the editorial boards of Environmental Health Perspectives and the Archives of
Environmental and Occupational Health. He is an occupational medicine consultant to the
Massachusetts/Rhode Island Poison Control Center, served for several years as the medical
consultant to Massachusetts' Adult Lead Registry, and worked with the state's regional hazardous
materials teams for 10 years.
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Occupational Diseases
Travis Kubale, PhD
Epidemiologist
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
513-841-4461
tkubale@cdc.gov
Background:
Travis Kubale is a research epidemiologist with the CDC - NIOSH. He received his Bachelor’s
degree from Colorado State University, Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and his
Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Cincinnati. He is the lead project officer for the
NIOSH/United States Fire Administration study of Cancer among United States fire fighters.
Dr. Kubale has conducted multiple analytic epidemiological research studies of Department of
Energy and civilian naval personnel.
Abstract:
The toxic environments in which fire service members live and work have long been suspected
to have an adverse effect on firefighter health. Virtually every hazard class can be found in the
firefighting environment including physical hazards, such as ionizing radiation, biologic agents,
musculo-skeletal hazards and the psycho-social stress of responding to life-threatening emergencies
(Agnew et al, 1991). As well, the toxic products of combustion (Brandt-Rauf et al., 1988; McDiarmid,
et al.,1991; Lees, 1995), both chemical and particulate, have been raised as threats to health,
especially when considering the work-relatedness of cancer and chronic conditions such as heart
disease. This presentation will review the work exposures commonly found in the fire service and
the epidemiologic evidence of occupational disease excess in its members. Strategies for disease
prevention, including the benefits derived from participation in the Wellness-Fitness Initiative
(WFI) will be presented with a focus on cancer and heart disease prevention.
Known or presumed human cancer-causing agents found in the fire-fighting environment include
benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein,perchloroethylene, cadmium, and some of the polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene (summarized in McDiarmid et al.,
1991). Asbestos exposure during overhaul operations has long been raised as a risk (Heyer et
al., 1990; Markowitz et al., 1992) and the exposure to diesel exhaust at the fire house has also
been flagged as potentially hazardous (Froines et al., 1987).
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Occupational Diseases
That these hazards could cause respiratory disease through an inhalation exposure route is readily
apparent to the fire fighter and the lay public alike. There is evidence to back up this belief. Health
studies over the last 30 years have consistently shown excesses of non-malignant respiratory
disease in fire service members (Feuer and Rosenman, 1986; Sparrow et al., 1982; Peters et al.,
1974). Less consistent however, have been links between firefighting and malignancies of the
lung. (Golden et al., 1995; Le Masters, 2006). Reasons for this have been suggested including the
multiple agents that are known to cause lung cancer, including cigarette smoking, that blur a link
to work exposure. Also, it has been argued that persons with non-malignant lung diseases, who
are presumably more symptomatic from inhalation exposures may leave the fire service prior to
cancer development. Also, the 20-year career span of many fire fighters may pre-empt development
of a lung cancer prior to a firefighter’s retirement. The onset of lung cancer relatively late in life,
long after fire service retirement may then elude researchers trying to link the diagnosis to work
which ended several decades earlier. None the less, there are biologically plausible reasons to
be concerned about lung cancer development from firefighting work, especially among the more
senior members who worked prior to regular use of SCBA.
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Infectious Diseases
Fire Fighters, by nature of their contact with the public, are in constant danger of exposure to
many infectious diseases. MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a serious,
potentially life-threatening infection that has become a serious threat to first responders. The
emergence of novel flu viruses further demonstrates the critical need for departments to prepare
for a pandemic flu event. Attendees will learn about common infectious diseases that can affect
the health and safety of you and your family including the symptoms, prevention and transmission
methods and treatment options for specific diseases. This workshop will also address the new
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act’s notification requirements after exposure of
emergency response employees to potentially life-threatening infectious diseases.
MODERATOR
Virginia Weaver, MD, MPH
Director, Occupational & Environmental Medicine Residency Program
John’s Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
PANEL
WORKSHOP GROUP B
Kerry Kelly, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
Marilyn C. Roberts, PhD
Professor, Dept of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
James Spahr, RS, DAAS, CHEM, MPH
Assistant Director,
Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response
U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, Georgia
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Infectious Diseases
Virginia M Weaver, MD, MPH
Director, OEM Training
Johns Hopkins University; Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 N. Wolfe Street, Room W-7513A
Baltimore, Maryland 21205
410-955-4355
vweaver@jhsph.edu
Background:
Dr. Weaver is an Associate Professor and Director of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Residency at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has a BA in
Biology from the University of Rochester, an MD from New York University and an MPH from the
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is dual-boarded in Internal Medicine and
Preventive Medicine (Occupational Medicine). She has been on the faculty at Johns Hopkins since
completing her occupational medicine residency and post-doctoral research fellowship in 1993.
She has been a member of IAFF’s Medical Advisory Board since 1995. For the past decade, she
has served as the medical preceptor for resident physicians who rotate at the IAFF. Her research
focuses on populations with exposure to chemicals that damage the kidneys, including lead and
cadmium. She is also interested in workers’ compensation issues for fire fighters.
Marilyn C. Roberts, PhD
Professor
University of Washington
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Box 357234
Seattle, Washington 98195-7234
206-543-8001
marilynr@u.washington.edu
Background:
Dr. Roberts is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services in
the School of Public Health. She earned her BS (1973), MS (1971) and PhD (1978) in Microbiology
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Infectious Diseases
and Immunology, each at the University of Washington. She has been an investigator with the
Northwest Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities since its beginning. Her interests include
the characterization and role antibiotic and mercury resistance genes in oral bacteria, microbial
causes of dental caries and periodontal disease, the use of xylitol to reduce dental caries and the
potential exposure of students and dental personnel to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
while working on dental patients.
Her recent research projects and publications include; “Xylitol pediatric topical oral syrup to
prevent dental caries”; “Xylitol gummy bears snacks: a school-based randomized clinical trial” and
“Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] from dental school surfaces and students.”
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA] infections have become a significant cause of morbidity
and mortality in the hospital and community settings. Certain occupations are at higher risk of
exposure, carriage and ultimately MRSA disease due to the people they serve. Fire fighters and
paramedics interact with known at-risk groups for MRSA infection and MRSA contaminated
fire station and ambulances surfaces have previously been identified. We undertook a study to
identify the location of MRSA-contaminated environmental surfaces within two fire stations from
two independent districts in Western Washington. MRSA was isolated from 44 of 1,064 samples
examined (4.1%) and included community-acquired USA300 and hospital type isolates. The same
strains of MRSA were found in both the garage (i.e. medic and fire trucks and protective clothing)
and the living quarters suggesting spread around the stations. Nasal carriage of MRSA from one
fire district was 22.5% with ~60% of the nasal MRSA/S. aureus isolates genetically related to
the fire stations environmental strains, suggesting possible transmission between personnel and
the environmental surfaces. In collaboration with our Advisory Board educational materials
and best practices for disinfection protocols have been developed and are available on line at:
http://depts.washington.edu/envhlth/resources/firefighter.php. Both are important in reducing
potential transmission between personnel and the environmental surfaces. Dr. Roberts’ is currently
setting up a MRSA testing project that will provide kits for sampling fire stations surfaces across
the country. This will provide important information on areas within individual fire stations and
training facilities in regards to MRSA contamination surfaces with the ultimate goal of reducing
the risk of acquiring MRSA by the personnel.
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Infectious Diseases
Captain James S. Spahr, RS, DAAS, CHEM, MPH
Associate Director for Emergency Preparedness
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
1600 Clifton Road, Room 4505, MS E-20
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
404-498-6185
jspahr@cdc.gov
Background:
Captain Spahr is a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service currently serving as a
supervisory safety and occupational health specialist at NIOSH in Atlanta, Georgia. Captain Spahr
is the Associate Director of NIOSH’s Office for Emergency Preparedness and Response - where he
coordinates NIOSH’s response to emergency events, promotes response-worker safety policies,
and coordinates emergency preparedness training exercises. He has worked at NIOSH for over 14
years as a researcher and emergency coordinator. He has also served as an environmental health
specialist for the Health Resources and Services Administration and for the Indian Health Service.
He was also a Project HOPE Educator and Peace Corps Volunteer, and has worked in both county
and state public health departments in Ohio before joining the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
Abstract:
The original Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act was first enacted in
1990. Although primarily focusing on other support for HIV/AIDS victims, the Act included
provisions for notifying emergency response employees when they had been occupationally
exposed to potentially life-threatening infectious disease. Notification was originally directed
toward HIV and related bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B, but ultimately it included infectious
pulmonary tuberculosis, meningococcal disease, plague, diphtheria, rabies, and viral hemorrhagic
fevers within the requirement. Responsibility for developing the list of diseases subject to the
notification provisions and associated guidelines fell to US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), and ultimately resided with CDC/NIOSH. Reporting proceeded according to
this policy reasonably well for a number of years. However, the provisions regarding notification
were omitted during the reauthorization of the Act in 2006, but corrected in the Ryan White HIV/
AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. Once again, the Act assigned to DHHS the responsibility
for developing an updated disease list and associated guidelines, with subsequent delegation to
CDC (and thus NIOSH). Starting from the original disease list and guidelines and adhering to
the requirements of the legislative language, NIOSH has developed a public notice containing
proposed updated disease list that has recently been published in the Federal Register to solicit
public comment. Additions to the original list include hepatitis C, Vaccinia, measles, Varicella
disease, avian influenza, mumps, rubella, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and smallpox.
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Infectious Diseases
Kerry Kelly, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Fire Department, City of New York
Bureau of Health Services
9 Metro Tech Center, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
917-999-2696
kkelly@fdny.nyc.gov
Background:
Dr. Kerry Kelly received her Bachelor of Science from Vassar College in 1973 and her Doctor
of Medicine from Brown University in 1977. She completed her residency training in Family
Medicine at Kings County Hospital, Downstate Medical College in 1980.
In 1981, Dr. Kelly was appointed as a Medical Officer for the Fire Department, City of New York
(FDNY) Bureau of Health Services and in 1994 was promoted to Chief Medical Officer for the FDNY
Bureau of Health Services. Dr. Kelly was at the World Trade Center (WTC) taking care of FDNY
firefighters and EMS rescue workers and was present during the collapse and its aftermath. Since
that day she has devoted her entire clinical and research efforts to the design and implementation
of a medical monitoring and treatment program for FDNY firefighters and EMS rescue workers
funded by FDNY and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – National Institute
of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). To date, Dr. Kelly has published nearly forty scientific
papers on the health impact of World Trade Center Collapse on NYC Firefighters and EMS workers
including papers in the New England Journal of Medicine, the CDC’s MMWR, Environmental
Health Perspectives, CHEST, and the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
In addition, Dr. Kelly remains deeply committed to infection control. For example she directs
the FDNY BioPod efforts which is a program designed to provide medications and/or vaccines
in the event of a Bioattack.
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WORKSHOP GROUP B
Behavioral Wellness: Mental Aspects of Performance
Traditionally in the Fire Service, medical and physical fitness have been prioritized above
emotional or behavioral wellness. However, it is clear from the aftermath of Oklahoma City,
9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters that these priorities are now changing. Research
shows that fire fighters who balance physical, behavioral and emotional wellness have the best
outcomes, whether one is looking at adjustment to becoming a fire fighter, ratings of career
satisfaction, family well-being, or adjustment to retirement. This workshop will focus on the
latest Employee Assistance Program (EAP) coping and support system mechanisms; how your
department must address behavioral health issues that have led to suicide; how we can protect our
own by implementing new programs to address the act of suicide; and overcome the avoidance
and stigma when it comes to one of our own taking their own life.
MODERATOR
Frank Leto, Director
FDNY Counseling Services Unit
New York, New York
PANEL
Richard Gist, PhD, Principal Assistant to the Director
Kansas City Fire Department
Kansas City, Missouri
Ron Tapscott, MSW, EAP Director
IAFF Local 493, Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix, Arizona
Kimberly Van Orden, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
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Behavioral Wellness: Mental Aspects of Performance
Frank Leto
Director
Fire Department, City of New York, Counseling Services Unit
43 Transverse Road
Garden City, New York 11530-1833
fleto343@gmail.com
Background:
Captain Frank Leto is a 26-year veteran of the FDNY who currently serves as the Director of the
New York City Fire Department’s Counseling Service Unit (FDNY CSU). He is responsible for the
overall management and administration of the CSU and also directs the Peer Outreach Program,
the 24-hour crisis hotline and mental health education for uniform members. His association with
the CSU began over 15 years ago as a Crisis Counselor for traumatic events such as line-of-duty
deaths and mass casualty events.
On September 11, 2001, Captain Leto was an officer in charge of a search and rescue team at
the World Trade Center site. Since then, he has continued to develop innovative outreach and
education programs for fire fighters and their families who have experienced emotional trauma.
He has brought his expertise to numerous areas outside of New York, such as Northern Ireland,
the Gulf Region post-hurricanes, and most recently Charleston, South Carolina.
Richard Gist, PhD
Principal Assistant to the Director
Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department
635 Woodland Avenue, Suite 2100
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
816-784-9242
Richard_Gist@KCMO.org
Background:
Dr. Gist is principal assistant to the director of the Kansas City, MIssouri Fire Department and a
faculty member of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine
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Behavioral Wellness: Mental Aspects of Performance
and Biosciences. He holds an international reputation in both the emergency response and research
communities as an author, researcher, lecturer, consultant and commentator on psychosocial
impacts of disaster and community response to catastrophe.
Ron Tapscott, MSW
Director
Phoenix Fire Department
61 E. Columbus Ave
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
602-277-1500
rjtapscott@hotmail.com
Background:
Ron Tapscott is currently the Director of the Behavioral Health Programs for United Phoenix Fire
Fighters (IAFF Local 493) / City of Phoenix Fire Department and Director of Behavioral Health
