BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Overwhelmed to Overcoming - Managing First Alarm Overload- (Trey Nelms; Nashville FD/Pleasant View VFD)

In the emergency service, we often respond to a variety of incidents. Some of these situations push us to our limit upon arrival. What do you do when you are overwhelmed by the situation? In this class, we will review a variety of issues that first alarm companies can encounter on arrival or at an escalating incident. On scene video footage will put you into the action where preparation, decision making, determination, and solid firemanship make the difference. Firsthand accounts and information from each situation will enhance learning and give attendees more tools for their toolbox.

The Power of Balance – Leveraging Force Multipliers in Leadership- (Jeremy Sanders- Captain Edmond, OK; Crew 1st Culture & Crew 1st Podcast)

In the absence of balance, chaos and confusion often fill the void. The same goes for character traits, even the most positive of character traits become negative when they exist on the extreme end of the spectrum. The Power of Balance sets out to bring to light some blind spots that have always existed in the areas of leadership character & qualities. By finding a balance within pairs of contrasting traits the power of those traits explodes exponentially. A few quick examples of these pairs are the balance between Leading by Example & Empowering Others, and the balance between Humility & Strength. By placing our focus on balancing out contrasting traits, we will greatly increase our leadership skill and our influence. We must stretch ourselves out beyond the areas of our comfort to experience the growth that is required to become a next level leader.

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” – Jana Kingsford

Through The Lock: Street Smart Entry for First-Due Companies- (Adam Haywood; Independent Fire Training)

This class explores various time-tested techniques for making entry on both residential and commercial properties. We discuss the anatomy and weaknesses of a wide array of locks, assorted TTL tools from the simple screwdriver to the specialized JV Tool, attack options for locking knobs, deadbolts, panic bars, mortise locks, rim locks, padlocks, hotel door guards, and more. Several working lock props are incorporated in the class for students to visualize how various locks operate and how they can be defeated with the right tools. This class delivers relevant content and training that is applicable to all types of fire departments around the country whether rural or urban, volunteer or career; everyone from the brand-new recruit to the seasoned veteran will walk away with a better understanding of how locks work and how to defeat them on emergency scenes.

* Note: Some skill opportunities may be provided if time allows

Performing Hard-hitting “Truck Work” (With or Without a “Truck”)- (Fred Malven- Asst. Chief of Training, Nevada Iowa)

A good football team has to do more than put points on the scoreboard—they must protect their winnings with a good defense and equally effective special teams. The same is true of firefighting. Aggressive fire attack doesn’t count for much if it’s not backed up by timely and effective Laddering, Overhaul, Ventilation, Entry, Rescue, Salvage (property conservation), Power supply, Lighting, Utility control, and other Special operations. In heavily populated areas, these LOVERS PLUS functions are often called “truck work,” because they are performed by the crews of ladder trucks. No matter who performs them, they are essential prerequisites to effective fire operations. This course will explain methods of making efficient truck work the cornerstone of any fire department’s operation, be it city or rural, large or small, whether staffing is lavish or marginal-- whether they operate a ladder truck or not.

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

The 9L’s- (Corley Moore- Batt. Chief Moore, OK; owner of Firehouse Vigilance and “The Weekly Scrap” Podcast)

The mission of the class is to give people the tools they need to build a high-performance culture within their organization. I am extremely passionate about this, and I believe that understanding these principles can challenge anyone, anywhere to improve the culture of their department. The presentation is broken down into nine principles of leadership all of which start with the letter "L". Learn, Listen, Love, Look, Laugh, Level, Live, Labor, Last. The ultimate point of the class is to provide them with the single greatest tool that I can give to someone in a leadership role, and that is a lens by which you can judge every decision around the firehouse... before you make it. (I say firehouse on purpose... not fireground)

*Note: This is a 4-hour interactive lecture and will run during the two afternoon breakout sessions.

