CLASSES OFFERED

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Firefighting and Rescue Classes

Short Staffed Engine Company Operations

12 Tactics for the Fire Ground

Extrication Tips and Tactics

Fighting Modern Vehicle Fires

Firefighter Down CPR

Primary Search Strategy and Tactics

Carbon Monoxide, Natural Gas and Carbon Dioxide Incidents

Handling Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System Activations

Machinery Rescue Awareness

Machinery Rescue Operations: Hands on Man vs. Machine scenarios

Incident Command System ICS-200

Scene Size Up

Structural Protection in the Wildland Urban Interface

Vehicle Extrication Awareness and Operations



Programs eligible for EMT CEUs

Bloodborne Pathogens, Right to Know (Hazard Communication) and Haz Mat Operations Refresher

Incident Command System ICS-200.C

Machinery Rescue Awareness

Stop The Bleed: Bleeding Control

Traumatic Injuries: Avulsions and Impalements

Vehicle Extrication Awareness

Burns

Further descriptions of each class below:

12 Tactical Tips for the Fireground ★

Lecture • 1 Hour 15 Minutes

My favorite class to present, we will discuss 12 topics on firefighting that I feel are critical to success on the fire ground and the safety of our firefighters. We will briefly discuss time tested tactics, as well as some methods to make our apparatus and firefighters “battle ready.” The twelve topics are:

1. Preparation 2. Entanglement 3. Portable Radios and Radio Reports 4. Solar Panel Fire Basics 5. Sizing Up to Locate Fire Victims 6. Primary Search Techniques 7. Pressured Water Can Confidence 8. Stretching the First Line 9. Techniques for Overcoming Engine Company Short Staffing 10. Coordinated Ventilation 11. Using the Thermal Imaging Camera Proficiently 12. Portable Ground Ladders


Short Staffed Engine Company ★

Lecture • 2 Hours

The lack of adequate staffing is a difficulty that many firefighters struggle with across the Nation, with myself included. Due to this, we have utilized different methods and some changes in our equipment and tactics, which has proven successful for us as well as others. This program will discuss those methods, which will include single and two firefighter nozzle technique, hose line advancement, options for hose loads, options for hose stretching (short and long distance), coordinating fire ground duties, equipment simplicity, proper operating pressures, and general aggressive engine company techniques. This program is an update and replacement to my former Efficient Engine Company Operations class, as this topic has been requested by so many.


Firefighter Down: CPR

Lecture & Hands-On • 2 1/2 Hours

This course will outline the causes of firefighter-related cardiac events and how to quickly begin CPR on a down firefighter in full turnout gear including SCBA. Rapid removal of PPE is imperative in order to transfer care of the firefighter to EMS. This course will present how to prepare and equip your firefighters, as well as suggested practices during and after a firefighter down situation occurs. With a national average of 100 firefighters who die in the line of duty annually, early, good quality CPR following the American Heart Association’s standards and using established procedures are our best hope to save the life of one of our own. Students will need full structural PPE and SCBA for the hands-on portion. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 2 CEUS for attending.


Hot Wheels: Fighting Modern Vehicle Fires ★

Lecture • 1 Hour 15 Minutes

Are you prepared to fight a fire in an Electric Vehicle? This course is designed to provide tactics, information on modern vehicle construction such a electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, as well a conventional vehicle hazards. We will discuss tactics and safe procedures that can be utilized for efficient and effective suppression and overhaul for vehicle fire operations.


Primary Search Strategy and Tactics ★

Lecture • 2 Hours

I personally feel that the Primary Search for trapped occupants is the single most important operation that occurs on the fire ground. At the age of 19, I conducted a primary search while initiating fire suppression at a residential structure fire with a victim trapped. I was able to quickly locate the victim, began the rescue and then with assistance of another firefighter, removed the victim. Unfortunately, we later learned that the victim has passed before the fire occurred and our efforts were well too late. This event early in my career initiated my personal passion for training, as well as conducting a proactive primary search. This course will discuss some of the strategies and tactics for conducting a search, with an emphasis in suburban areas. One of the topics will be Vent, Enter, Search (VES), which is a time-tested and extremely valuable lifesaving tactic in which we quickly put our firefighters where the victims are. The importance of making the primary search our priority, as well as throwing portable ground ladders, an in depth look at the proper use of Thermal Imaging Cameras, victim removal and quality training will all be discussed.