Programs for the Peoria Fire Department. He currently serves on the International Association of
Fire Fighters (IAFF) EAP Committee. He brings 22 years in private practice, community mental
health, employee assistance programming, and managed behavioral care. Skills include short term,
solution focused therapy, individual, family, couple and group counseling, chemical dependency
counseling, emergency services training and development. Administrative skills include program
development and implementation, clinical supervision, marketing, and operations management.
For 20 years, his experience has been in employee assistance programming, counseling services,
program development, policy and procedure consultation and development, and critical incident
team development, training, and facilitation for several Arizona Fire departments and emergency
service personnel organizations. He provided consultation and coordination for the International
Association of Fire Fighters during national mobilization to assist the Fire Department, City of New
York (FDNY) immediately after and for several months following the 9/11 attack on the World
Trade Center and provided clinical coordination, fund raising, statewide needs assessment for
Louisiana fire fighters for the IAFF in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas for 30 days immediately
following and for several months following Katrina/Rita.
Prior to re-careering into the behavioral health field he spent 20 years in the midwest as a factory
worker organizing unions from the shop floor and a community organizer focusing on issues of
unemployment and community empowerment. He received a Master’s in Social Work from the
University of Wisconsin, 1986 and a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Kent State University,
Ohio, 1969.
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Kimberly Van Orden, PhD
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Behavioral Wellness: Mental Aspects of Performance
University of Rochester
Psychiatry M&D Research
Box PSYCH
300 Crittenden Boulevard, Room 4-9246
Rochester, New York 14627
585-275-5176
kimberly_vanorden@urmc.rochester.edu
Background:
Dr. Van Orden received her PhD in clinical psychology from Florida State University. She completed
a pre-doctoral internship at Montefiore Medical Center and an NIH-sponsored post-doctoral
fellowship in suicide prevention at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She is currently
a Senior Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr.
Van Orden’s research interests are in the etiology and prevention of late-life suicide, particularly
the role of social connectedness as a protective factor and mechanism of intervention. She has
co-authored numerous scientific papers on suicide prevention and is also co-author of the book,
The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide: Guidance for Working with Suicidal Clients.
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WORKSHOP GROUP B
Fire Service Communications: Why They Are Not Working
The flow of information between fire fighters and fire officers is imperative to fireground safety.
An effective communications system requires proper planning and training at the front end and
there is no one better to participate than fire fighters who must understand and be involved in
the process of developing a new radio communication system in their jurisdiction. Discussions
will address national issues surrounding D-Block, the nationwide, interoperable broadband
network available to first responders as well as funding, staffing, training, testing, trouble-shooting
and implementation of such systems to standards and requirements for fire fighters so they can
respond safely and effectively.
MODERATOR
Tim Hill
President
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
PANEL
Joseph Brooks
Radio Supervisor
Boston Fire Department
Boston, Massachusetts
Mike Worrell
Captain
Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix, Arizona
Jonathan Moore
Director, Fire & EMS Operations/GIS
International Association of Fire Fighters
Washington, DC
Karen Ray
Branch Chief
Office for Interoperability & Compatibility
Science & Technology Directorate
US Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC
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Fire Service Communications: Why They Are Not Working
Tim Hill
President
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona
61 East Columbus Avenue, Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
602-722-7098
thill@phxfirefighters.org
Background:
Tim Hill has been a fire fighter / EMT for the past 27 years and has served as a Fire Captain for the
past 11 years. Tim is the President of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona. He has been a District
Vice-President for the United Phoenix Firefighters Association and a Special Assistant to the President
of the United Phoenix Firefighters. He is also a past trustee for Peoria Firefighters Local 2925 and
United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493. Tim has served as the Director of Communications for the
United Phoenix Firefighters Association and Co-Chairs various Labor / Management committees
charged with completion of the Phoenix Public Safety Radio Project.
His background also includes involvement with various boards and commissions including four
years as a member of the Peoria, Arizona Planning and Zoning Commission. Tim is a veteran of
the Navy and Navy Reserve and served in Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.
Michael Worrell
Captain
Phoenix Fire Department
150 South 12th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
602-370-5232
mike.g.worrell@phoenix.gov
Background:
Mike has been a member of the Phoenix Fire Department for 25 years. He started his career with
the Phoenix Fire Department as a Telecommunications Technician and became a fire fighter in
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Fire Service Communications: Why They Are Not Working
1993. Mike was promoted to Captain in 2001 and has worked on the Phoenix Fire Department’s
transition to a trunked radio system. Mike has researched and written papers on trunked radio
systems and their impact on fireground operations. He has worked with the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) on in-building radio coverage issues and digital radio testing.
Mike serves as a Governor appointed Commissioner on the State of Arizona Public Safety
Communications Commission. He is co-chair of the Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative
Interoperability Sub-Committee. Mike has participated in numerous FEMA Urban Search & Rescue
(US&R) responses with Arizona Task Force 1 and National US&R Incident Support Teams.
Mike received his electronics training in the Navy and served aboard a ballistic missile submarine
as an Electronics Technician. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Digital Electronics from Hesser
College in New Hampshire.
Jonathan Moore
Director, Fire & EMS Operations/GIS
IAFF
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-737-1547
jmoore@iaff.org
Background:
As the Director of Fire & EMS Operations and Geographic Information System (GIS) assessments,
Jonathan provides coordination of customized technical assistance for Fire-Based EMS systems
in the United States and Canada. Responsibilities include oversight and preparation of fire
suppression and EMS system analysis, cost/revenue projections for fire suppression and EMS system
design proposals, Geographic Information System (GIS) assessment of fire department operations,
creation of Fire-Based EMS system reference manuals, tracking of EMS rules and regulations in
each state and province, monitors all EMS related periodicals for developments and improvements
in Emergency Medicine, and participates in federal level EMS committees.
Jonathan Moore has been with the IAFF since 1996 and holds an AS in Emergency Medical
Services and a BA in Biology. He formerly served over eight years with the City of Concord,
New Hampshire Fire Department as a cross trained-dual role fire fighter-paramedic. Jonathan
was a member of the Concord Fire Officers Local 3195 contract negotiating team and retains his
membership in that Local.
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Fire Service Communications: Why They Are Not Working
Jon is an expert on both the FLAME and ESRI ArcGIS systems and is working to automate the IAFF's
GIS operations to improve analysis efficiency and accuracy. Jon serves on the NFPA Technical
Committee on Data Exchange in the Fire Service, and has been appointed to the FCC Emergency
Response Interoperability Center Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).
Joseph Brooks
Radio Supervisor
Boston Fire Department
59 Fenway
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-343-2875
joeb.bfd@cityofboston.gov
Background:
Joseph Brooks joined the Boston Fire Department in 1983 and was assigned to dispatch operations.
In 2005 he was assigned to the Communications Section as Radio Supervisor. In 2008 he assisted
the IAFF with the Voice Radio Communications Guide for the Fire Service. He is also a member
of the Metro/Boston Homeland Security Interoperability Committee.
Karen Ray
Branch Chief
US Department of Homeland Security
Science & Technology Directorate
Office for Interoperability & Compatibility
Washington, DC 20528
202-254-5687
Karen.Ray1@dhs.gov
Background:
Ms. Ray is the Branch Chief for the DHS Office for Interoperability and Compatibility. The Office
strengthens interoperable wireless communications and improves effective information sharing
by developing tools such as standards, reports, guidelines, and technologies to enhance overall
planning and coordination at all levels of government.
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WORKSHOP GROUP B
Operating Safely: Protective Clothing and Equipment Technology
An examination of current issues surrounding fire fighter's personal protective clothing and
equipment, including new research, product demonstrations and purchasing strategies to obtain
the best gear for your members.
MODERATOR
Jeff Stull
President
International Personnel Protection Inc.
Austin, Texas
PANEL
Karl Beeman
President
Karl Beeman Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Tom Foley
Deputy Chief
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Riverside, California
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Operating Safely: Protective Clothing and Equipment Technology
Jeff Stull
President
President
International Personnel Protection, Inc.
7809 Adelaide Drive
Austin, Texas 78709-2493
512-288-8272
Intlperpro@aol.com
Background:
Jeffrey O. Stull is the President of International Personnel Protection, Inc., which provides expertise
on the design, evaluation, selection and use of personnel protective clothing, equipment and related
products to end users and manufacturers. International Personnel Protection, Inc. has conducted
numerous studies for effectiveness and performance of protective clothing and equipment. Mr.
Stull is currently a member of several NFPA Technical Committees for Fire and Emergency Services
Protective Clothing and Equipment and other groups for protective clothing and equipment.
Mr. Stull participates in the government’s Interagency Board for Equipment Standardization and
Interoperability. International Personnel Protection, Inc. is considered one of the leading sources
of expertise in the field of personal protective equipment.
Karl Beeman
President
Karl Beeman Inc.
9724 Casper Peak Court
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
702-513-2828
kjbeeman@karlbeeman.com
www.karlbeeman.com
Background:
Karl J. Beeman is an industry consultant and subject matter expert on the maintenance of protective
ensembles for emergency services applications. His work includes assisting emergency services
organizations with all aspects of planning, equipping, installing and operating an on-premise
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Operating Safely: Protective Clothing and Equipment Technology
cleaning and inspection facility as well as, developing and implementing an effective maintenance
program. In addition, Karl has also worked with both manufacturers and organizations on research
projects related to maintenance of protective ensembles.
Karl has been associated with the emergency services industry for the last 34 years as a career fire
fighter, manufacturing representative, and subject matter consultant. He is a retired veteran of the
US Air Force, and US Air Force Reserves, having served 23 years as a Fire Protection Specialist.
He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Southern Area Fire Equipment
Research (SAFER), Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Working Group (ARFF WG) and, has worked as
a principle member on NFPA 1971 and NFPA 1851, Technical Committees.
Thomas Foley
Deputy Chief
California Division of Forestry
2524 Mulberry Street
Riverside, California 92501
951-320-6102
tom.foley@fire.ca.gov, http://www.fire.ca.gov
Background:
Tom Foley is the Deputy Chief at the Southern Operations Center of the California Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). He graduated from Central Michigan University with
a bachelor's degree in education and from California State University, San Bernardino, with a
Master's Degree in Administration.
Chief Foley started his fire service career in 1987 as a volunteer fire fighter and became a career
fire fighter in 1992, working in both the municipal and wildland fire environments. In 2006, as
a member of the New Generation Fire Shelter Evaluation and Training Committee, he received
the Governor's Employee Safety Award for extensive research and significant recommendations
to improve the New Generation Fire Shelter.
Chief Foley represents CAL FIRE on the National Fire Protection Association 1977 Standard on
Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Firefighters Technical Committee, the National
Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Equipment Technology Committee, and the NWCG Fire
Shelter Task Group. He chairs CAL FIRE’s Personal Protective Equipment Working Group.
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Abstract:
Operating Safely: Protective Clothing and Equipment Technology
This presentation will highlight a number of contemporary issues that the fire service faces for its
selection, use, care, and maintenance of protective clothing and equipment. The presentation will
cover areas of research, initiatives for improved protection, and recent new product developments,
including those being led by the IAFF. It will also examine the manner in which standards are
created and how the requirements in these standards heavily influence industry offerings of fire
fighter protective clothing and equipment. Specific case studies will be explained that demonstrate
when requirements are developed and implemented to provide safer gear, but also show where
problems occur when new tests and criteria are not supported with proper validation. Specific gaps,
problems, and limitations in the industry standards will be discussed. Through the presentation,
the presenters will also survey attendees for the major concerns that should be addressed in the
industry for improvement of fire service protective clothing and equipment.
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WORKSHOP GROUP B
Staying Competitive in Ambulance Transport
When the economy is good, support of the fire department is usually high. However, when the
economy makes a downward turn, local decision makers must make tough choices. This workshop
is intended to prepare fire service leaders with the information and tools necessary to compete
when threatened by privatization.
PANEL
Gary Ludwig
Vice-Chairman
IAFC EMS Executive Board
Memphis, Tennessee
Ken Riddle
Executive Director
Nevada Fire Chiefs Association
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Staying Competitive in Ambulance Transport
Gary Ludwig
Vice Chairman
IAFC EMS Executive Board
109 North Main, Suite 504
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
636-789-5660
TheLudwigGroup@aol.com, www.garyludwig.com
Background:
Mr. Ludwig is a much sought-after consultant, national speaker, writer, and expert on fire and EMS
systems designs who pioneered many concepts that are now standard practice in the fire and EMS/
medical transportation field. He is formerly the Chief Paramedic of the St. Louis Fire Department.
He retired in September 2001. His career spanned 24 years with the City of St. Louis, 22 years in
a management capacity. During his administration of EMS for the St. Louis Fire Department, the
department earned the title of Missouri's "EMS Service of the Year" for 1998 and was nominated
several other years.
Mr. Ludwig currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the EMS Executive Board with the 15,000-member
International Association of Fire Chiefs. In this position, he regularly interacts with national EMS
and fire organizations to establish national policy. Additionally, he is a principal member of the
National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Technical Committee on Emergency Medical Service.
Mr. Ludwig was also awarded Missouri's "EMS Administrator of the Year" for 1998.
Mr. Ludwig is also a contributing editor and writes a monthly EMS column that appears in Firehouse
Magazine - which is the largest subscription based professional trade journal in the EMS and fire
profession, with some 110,000 subscriptions and an estimated readership of 500,000. He has
authored over 250 articles in such magazines as On Scene, Journal of Emergency Medical Services,
EMS Magazine, 9-1-1 Magazine, Fire Chief Magazine, Firehouse Magazine, and National Fire
and Rescue. Additionally, he has been invited and asked to speak at over 150 conferences or
professional seminars nationally and internationally specializing in the EMS and fire profession.
Mr. Ludwig also sits on the editorial review boards for Emergency Medical Service Magazine and
9-1-1 Magazine. Additionally, Mr. Ludwig is on the faculty of three colleges: American College
of Pre-hospital Medicine, University of Missouri Fire Rescue Institute and Forest Park Community
College.
Mr. Ludwig has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science
in Management. Additionally, he is a licensed paramedic in the State of Missouri.
- 147 -

