Thousands Arrive in Baltimore for Firehouse Expo
BALTIMORE -- Thousands of firefighters and emergency responders are descending on the city for Firehouse Expo.
In addition to the usual firefighter operations and tactics, there will be a number of classes dealing with surviving during the recession.
With budgets forcing the closing of firehouses and layoffs of firefighters, how do crews get the message across to elected officials?
That will be discussed during a session entitled "A Basic Understanding of the Fire Service for Public and Elected Officials."
The four-hour class is free to public officials who are accompanied by a conference attendee.
"We hope there will be some elected officials there," said Harvey Eisner, Firehouse Expo director. "This is the first time something like this has been offered."
Another hot button topic on the agenda involves dealing with the media. Good or bad, the news will get out.
Two veteran fire service public information officers join with a longtime Washington, D.C. television reporter to discuss the issues.
Officers or people aspiring to be promoted will want to participate in the leadership courses offered. "They will cover topics from A to Z," Eisner said.
On Saturday, some of the same officers will be available for breakout sessions during which crews can ask them questions.
Another premiere offering this year involves public fire education.
"It takes more than plastic fire hats!" The course description says: "Fire continues to kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined, and is still one of the leadings causes of death and injury in the home for children. This presentation is designed to get students thinking about the fire problem in the U.S. in relation to fire prevention, and to rethink our current approach to educating and communicating with our public in order to best influence attitudes and change behaviors; as well as the need to grow a true prevention first fire service culture for our future.
Dispatchers also will have the opportunity to hear from veterans who will discuss the nuts and bolts of that industry.
EMS personnel also have a number of courses that will address topics such as airway issues, smoke inhalation, stroke protocols, specialty referral centers and dealing with a pregnant patient.
Also, crews will learn how officials go about conducting an investigation of a major fire. The veterans will tell why the first 72-hours of the probe are so important. Eisner said there's still time to register for the courses. In addition, there are hundreds of vendors displaying and selling tools, equipment, apparatus and clothing.
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