Vehicle Extrication Tips & Tactics ★

Lecture • 2 1/2 Hours

This class is a culmination of my personal experiences and training on best practices for cutting modern vehicles. The lecture will discuss modern vehicle hazards, equipment options, tips and tactics that can make your operation run smoother, especially with short staffing. Equipment preparation before the incident is critical for efficient extrication scenes. This class will be interactive with the attendees, who will be presented with a dozen scenarios which are photos of real-life incidents I have responded to, and how we handled the rescue. In addition, New Jersey Fire Instructors will receive .25 CEUS for attending.


Handling Fire Alarm & Sprinkler System Activations ★

Lecture • 2 1/2 Hours

The fire service commonly responds to incidents involving a variety of automatic fire detection and suppression systems; however, many departments rarely train on the topic. This leaves many firefighters and officers little opportunity to understand and make educated decisions on how to troubleshoot and interact with complex, modern systems.

This program will discuss how to investigate/ troubleshoot why a fire detection and suppression system activated when there is no apparent fire or emergency, how to identify and operate water control valves for fire sprinkler systems, how to identify and utilize fire department sprinkler/standpipe connections, the operation of kitchen fire suppression systems, NFPA 13R buildings, examples of imminent hazard conditions involving fire detection and suppression systems, how to establish a fire watch and the associated record keeping, and when to notify the Fire Official of a Local Enforcing Agency that fire protection system may not operate as intended, thus creating a dangerous condition for the building occupants and responding firefighters. In addition, New Jersey Fire Inspectors/Fire Officials and Fire Instructors will receive .25 Technical CEUS for attending.


Machinery Rescue Awareness ★

Lecture • 4 Hours

This class meets the requirements of NFPA 1006 for the Machinery Awareness level, which is the first step for responding to machinery incidents with entrapment. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 4 CEUS for attending.

Machinery Rescue Operations

Hands on • 4 Hours

This class meets the requirements of NFPA 1006/1670 for the Machinery Operations level, utilizing various methods of extrication, cutting and disentanglement for machinery entrapments. This includes, but is not limited to hands on practice with scenarios such as Impalements, Extremity Entrapments, Rings/objects stuck on body parts, patients stuck in a child swing, etc.


Scene Size Up ★

Lecture • 2 Hours

This interactive program will discuss conducting an initial scene size up, information gathering before the incident, communications, building construction and decision making. The class will go through a wide variety of scenarios on conducting an initial scene size up and radio reports. This class is designed for the Fire Officer or anyone who is a prospective Officer, or someone may be potentially assigned to “riding the front right seat” to an emergency incident.


Stop the Bleed: Bleeding Control

Lecture & Hands-On • 2 1/2 Hours

Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, establishing hemorrhage as the most common cause of preventable death in trauma. This class is a MUST for any emergency responder, and the instructor’s real-life experiences will be discussed to illustrate the importance of having these skills and the right bleeding control equipment. The use of tourniquets and wound packing for severe bleeding will be discussed and practiced hands on by all participants as well.

In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 2 CEUs for attending. Tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, and other bleeding control supplies will be available for purchase by the students or Department at the conclusion of the class as well.


Incident Command System ICS-200.C

Lecture and Interactive Activities • 16 Hours

This course meets the requirements set forth by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety for Firefighters and Fire Officers to attend a 12 hour in person I-200 program. This FEMA course is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS) and focuses on the management of single resources. ICS-200.C provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 8 CEUS for attending.


Building Construction for the Fire Service

Lecture • Scalable, 3 hours to 15 hours

Understanding Building Construction is essential for all firefighters, especially fire officers for fire ground survival and predicting fire travel.

The course reviews the five types of building construction.  The instructor intertwines the knowledge of building construction combined with fire behavior and how both subjects affect the decisions of the fire officer.

The material covered in the course follows “Building Construction for the Fire Service” 4th Edition by Francis Brannigan from Jones and Bartlett.

There are 5 class modules that can be presented in any order.

  • Session 1. Types of Construction and Loads.

  • Session 2. Type 2 Non-Combustible

  • Session 3. Type 3 Ordinary

  • Session 4. Type 4 Heavy Timber

  • Session 5. Type 5 Wood Frame

Each session is 3 hours.  Total program hours is 15. These modules can can also be delivered as stand alone class sessions, presented at your firehouse

The course has been designed to meet the building construction requirements for the NJ Division of Fire Safety’s “Fire Officer” certification.