Staying Competitive in Ambulance Transport
Ken Riddle
Executive Director
Nevada Fire Chiefs Association
PO Box 370518
Las Vegas, Nevada 89137
702-982-3433
ken.riddle@cox.net
Background:
Chief Ken Riddle has over 30 years experience with emergency services in both the private and
public sector. He recently retired after having been employed by the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue
for 28 years. He served as a Deputy Fire Chief since 1995 and was responsible for the Operations
Division, Medical Services Division, Administrative Division, and served as the Fire Marshal in the
Fire Prevention Division. While serving in those Divisions, he designed and developed several
major programs, including an ambulance transport program for the Department. Chief Riddle was
the primary contact for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) implemented
in 2001. The U.S. Public Health Service representatives consider the Las Vegas MMRS a model
program for other communities.
In addition to Chief Riddle’s work with MMRS, he also has substantial experience in emergency
management. He was very active in planning for Y2K, the annual Las Vegas New Year’s Eve
celebration, hazardous materials operations and civil unrest planning. While serving as the Fire
Marshal, he was responsible for the Las Vegas Bomb Squad and Fire Investigations Division. He
was responsible for the implementation of the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) on a
county-wide basis, including the QI components of the system.
Chief Riddle has been extremely active in national EMS issues for the past 15 years serving on the
Executive Committee for the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) EMS Section, serving
as Chairman from 1999 – 2003 and as the International Director for EMS on the IAFC Board of
Directors in 2005 – 2006. He also served as the President of the Southern Nevada Fire Chiefs
Association and is currently the Executive Director for the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Riddle has two associate degrees, one in Fire Service Management and one in Fire Science
Technology. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
- 148 -

