H.O.T. Class Schedule (Sun, Feb 23rd)
BE THAT GUY!
How to Save Yourself and Others using the Basic Tools you have on you
Lead Instructors:
Captain Tony Tricarico, FDNY, Squad 252 (ret.)
Battalion Chief John Cagno, No. Providence (RI) FD (ret.)
This presentation is designed to give firefighters the techniques and simple actions to save yourself or another member in a rapid manner using just the common tools and basic equipment carried by members on the fire ground.
This is not a or RIT operation, this about keeping yourself and/or your team alive.
The methods taught in this presentation are focused on removal and extraction techniques without the support of additional members and equipment. It’s about firefighter survival using an actionable thought process, emotional intelligence and recognition prime decision making.
When things start going sideways and you can not wait for additional help, you want to be the guy that brings hope to a bad situation. When recounting the Black Sunday Fire in the Bronx, Jeff Cool said that “Joey was the guy I wanted in the window next to me, he was THAT GUY.” You want to be the person that people want with them when things are going bad. Street smart and common sense methods that work when time is critical.
This course is presented by two veterans that have been directly involved in FF removals in their careers.
8 - HOURS
SPECIALTY NOZZLES
Lead Instructors:
Andy Plofkin, Director of No. American Sales, SafeFleet Fire (Elkhart Brass)
42 year veteran, currently with Greenville Fire Protection District (IL)
This class will go through the various nozzles; specialty nozzles that many departments have but are seldom used for all types of applications.
You will flow water with all of them and be shown some tricks and tips to better their performance for extinguishment.
Bring a specialty nozzle your department uses if you like.
You will get wet!
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
GROUND LADDERS & VES
Lead Instructors:
Jason Jeffery, Georgetown (TX) FD
Donovan Carrasco, Cedar Park (TX) FD
Firefighters will perform various evolutions designed to develop skills on the fire ground at residential structure fires. Many skills will be taught and performed including; Hose handling, Forcible Entry, Laddering, VEIS, Search and Communications. There will be live fire with smoke and heat conditions in the County burn building with seasoned instructors guiding you through each evolution.
This course aims to equip firefighters with the essential skills and knowledge required to perform basic, yet critical Ground Ladder & Vent, Enter & Search operations safely and effectively.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newer firefighter you will learn or enhance your knowledge from experienced instructors. Students will work through different skills understanding the importance of coordinating ventilation with inside operations, basic hand tools, laddering and proper size up for safe operations.
This program is designed to ultimately enhancing their capabilities as an effective and skilled member of a truck company.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
APARTMENT FIRES - LIVE FIRE H.O.T.
Lead Instructors:
Sr. Captain Dustin Schroeder, Houston FD, Ladder 68
Captain Mario Castillo, Houston FD, Engine 68
Firefighters will perform various evolutions designed to develop skills on the fire ground at Apartment Fires.
Many skills will be taught and performed including; Hose handling, Forcible Entry, Laddering, VES, Search and Communications.
There will be LIVE FIRE with SMOKE and HEAT conditions in the HFD Burn Building with seasoned Houston Firefighters & Officers guiding you through each evolution.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
STANDPIPE OPERATIONS
Lead Instructors:
Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNY, Engine 69 (ret)
Captain Kevin Story, Houston FD, Engine 8 (ret)
Not all standpipe operations are performed in the same way!
This course is designed to teach proper methods of utilizing a standpipe system, hooking up, stretching hose lines and operating in large and multi-story structures.
The course will begin with a classroom presentation followed by hands on operations in a multi-story structure.
Instructors will work with students on tasks that are constants and that will always be performed before firefighters advance a hose lines into the harm's way.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
COMMERCIAL FIRES - LIVE FIRE H.O.T.
Lead Instructors:
Deputy Chief Aaron Heller, Hamilton (NJ) FD (ret)
On Scene Training Associates ("OSTA")
Firefighters will perform various evolutions designed to develop skills on the fire ground at Commercial Fires.
Many skills will be taught and performed including; Hose handling, Forcible Entry, Laddering, VES, Search and Communications.
There will be LIVE FIRE with SMOKE and HEAT conditions in the HFD Burn Building with seasoned Houston Firefighters & Officers guiding you through each evolution.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
VERTICAL VENTILATION
Lead Instructors:
Firefighter Dusten Gray, Houston FD, Ladder 68
Lt. Mark VanBerschot, Stafford (TX) FD, Engine 24
This course aims to equip firefighters with the essential skills and knowledge required to perform critical VERTICAL VENTILATION operations safely and effectively.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newer firefighter you will learn or enhance your knowledge from experienced instructors.
Students will work through different skills understanding the importance of coordinating ventilation with inside operations, power saw operations, basic hand tools, laddering and proper size up for safe operations.
This program is designed to ultimately enhancing their capabilities as an effective and skilled member of a ROOF VENTILATION CREW.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
REAL WORLD AERIAL OPS
Lead Instructor:
Larry DiCamillo
E/O, Houston FD, Ladder 68
Fire Chief, Stafford (TX) FD
Owner, C-Side Consultants
Understanding effective apparatus positioning and operations on the modern fire ground.
This class will cover restricted setups, non-traditional stabilization, multiple aerial throws to reach the objective and other skills to allow the truck company to be as effective as possible on the fire ground.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
FIRE BEHAVIOR/FLASHOVER - LIVE FIRE H.O.T.
Lead Instructors:
Houston Fire Academy Staff
This isn’t just about flashover and the modern fire curve!