AHA CPR for the BLS Provider

Lecture & Hands-On • 4 Hours

The American Heart Association CPR for the Basic Life Support Providers course covers core material such as adult, child and pediatric CPR (including two-rescuer scenarios and use of the bag masks), foreign body airway obstruction and automated external defibrillation (AED). Students who successfully complete the class will receive a certification card valid for two (2) years from the date of the training class.


Carbon Monoxide, Natural Gas and Carbon Dioxide Incidents ★

Lecture • 2 Hours

Firefighters are dispatched to Carbon Monoxide, Natural Gas, or unknown odors every day, but are we really prepared for what they may run into? This program will focus on the initial fire department response Carbon Monoxide alarms, odors of Natural Gas and Carbon Dioxide incidents. The program will review the danger levels for a variety of gases, mitigation methodologies and Carbon Dioxide storage familiarization. Many Firefighters have little to no experience or training when dealing with Carbon Dioxide incidents, which are becoming more frequent as the food and beverage industry is installing to these systems at a rapid pace. All three of the types of emergencies can be fatal if we do not understand what hazards we are facing.



Traumatic Injuries: Avulsions and Impalements

Lecture & Hands-On • 3 Hours

This program is designed prepare the EMT for two types of challenging traumatic injuries: Avulsions and Impalements. Program will review how impalements can be complicated injuries, especially penetrating chest trauma and suspected spinal injuries. Appropriate ways to control life threatening bleeding will be discussed, using the instructor’s previous experiences. Stabilization of both types of injuries and the appropriate tools and methods for extrication of the patient will be discussed. All participants will get hands on practice with tourniquets and using gauze to stabilize a simulated impaled object on a manikin. This class can be paired up with Fire/Rescue organizations and EMS to work together as a team for a better patient outcome. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 2 CEUS for attending.


Vehicle Extrication Awareness ★

Lecture • 4 Hours

This class meets the requirements of NFPA 1006 for the Vehicle Extrication Awareness level, which is the first step for responding to motor vehicle accidents with entrapment. The lecture will discuss vehicle construction, modern vehicle hazards, extrication equipment, and basic stabilization. In addition, we will take further detailed look at understanding advanced stabilization concepts. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 4 CEUS for attending.


Structural Protection in the Wildland Urban Interface ★

Lecture • 2 Hours

As more and more homes are built in Wildland Urban Interface areas, the situation becomes more complicated, requiring structural protection resources from mutual aid structural firefighters who not familiar with procedures, terminology or have had previous experiences operating in this setting. This class will discuss structural vs. wildland firefighting operations, the effects of fuel, weather and topography, fire spotting, extreme fire behavior, lookouts, communications, escape routes, safety zones, structural preparation and structural triage.


Fireground Survival and MAYDAY ★

Lecture • 1 Hour

EVERY firefighter must have the ability to perform potentially life-saving actions if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air or trapped. The Fire Ground Survival class will discuss training for MAYDAY prevention and MAYDAY operations are consistent between all firefighters and fire officers. The lecture will include how to overcome SCBA emergencies, performance of the reduced profile maneuver transmitting a MAYDAY or Urgent situation over the radio, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Techniques and how to equip yourself with lifesaving disentanglement skills and tools. Firefighting tactics we can perform to increase safety on the fireground will also be discussed.


Bloodborne Pathogens Refresher/Right-To-Know (Hazard Communication/ Hazardous Materials Operations Refresher

Lecture • 3 Hours

Each year, Firefighters, Police Officers and EMT’s are required to attend annual recertification training on these topics. The Bloodborne Pathogens portion of the program provides information and awareness to reduce the risk of infection to emergency workers exposed to infected body fluids, tissue, and equipment. This class meets the standards set forth in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (OSHA 1910.1030). The Hazard Communication and Right To Know portion of the program provides hazardous chemical properties, identifying labels and markers, safety data sheets and information in the workplace. It will review the Haz Mat Awareness and operations levels of responses, hazard and risks of hazardous materials, the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook and general operating procedures during a hazardous materials incident. Program complies with the O.S.H.A. Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), as well as N.J.A.C. 8:59-6 for Right To Know training. In addition, an application will be submitted to New Jersey OEMS so that EMTs will receive 3 CEUS for attending.


★ - Classes also offered as Virtual Training Courses via Zoom

Note: Any classes offered with EMT CEUs will require at least 30 days notice to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services for course approval.

ABOUT MICHAEL WOLFSCHMIDT