WORKSHOP GROUP B
Fire and EMS Operations in Canada
This workshop is intended to provide an update on fire-based EMS across Canada. The workshop
will also focus on issues at the provincial level; particularly the resistance that fire departments
have experienced when trying to augment or improve their ability to provide better levels of
patient care. The panel will address studies and documents that presented a negative picture of
increased fire involvement in EMS and the look at the accuracy of those studies. This workshop
will assist Canadian IAFF locals with addressing the rhetoric and will provide pathways that set
patient care as the ultimate goal of increased fire involvement.
PANEL
Scott Marks
Assistant to the General President
IAFF Canadian Operations
Ottawa, Ontario
J. Andrew Spence
President
IAFF Local 2461
Sherwood Park, Alberta
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- 150 -

Fire and EMS Operations in Canada
Scott Marks
Assistant to the General President
IAFF Canadian Operations
350 Sparks Street, Suite 403
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8
613-567-8988
smarks@iaff.org
Background:
Scott Marks is the IAFF Assistant to the General President for Canadian Operations. He started
with the IAFF in April 2010 after a 28-year career with the Toronto Fire Services. Scott began his
career with the Toronto Fire Department in 1981 and was first elected as a union officer in 1993.
In 1996 he was promoted to Captain with the Toronto Fire Department, which is his current
rank. In 1997 immediately prior to the amalgamation of the City of Toronto, Scott served as Vice
President for the former Toronto Fire Fighters Association, Local 113.
After amalgamation he returned to a position on the new Executive Board until 2002 when he
successfully ran for the President’s position. He was subsequently acclaimed to that position in
2004, 2006 and 2008.
J. Andrew Spence
President
IAFF Local 2461
Strathcona County Professional Fire Fighters
1933 Sherwood Drive
Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3R3
780-467-1830
jams77@shaw.ca
Background:
J. Andrew Spence is a Fire Lieutenant and Advanced Care Paramedic with the Strathcona County
Emergency Services and the Executive Board President of the Strathcona County Professional
Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 2461. The department is an integrated model providing ALS
ambulance services and fire rescue operations.
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Fire and EMS Operations in Canada
Over his 15-year career in the fire service he has worked in the motion picture industry as a set
medic, taught at a number of different emergency services institutes and held the position of
Secretary on the local executive board for eight years. Recently he has taken on the role of IAFF
Local 2461 President and accepted an appointment as the IAFF’s 6th District EMS representative
for the IAFF Standing Committee on EMS.
- 152 -