This course is designed for the firefighter to increase their knowledge on what is actually happening around them in a fire building.
The course will begin with a short classroom presentation followed by a rotation of live burns that demonstrate each and every aspect of the presentation under real fire conditions.
Students will see firsthand changes on the fire ground including; fire growth, proper and improper ventilation, oxygen limited fires, roll over, flashover and more! Students will also operate with a Thermal Imaging Camera and proper use of the CAN!
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
THE ENGINE CHAUFFEUR - UNDERSTANDING THE PUMP!
Lead Instructor:
Deputy Chief Jose Magaña, Stafford (TX) FD
The fire service has experienced many changes in how we operate over the past 50 years- Bunker gear, thermal pane windows, SCBA usage. Some of these changes have been identified as they were happening and training was changed in order to keep up.
The transition from a throttle and relief valve set up, to a pressure governor on our engine companies was one of these changes.
A paradigm shift is needed for an Engineer to properly supply handlines on the fireground.
We will go more in depth to explain some of the common mistakes made on the fireground and teach why this continues to happen.
This class will explore the differences in the process to properly supply and pressurize handlines on the fireground. The difference between pressure and volume in a two-stage pump, as well as identifying nozzle reaction as an issue in some cases. Teaching our Chauffeurs to understand how the pressure governor works through engine cues, relationship of gauges, identifying how much volume of water is available, and the difference between using tank water or a positive water source are all identified and explained.
The class will also give the student the knowledge to choose between the backstretch or inline pumping, depending upon hydrant location and manpower availability, as well as the knowledge to choose the proper intake in order to leave the front of the building clear for aerial apparatus.
The hands-on portion will take all of the concepts explained and show the student in a real-world situation how the pressure governor behaves in multiple scenarios, and allows the student to operate and learn.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
FIREFIGHTER DOWN!
Lead Instructor:
FF Eric Allen, Philadelphia (PA) FD
Co-Owner, FAST Rescue Solutions
This course is designed to take your firefighter rescue skills to the next level.
Given the high likelihood that a member of a fire crew working inside a structure may need to initiate—or even complete—the rescue of a downed firefighter, it’s critical to be prepared.
Our goal is to teach you a systematic approach to a wide range of rescue techniques, both conventional and unconventional, to ensure swift and safe rescues.
Our expert instructors will guide you through a comprehensive suite of rescue strategies, including performing rapid assessments, executing various drags and carries, navigating stairs safely, and much more.
By focusing on both the technical and practical aspects of firefighter rescue, we aim to equip you with the skills needed to respond efficiently under pressure.
Each participant will receive personalized attention, allowing for hands-on experience and tailored feedback. This ensures that you leave the course with the confidence and competence to handle rescue situations effectively.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
RESIDENTIAL FIRES - LIVE FIRE H.O.T.
Lead Instructors:
Exec. Ass't Chief Mo Davis, Houston (TX) FD
District Chief Mike Phillips, Houston (TX) FD (ret)
Firefighters will perform various evolutions designed to develop skills on the fire ground at Commercial Fires.
Many skills will be taught and performed including; Hose handling, Forcible Entry, Laddering, VES, Search and Communications.
There will be LIVE FIRE with SMOKE and HEAT conditions in the HFD Burn Building with seasoned Houston Firefighters & Officers guiding you through each evolution.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
TRENCH RESCUE
Lead Instructors:
FF Mario Badillo, Houston (TX) FD, Rescue 10
FF Wayland Kelley, Houston (TX) FD, Rescue 42
Trench and excavation rescues are extremely dangerous emergencies that can happen anywhere and at any time. This program is designed for firefighters trained in technical rescue, work in a support roll or are interested in being on a technical rescue trench team.
Students will discuss the hazards of these operations, utilize various equipment and remove a victim from a trench.
8 - HOURS
FUNCTIONAL R.I.T.
Lead Instructors:
Capt. Mike O'Hare, Houston (TX) FD, Rescue Ops
This course is designed for the Firefighter and Fire Officer to enhance their ability to operate proficiently as a Rapid Intervention Team.
Students will go through various stations utilizing different equipment and rescue techniques in zero visibility to save our own. The following skills will be covered Air Management, Emergency Communications, Downed Firefighter Removal Techniques and Self-Survival Skills.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
THE ESCAPE ROOM - FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL
Lead Instructors:
Houston Fire Academy Staff
This challenging class isn't for the faint of heart; you will be lead through a multi-story, extremely challenging network of mazes that will strengthen your ability to stay calm under pressure, while learning new techniques for survival.
You will be led by Captain Romolo, and other Houston Fire Department veterans on this one of a kind, custom build house.
You will walk away with a sense of accomplishment!
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)
WINDOW & LADDER BAILOUTS & FIREFIGHTER ESCAPE SYSTEMS
Lead Instructor:
JC Colorado, San Francisco (CA) FD (ret)
Owner, Fire Innovations
This course is designed for the Firefighter and Fire Officer to enhance their ability to safely and rapidly exit a burning room through a window.
Firefighters place themselves at great risk while performing their job on the fireground. Searching for life and fire, searching the floor above, being placed in untenable conditions – these and many other positions require firefighters to be smart aware and ready to act.
Firefighters must always have a sense of “situational awareness” and the ability to understand the environment conditions as they change and evolve. Having “Hazardous Recognition” offers the ability to quickly react when you may have seconds to make a move.
4 - HOURS (AM)
4 - HOURS (PM)