Through the Darkness – Arming Today’s Firefighters for the War Within- (Jeremy Sanders- Captain Edmond, OK; Crew 1st Culture & Crew 1st Podcast)

While physical fitness and mental health topics have made their way into more mainstream conversation, there are still many remaining barriers, skewed perspectives, and personal biases that need to be broken down. Even though it is gaining traction, mental health often struggles in the shadows of much more flashy and sexy topics, but this must change. Although the dangers of this job are very real, each year we lose more brothers and sisters to something much more dangerous – the war within. Through the Darkness is about filling in the gaps that aren’t mainstream topics such as Mental Toughness, Operational Resiliency, Mindfulness, and most importantly Breathing Techniques. These topics and techniques play a key role in our quality of life and can enhance the performance of everyone from the most seasoned and salty veterans to our kids playing youth sports. In the world we live in and even more importantly, in the profession that we are a part of this conversation is needed more than ever. Through the Darkness will teach you the invaluable tools that are needed to find the strength and the resilience to stay in the fight.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5

Preventing the Death of the Fire Service Culture- (Chip Ashford & Aaron Burlingame; St. Charles FD Missouri)

This class is meant to be an open discussion to bring out ideas and proven ways that not only build a strong Firehouse culture with great morale, but also how to not lose what you are trying to create. As the current senior members of the Fire Service begin to reach retirement, we need to stress and teach the young generation on what the culture really is. The class is geared towards all members of the Fire Service, from the youngest member to the most senior Fire Chief.

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

The 9L’s- (Corley Moore- Batt. Chief Moore, OK; owner of Firehouse Vigilance and “The Weekly Scrap” Podcast)

The mission of the class is to give people the tools they need to build a high-performance culture within their organization. I am extremely passionate about this, and I believe that understanding these principles can challenge anyone, anywhere to improve the culture of their department. The presentation is broken down into nine principles of leadership all of which start with the letter "L". Learn, Listen, Love, Look, Laugh, Level, Live, Labor, Last. The ultimate point of the class is to provide them with the single greatest tool that I can give to someone in a leadership role, and that is a lens by which you can judge every decision around the firehouse... before you make it. (I say firehouse on purpose... not fireground)

*Note: This is a 4-hour interactive lecture and will run during the two afternoon breakout sessions.

The Mission: Search- (Bryan Matthew; MV Fire Rescue TX)

“The Mission” starts is a lecture that outlines the latest data from Firefighter Rescue Survey, sizing up the building for search, failures of the modern fire service and tips and data to achieve successful search operations on the fireground. We go over search and victim removal at the strategic, tactical and task level. The class is data-driven, highlighting data from rescues and experiences of the instructors. This lecture is strongly encouraged for anyone attending the hands-on search class.

*This class is strongly encouraged if you plan to attend The Mission: Search HOT track.

Wildland Tactics for the Midwest - (Jesse Sloan; Kansas Forestry Service)

Aggressive mindsets and offensive tactics work! Most of the time… In the Midwest and specifically SE Kansas, a drive out and get it approach works due to cropland and the grid patterned roads serving as fire breaks. In 2015 the NFPA reported just shy of 25% of fires were grass, brush, and forest fires; in 2023 it jumped to 51%. That jump is significant and this class will offer western wildland strategies and tactics in a way they can be adapted to fit here at home when “plan A” fails. Through a lesson learned video, first hand accounts, and a presentation from the spouse of a KS FF LODD students will walk away more equipped to handle the increasing threat and realities of wildland fires.

*This class is strongly encouraged if you plan to attend the Live Grass Fire HOT track.

Metal Mayhem- (One Warrior LLC)

Metal Mayhem is a highly effective hands-on class with heavy emphasis on removing the vehicle from around a trapped victim while utilizing modern techniques that work in real life, on your highways. Instructors take the time to assure students understand not just why they are making the cuts that they are making, but how and when. Whether you are brand new to the fire service, or a battle-hardened veteran, this class will have something for you! Your instructors will not just teach you effective cuts, but you will leave with the confidence and the decision-making skills your patients need the most!

Extrication is a staple of the fire service. For those that have taken this course previously or are well versed in basic extrication, additional opportunities will be added this year. Lifting & stabilization are two critical components of the overall extrication process, students will get to learn on and practice with numerous different tools to test their knowledge and skills.

*This class is strongly encouraged if you plan to attend the Metal Mayhem HOT track.