WORKSHOP GROUP B
Marketing a Fire-Based System
This workshop is intended to teach participants how to market fire-based EMS response as one
of the essential public safety functions provided by the fire service in support of community
health, security and prosperity. Participants will learn how to use the attributes of fire-based
EMS to protect or enhance current service provision. In this time of economic crisis, as federal,
state, and local governments contemplate cutbacks and downsizing, their strategic plan should
consider an ‘all hazards’ emergency response system and fire-based EMS should be included in
those considerations.
MODERATOR
Dennis Compton
Chairman
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Emmitsburg, Maryland
PANEL
Franklin D. Pratt, MD
Medical Director
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Los Angeles, California
Baldwin Robertson, Esq.
Legal Counsel
International Association of Fire Fighters
Washington, DC
- 153 -

- 154 -

Marketing a Fire-Based System
Dennis Compton
Chairman
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Box 21208
Mesa, Arizona 85227
480-244-8529
dcompton5@cox.net
Background:
Chief Dennis Compton is a well-known speaker and the author of several books including his
latest titled Progressive Leadership Principles, Concepts, and Tools. His previous books include a
three-part series titled “When in Doubt, Lead,” and another titled “Mental Aspects of Performance
for Firefighters and Fire Officers.” He has authored many articles for various publications, and
is the Co-Editor of the third edition of the textbook titled “Managing Fire and Rescue Services.”
Chief Compton is a respected advisor to the fire service and other disciplines as well.
Chief Compton was the Fire Chief in Mesa, Arizona for five years and Assistant Fire Chief in
Phoenix, Arizona, where he served for 27 years. Chief Compton has served as Chairman of the
Executive Board of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and Chairman of the
Congressional Fire Services Institute's National Advisory Committee. He is currently Chairman
of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Board of
Directors of Safe Kids Worldwide.
Chief Compton has received the George D. Post National Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award,
and was named the American Fire Sprinkler Association's Fire Service Person of the Year. Dennis
was also named the 2001 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the University of Phoenix, and
received the 2003 Mason Lankford National Fire Service Leadership Award.
He received the 2007 Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the
2009 Arizona Fire Chiefs Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a charter member of
the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.
- 155 -

Marketing a Fire-Based System
Franklin D. Pratt, MD
Medical Director
Los Angeles County Fire Department
302 16th Street
Santa Monica, California 90402
fpals@ucla.edu
Background:
Dr. Franklin D. Pratt is the Medical Director of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and a
Medical Director of the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department. He has served
in these positions for 19 and 14 years, respectively. These positions have required expertise in
the clinical, financial, administrative, political and social aspects of medical relationship to the
fire service.
In addition to these leadership and administrative positions, Dr. Pratt is a Clinical Assistant Professor
of Emergency Medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Vice Chair of the Los
Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Commission. Dr. Pratt has been involved in the
full range of EMS activities starting as an Emergency Trauma Technician in the UCLA Emergency
Medicine Center in 1974.
Dr. Pratt’s interests and achievements in EMS have recently been directed towards public
policy and an inter-professional perspective on the people and systems providing patient care.
Completion of the Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and
Local Government in June 2005 and the Kennedy School of Government and Harvard School of
Public Health National Preparedness Leadership Initiative in June 2006 has strengthened these
interests and professional activities.
Dr. Pratt is the American College of Emergency Physicians representative to the NFPA 450 Technical
Committee on Emergency Medical Services. He is also a member of the NFPA 1710 Technical
Committee on Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations,
Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments.
He is an original member of both Committees.
Currently, Dr. Pratt’s clinical interests emphasize pre-hospital assessment and treatment of
cardiovascular and neurovascular emergencies. These interests support his participation as a
Member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Heart Association. His spare time
is filled by his family, instrumental music, exercise and travel.
- 156 -

Marketing a Fire-Based System
Baldwin Robertson
Legal Counsel
International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-824-1508
brobertson@iaff.org
Background:
Baldwin joined Woodley & McGillivary in 2002 and became partner in 2009. He has litigated
federal wage & hour cases, including claims on behalf of warehouse workers in Alabama, reporters
in Washington, D.C., fire fighters in Illinois, and paramedics & EMTs in Ohio. He has litigated
"outside-the-box" constitutional claims in state court, and freedom of speech and freedom of
association claims in federal courts in Texas, Tennessee, Florida and elsewhere. In addition to
federal and state court claims, Baldwin has handled traditional grievance arbitrations and labor
relations matters, on behalf of unions and union members, in areas such as discipline, health &
safety, unfair labor practices, and negotiability determinations.
Although he specializes in labor and employment law, since February 2009 Baldwin has served
as in-house counsel for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which represents
298,000 fire fighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other first responders in the United States and
Canada. (Tom Woodley, the firm's managing partner, is IAFF's General Counsel.) In that position,
he along with two associates advises the IAFF in the areas of contracts, torts, copyright and
trademark, occupational health, charitable and nonprofit associations, wage and hour, collective
bargaining, pension and retirement benefits, insurance, tax, disability, discrimination and equal
employment opportunity and other areas of interest and concern to the IAFF and its over 3,100
affiliates. Baldwin is a frequent speaker at IAFF educational events, assisting affiliate leaders in
developing their hands-on skills to represent members.
Baldwin is the chair of the Labor and Health Subcommittee of the D.C. Bar Labor and Employment
Section. Prior to joining Woodley & McGillivary, Baldwin was a fellow at the Institute for Public
Representation at the Georgetown University Law Center.
- 157 -

- 158 -

ABSTRACTS
Workshops
Group A & B
Speakers
- 159 -

- 160 -

WORKSHOP GROUP A & B
Building Codes: Making Buildings Safer for
Fire Fighters and Residents
The fire station is our staging area; our work environment is actually the structures to which we
respond. Learn how this work environment is created and maintained through building and fire
codes. We will discuss how to create a safer work environment through building construction
and the codes. Identify how the revised 2012 codes will impact our work environment and use
this opportunity to indicate areas of concern for future efforts. This includes IAFF efforts on
light-weight trusses, protection of lightweight construction, elevator egress, sprinklers, smoke
alarms, and green building issues including photovoltaic systems, polyurethane foam and roof
access issues.
MODERATOR
Sean DeCrane
Battalion Chief
Cleveland Fire Department
Cleveland, Ohio
PANEL
James Tidwell
Principal
Tidwell Code Consulting
Fort Worth, Texas
Steven Kerber
Fire Research Engineer
Underwriters Laboratory
Northbrook, Illinois
- 161 -

- 162 -

Building Codes: Making Buildings Safer for Fire Fighters and Residents
Sean DeCrane
Battalion Chief
IAFF Local 93
17209 Bradgate Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44111-4125
216-224-6150
rovloc93@aol.com
Background:
Sean DeCrane is a Battalion Chief for the City of Cleveland Fire Department and has served for
over 18 years. He has held a number of positions within IAFF Local 93, including the position of
Secretary for eight years. He is an adjunct Instructor for the Cleveland Fire Training Academy and
contributes to Fire Engineering Magazine, he also co-hosts “Taming the Fire Environment” on the
Fire Engineering web site. Chief DeCrane serves on a number of Committees including the Fire
Code Development Committee for the International Code Council, where he represents the IAFF.
Stephen Kerber
Fire Protection Engineer
Underwriters Laboratory
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
847-664-3329
Stephen.kerber@us.ul.com
Background:
Steve Kerber is a fire research engineer at Underwriters Laboratories (UL). His areas of research
include improving fire fighter safety, fire service ventilation, lightweight construction and smoke
management fire modeling. He is a 13-year veteran of the fire service with most of his service at
the College Park Fire Department in Prince George's County, Maryland where he served at ranks
from fire fighter up through Deputy Chief. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire
protection engineering from the University of Maryland and is currently working on his doctorate
in Fire Safety Engineering at Lund University in Sweden. He is a registered professional engineer.
- 163 -

Building Codes: Making Buildings Safer for Fire Fighters and Residents
James Tidwell
Principal
Tidwell Code Consulting
11712 Wind Creek Court
Aledo, Texas 76008-3681
817-715-8881
jimtidwell@tccfire.com
Background:
Tidwell was a member of IAFF Local 440 in Fort Worth, Texas for 30 years, retiring in 2003.
After leaving the department, he worked for the International Code Council to bridge the
interests of fire fighters and code officials, with a focus on firefighter safety. After six years with
the Code Council, he formed his current company. He is principal owner of Tidwell Consulting
Corporation, dba Tidwell Code Consulting. Services provided include advocating for clients in
the code development arena (ICC, NFPA, etc.); advocating for fire and life safety issues in local,
state, and federal legislative processes; working with clients to assure appropriate fire and life
safety provisions are included in construction projects while coordinating with authorities having
jurisdiction; currently specializing in development of programs related to sustainability and fire
safety (see report: Bridging the Gap: Fire Safety and Green Buildings, http://greenbuildingfiresafety.
org/PDF/NASFM_greenfire_guide.pdf.)
Abstract:
The movement toward more sustainable development, often referred to as the “Green Movement,”
is changing the way buildings are constructed, communities are developed and natural resources
conserved. These changes have the potential to increase the overall risk to firefighters operating
during emergencies. These risks include everything from biological hazards to new electric shock
hazards, to increased fire growth patterns, and fire fighters need to be aware of their changing
work environment.
This component of the session is intended to identify potential hazards generated by this movement
in order to encourage fire fighters to consider changes in tactics and strategies when facing these
new challenges. In addition, we will identify methodologies to mitigate some of the more egregious
problems that may face local jurisdictions seeking to “green” their community.
- 164 -

WORKSHOP GROUP A & B
Functional Fitness – Two-Part Series
Injuries cost the fire service billions of dollars annually. In this workshop, instructors will discuss
movement-based programming that matches the demand of the job. A progressive training model
based on years of research will be introduced during this session that will address the best way
to prepare your back for the rigor of fire operations.
MODERATOR
Ian Crosby
Wellness Coordinator
Calgary Fire Department
Calgary, Alberta
PANEL
Stuart McGill, PhD
Director, Spine Biomechanics Laboratory
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
David Frost, MS, CSCS*D
Doctoral Candidate
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
- 165 -

- 166 -

Functional Fitness
Ian Crosby
Wellness Coordinator
Calgary Fire Department
4124 11th Street, SE
Calgary, Alberta T2G 3H2
403-710-1599
Ian.Crosby@calgary.ca
Background:
Ian is in his 18th year with the Calgary Fire Department and currently serves as the Wellness and
Fitness Coordinator. He developed the department’s Wellness Centre which opened its doors in
February 2005 becoming Canada’s first such facility. He is a member of the IAFF/IAFC/ACE Peer
Fitness Trainer (PFT) Oversight Committee and instructor for the PFT certification program. He
served two years as the Provincial director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association
and is a certified Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.
Stuart McGill, PhD
Director
Spine Biomechanics Laboratory
University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue, West
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
519-888-4567, ext. 36761
mcgill@uwaterloo.ca
Background:
Stuart McGill is a Professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo. He is the author
of three textbooks and over 300 scientific publications that address the issues of low back function,
injury mechanisms, development of evidence-based rehabilitation and performance exercise.
Collectively these works have received numerous national and international research awards.
- 167 -

Functional Fitness
As a consultant, Dr. McGill has provided low back expertise to various government agencies,
many corporations, military, police and fire services, elite athletes, professional teams and
Olympic programs from many countries, and legal firms. Working at the interface between basic
foundational science and clinical practice, he is one of the few scientists who is regularly asked
for consult by the medical and sporting community regarding particularly difficult back cases.
David Frost, CSCS, D*, CK
Doctoral Candidate
461 Eastbridge Boulevard
Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 3Y4
519-501-9922
d4frost@gmail.com
Background:
David Frost is a PhD student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a PhD in Biomechanics.
He is a certified Kinesiologist (CK) and a certified, with distinction, Strength and Conditioning
Specialist (CSCS) with a Masters degree in Sports Biomechanics. David’s primary areas of research
are athletic performance and injury prevention however, his current research targets physical
preparation and injury prevention in the “occupational athlete.” How do we best physically
prepare occupational athletes such as fire fighters or military personnel to meet their performance
goals on the job or in life?
Abstract:
From prevention to performance of the fireground, back injury is one of the most costly and
debilitating injuries that a fire fighter can suffer. What causes back injuries? How can we prevent
them? How do you rehabilitate a back when an injury occurs? These are some of the very basic
questions that will be addressed during this session. Many back exercise programs are based on
the philosophy to enhance range of motion and build strength. But the back follows different
rules than the extremities. It rarely conforms to "specificity of training" or "using resistance through
range of motion" principles. Often the causes of the back troubles are replicated in the exercises.
A progressive training model based on years of research will be introduced during this session
that will address the best way to prepare your back for the rigor of fire operations.
- 168 -

Practical
Workshop
Speakers
- 169 -

- 170 -

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP
Fire Ground Survival Practicum
In this practical workshop, students will perform life-saving techniques developed by FGS
instructors. Each participant will don full turnout gear. They will then engage in tasks that will
simulate breaching walls and passing through the narrowing openings utilizing a low-profile
maneuver. Participants will have the opportunity to navigate through entanglements hazards
under the guidance of FGS instructors. Lastly, participants will demonstrate several methods of
escape from an upper floor with and without a ground ladder.
LEAD IAFF FGS MASTER INSTRUCTOR
Derek Alkonis, Battalion Chief
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Los Angeles, California
IAFF FGS MASTER INSTRUCTORS
Dana Brooks, Captain
IAFF Local 1619
Prince George’s County
Largo, Maryland
Melissa Kennedy, Fire Fighter
IAFF Local 27
Seattle Fire Department
Seattle, Washington
Kevin Klar, Battalion Chief
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County FD
Los Angeles, California
Kevin Kalmus, Lieutenant
IAFF Local 975
Austin Fire Department
Austin, Texas
Michael Hayes, Captain (retired)
IAFF Local 854
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
Mike Cacciola, Lieutenant
IAFF Local 854
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
Kevin Frye, Engineer
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County FD
Los Angeles, California
Stan Brawer, Captain
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County FD
Los Angeles, California
- 171 -

- 172 -

PRACTICAL WORKSHOP
Electric Vehicle Safety Practicum
Some of the risks emergency responders face while operating on the scene of a motor vehicle
crash is well known, but the emergence of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has created additional
hazards and challenges that must be considered. Recent studies predict there will be more
than one million EVs on the road by 2015. This interactive workshop will address emergency
response needs for alternative energy vehicles, including safe response and required extrication
and training considerations. This workshop will begin with an overview of the NFPA Electric
Vehicle Safety Training Initiative, featuring an inside look at the technology and safety systems
for Hybrids and EVs. The Overview will be followed by a synopsis of the Chevrolet Volt safety
features that will include considerations for responding to a motor vehicle crash involving an
extended range electric Chevrolet Volt. The workshop will provide a detailed look at the Volt's
electrical system, as well as a brief presentation focused on crash information provided by
OnStar. The workshop will conclude with a live extrication demonstration that will highlight both
the critical differences and similarities in extrication techniques necessary when responding to
emergencies involving EVs. Vehicles for this program have been provided by General Motors
and all extrication equipment has been provided by the Fire Department, City of New York’s
Bureau of Training and the New York City Fire Academy.
MODERATOR
Casey Grant, PE
Research Director
Fire Protection Research Foundation
Quincy, Massachusetts
EVS PANEL AND INSTRUCTORS
George Baker, Public Policy Manager
OnStar, General Motors
Detroit, Michigan
Leslie Kilgore, Manager
Safety Integration and Public Policy
General Motors
Detroit, Michigan
- 173 -

Electric Vehicle Safety Practicum
EVS PANEL AND INSTRUCTORS (CONTINUED)
Jason Emery, Fire Service Training Consultant
NFPA Electric Vehicle Safety Training Program
Quincy, Massachusetts
Ron Moore, Division Chief (retired)
McKinney Fire Department
McKinney, Texas
Keith Schultz, Senior Manager
Global Vehicle High Voltage Electric & Battery Safety
General Motors
Detroit, Michigan
James Duggan, Captain
Fire Department, City of New York
IAFF Local 854
New York, New York
Paul Nugent, Captain
Fire Department, City of New York
IAFF Local 854
New York, New York
Robert O’Hara, Lieutenant
Fire Department, City of New York
IAFF Local 854
New York, New York
- 174 -

Roundtable
Speakers
- 175 -

- 176 -

Ask the Doc: The Physician Roundtable
An open roundtable discussion on the medical needs and physician involvement in fire department
occupational health and medical programs as well as those involved in fire fighter occupational
health research. This is an opportunity to further explore issues addressed by physicians presenting
during this symposium.
ROUNDTABLE FACILITATOR
James Melius, MD, DrPH
Chairman
IAFF Board of Medical Advisors
John P. Redmond Foundation
Washington, DC
Thomas Hales, MD
Senior Medical Epidemiologist, DSCHEFS
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Cincinnati, Ohio
Steven Moffatt, MD
Medical Director
Public Safety Medical Services
Indianapolis, Indiana
Melissa McDiarmid, MD, MPH
Professor of Medicine
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
Joanna Gaitens, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
James Brown, PhD
Director, Firefighter Health & Safety Research
Indiana University - Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Travis Kubale, PhD
Epidemiologist, DSCHEFS
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Cincinnati, Ohio
Stefanos Kales, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Harvard School of Medicine
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Franklin Pratt, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Los Angeles, California
Virginia Weaver, MD, MPH
Occupational & Environmental Medicine Residency
John’s Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Kerry Kelly, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
David Prezant, MD
Chief Medical Director
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
Marilyn C. Roberts, PhD
Professor, Department of Environmental and
Occupational Health Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
- 177 -

Fire Apparatus Design and Safety Roundtable:
Beyond the IAFF Initiative
This roundtable will provide a further opportunity to get answers to your questions from the experts
on apparatus specifications and procurement, standards development, accident investigations,
electrical vehicles and components of the IAFF, NFPA and USFA programs.
MODERATOR
Kevin Roche
Assistant Fire Marshal
Phoenix Fire Department
IAFF Local 493
Phoenix, Arizona
PANEL
Mike Wieder
Assistant Director
International Fire Service Training Association
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Steve Crothers
Lieutenant
Seattle Fire Department
IAFF Local 27
Seattle, Washington
Mike Wilbur
Lieutenant
Fire Department, City of New York
New York, New York
- 178 -

Ask the Trainer: The WFI, CPAT, PFT and FGS
This open roundtable provides the opportunity to network and discuss successful strategies for
fire department WFI, CPAT, PFT and FGS programs. The session covers the updates in the 3rd
Edition of the Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI), including protocol changes and implementation
tools, as well as the 2nd Edition of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), including new
orientation requirements, data collection, licensure policy and re-validation of the test. We will
address the IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) Certification Program which has now certified over
5,500 PFTs. The new Fire Ground Survival (FGS) program and the delivery methods will also
be discussed.
MODERATOR
Jason Atkin, Wellness Assistant
International Association of Fire Fighters
Washington, DC
PANEL
Derek Alkonis, Battalion Chief
Los Angeles County Fire Department
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County, California
Stan Brawer, Captain
Los Angeles County Fire Department
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County, California
Dana Brooks, Captain
Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department
IAFF Local 1619
Prince George’s County, Maryland
Mike Cacciola, Lieutenant
Fire Department, City of New York
IAFF Local 854
New York, New York
Ian Crosby, Wellness Coordinator
Calgary Fire Department
IAFF Local 255
Calgary, Alberta
George Cruz, Battalion Chief
Los Angeles County Fire Department
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County, California
Melissa Kennedy, Fire Fighter
Seattle Fire Department
IAFF Local 27
Seattle, Washington
Kevin Klar, Battalion Chief
Los Angeles County Fire Department
IAFF Local 1014
Los Angeles County, California
Kevin Kalmus, Lieutenant
Austin Fire Department
IAFF Local 975
Austin, Texas
Michael Hayes, Captain (retired)
Fire Department, City of New York
IAFF Local 854
New York, New York
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Ask the Medical Directors: EAGLES Answer
The U.S. Metropolitan Municipalities EMS Medical Directors Consortium (The “Eagles” Coalition)
is comprised of most of the jurisdictional EMS Medical Directors for the nation’s 20 - 25 largest
cities 9-1-1 systems as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. In essence, this small cadre of
leading emergency specialists not only oversee the medical aspects of day-to-day 9-1-1 calls and
early resuscitative care in the nation’s most populous cities, but most of them are also responsible
for much of the medical aspects of homeland security in these high-risk venues in which nearly
50 million Americans dwell and make their livelihood. This round table will provide participants
with an opportunity to ask about the most cutting edge information on EMS research, management
issues, lessons learned and newly-proposed advanced patient care techniques.
MODERATOR
Paul Pepe, MD, Medical Director
Dallas Fire Department
Dallas, Texas
PANEL
Raymond Fowler, MD, FACEP, Professor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
David Persse, MD, Medical Director
Houston Fire Department
Houston, Texas
Kathleen S. Schrank, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine
University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Corey M. Slovis, MD, FACP, Chairman of Emergency Medicine
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Terence Valenzuela, MD, Medical Director
Tucson Fire Department
Tucson, Arizona
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Ask the Feds: EMS Federal Partner Agencies
Spend face-to-face time with leaders from our Federal EMS Partner agencies. Agencies include,
Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, U.S. Fire Administration and more. Federal Partners coordinate with each other
through the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS). FICEMS addresses many areas
that affect EMS at the national, state and local level including: EMS data standardization and
collection; EMS disaster preparedness; National EMS Assessment; EMS research funding review
and EMS education agenda. In addition to Federal EMS Partner agencies, the Roundtable will
provide the opportunity to hear from and question leaders of National EMS education organizations
including the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) and the Committee on Accreditation of
Educational Programs for the EMS Profession (CoAEMSP).
PANEL
William E. Brown, Jr.
Executive Director
National Registry of EMTs
Columbus, Ohio
Drew Dawson
Chief, EMS Division
NHTSA Office of Safety Programs
Washington, DC
Glenn A. Gaines
Deputy U. S. Fire Administrator
United States Fire Administration
Washington, DC
George W. Hatch, MD
Executive Director
CoAEMSP
Bedford, Texas
Richard Patrick
First Responder Coordinator
DHS, FEMA, Office of Medical Readiness
Washington, DC
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Ask the Educators: Earning Your Fire Science Degree
The IAFF, in partnership with Penn Foster College and the National Labor College, is offering
an online Degree Program in Fire Science. This new educational opportunity is exclusively for
IAFF union members. This session will cover the specifics of this program, the curriculum,
transfer credit, pricing, how the online program works (including the mobile delivery option),
and much more.
MODERATOR
Kevin Rader
Director
Department of Education
International Association of Fire Fighters
Washington, DC
PANEL
Thomas O’Keefe
President
Penn Foster College
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Carol Rodgers
Associate Provost for External Relations and Director of Admissions
National Labor College
Silver Spring, Maryland
Jim Stedman, MPA, BC (retired)
Fire Science Program Director
Penn Foster College
Scranton, Pennsylvania
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IAFF John P. Redmond Foundation
Reducing deaths, injuries and illnesses among fire fighters are major concerns of the International Association
of Fire Fighters (IAFF) which has been actively involved in improving the health and safety of fire fighters.
During the course of a single year, a fire fighter has greater than a forty percent chance of being injured.
In fact, fire fighters’ deaths, injuries and occupationally-induced illnesses exceed the mining, construction
and logging industries, each of which annually rank among the most hazardous occupations. Clearly, the
profession of fire fighting, “the world’s most hazardous profession,” deserves concentrated attention and
support in order to reduce the number of injuries, illnesses and deaths.
As a result, the John P. Redmond Foundation (earlier, referred to as the John P. Redmond Memorial Trust
Fund) was established as a non-profit organization at the IAFF Convention in 1958, in memory of John P.
Redmond, the fourth President of the IAFF who died in office from occupational heart disease. The purpose
of the fund was to encourage and conduct research and education regarding the occupational hazards
and diseases associated with fire fighting. These efforts have been supported over the years through IAFF
membership dues, voluntary contributions from IAFF affiliates, IAFF Auxiliary chapters, and memorial gifts
from families and friends of fire fighters, as well as support from federal agencies such as the Department of
Homeland Security, the U.S. Fire Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Institute for Science and Technology.
To promote education, the Redmond Foundation has co-sponsored a symposium on the occupational health
and hazards of the fire service every two years. The twenty symposia held since 1971 provided forums
for detailed discussions on safety and health matters directly affecting fire fighting personnel. Participants
in those discussions included fire fighters, medical researchers, medical practitioners, safety experts, fire
chiefs, city management representatives, political leaders, universities, industry representatives, and federal
government representatives from various agencies. Often times, those in attendance have initiated new
research efforts or caused programs to be implemented to reduce the hazards associated with fire fighting.
In addition, these symposia have provided valuable opportunities for fire fighters from across the United
States and Canada to learn about the occupational hazards of their profession as well as ways to minimize
these dangers. In this way, the Redmond Foundation has maintained a forefront position on health and
safety issues affecting fire fighters. This, the twenty-first symposium, promises a program addressing what
we believe to be the most significant health and safety issues in the fire service. This program will address
relevant and timely issues and promote new IAFF initiatives and challenges which we believe can and
will make significant changes in the fire service and ultimately save the lives of our emergency response
members.
While much deserved attention has been focused on the biennial symposiums, they are only a piece of
the Foundation’s efforts. The studies funded through the Foundation have led to medical evidence that
correlates heart and lung diseases as well as occupational cancers with the profession of fire fighting. This
research has been used successfully to lobby numerous state legislatures for the adoption of statutes that
automatically provide compensation benefits to fire fighters with heart and lung diseases and occupational
cancers. The Foundation has also supported research which examined the effects of the number one fire
killer, carbon monoxide, as well as studies involving product liability, diesel exhaust in fire stations and
lower-back injuries. Additionally, the foundation provided the resources for the IAFF’s efforts to successfully
enact the NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations,
Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments. Finally,
the Foundation continues to support field testing advances in protective clothing via Project FIRES, the
IAFF’s latest initiative Project HEROES and the new IAFF project on light weight SCBA pressure vessels.
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History of the IAFF John P. Redmond Symposia
YEAR LOCATION ATTENDEES
1971 First Symposium
Notre Dame University; South Bend, Indiana 300
1973 Second Symposium
Notre Dame University; South Bend, Indiana 250
1975 Third Symposium
Chase-Park Plaza Hotel; St. Louis, Missouri 300
1977 Fourth Symposium
Shoreham-Americana Hotel; Washington, D.C. 400
1979 Fifth Symposium
Vacation Village; San Diego, California 350
1981 Sixth Symposium
Diplomat Hotel; Hollywood, Florida 450
1983 Seventh Symposium
Sheraton Centre; Toronto, Ontario 600
1985 Eighth Symposium
Hyatt Regency; Houston, Texas 700
1987 Ninth Symposium
Anaheim Hilton; Anaheim, California 800
1989 Tenth Symposium
Fairmont Hotel; New Orleans, Louisiana 950
1991 Eleventh Symposium
Las Vegas Hilton; Las Vegas, Nevada 1,060
1993 Twelfth Symposium
Sheraton Boston Hotel; Boston, Massachusetts 1,079
1995 Thirteenth Symposium
San Francisco Hilton; San Francisco, California 1,024
1997 Fourteenth Symposium
Sheraton Centre; Toronto, Ontario 1,157
1999 Fifteenth Symposium
Hilton Hawaiian Village; Honolulu, Hawaii 827
2001 Sixteenth Symposium
Phoenix Civic Plaza; Phoenix, Arizona 1,525
2003 Seventeenth Symposium
San Francisco Hilton; San Francisco, California 1,314
2005 Eighteenth Symposium
Hilton Hawaiian Village; Honolulu, Hawaii 865
2007 Nineteenth Symposium
Chicago Hilton; Chicago, Illinois 1,517
2009 Twentieth Symposium
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza; Los Angeles, California 1,207
2011 Twenty-First Symposium, in conjunction with the Eleventh EMS Conference
Hilton New York; New York City, New York
1,400 est.
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IAFF Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference
The Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference, which began in 1991, explores all aspects of fire-based emergency
medical services. From the tenets of emergency response system design and operations to medical direction
and privatization and from quality assessment and data collection to billing for transport, this Conference
covers the most relevant topics affecting fire service-based EMS systems.
In recent years, the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) has progressed from an amenity to a
citizen-required public service. Many providers sought the opportunity to develop EMS systems while
others had the responsibility of EMS provision thrust upon them. The providers of prehospital emergency
care across the United States and Canada may vary; however, few communities, if any, lack vital emergency
medical services at some level—in most communities, provided by the fire department.
Today more than 90 percent of professional paid fire departments deliver some emergency medical care
services, making fire departments the largest group of providers of prehospital EMS care in North America.
No other organization, public or private, is capable of providing prehospital emergency response as efficiently
and effectively as fire departments. Fire department operations are geared to rapid response, whether it is for
EMS or fire suppression. Yet, in today’s environment of increased responsibilities and decreasing budgets,
local government and fire department leaders must constantly evaluate and justify current systems and
be prepared to propose system design changes to protect the quality of publicly-funded fire-based EMS.
The information provided in the biennial Dominic F. Barbera EMS Conference is designed to provide
background on EMS systems necessary to bring understanding of system components and system design
models. It is also intended to deliver information to guide local fire department leaders in analyzing their
EMS systems by presenting experiences of fire departments, current technical knowledge and a vision for
the future.
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History of the IAFF Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conferences
YEAR LOCATION ATTENDEES
1991 First Conference
Doral County Club and Resort Miami Dade County, Florida 412
1993 Second Conference
Westin Hotel; Seattle, Washington 347
1995 Third Conference
Las Vegas Hilton; Las Vegas, Nevada 700
1997 Fourth Conference
Tropicana; Atlantic City, New Jersey. 1,032
1999 Fifth Conference
San Francisco Hilton; San Francisco, California 787
2001 Sixth Conference
Minneapolis Hilton; Minneapolis, Minnesota 626
2003 Seventh Conference
Diplomat Hotel; Hollywood, Florida 504
2005 Eighth Conference
Paris Hotel; Las Vegas, Nevada 661
2007 Ninth Conference
Hilton Americas Hotel; Houston, Texas 558
2009 Tenth Conference
Fontainebleau Hotel; Miami Beach, Florida 451
2011 Eleventh Conference, in conjunction with Twenty-First Redmond Symposium
Hilton New York; New York City, New York
1,400 est.
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