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Precon #1 - HazMat Officer Simulator & Competency Lab
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This workshop is the closest thing to actually working a haz mat incident without actually spilling a chemical. Utilizing state-of-the-art hazardous materials simulations this workshop provides competency-based training based on the NFPA 472 standard to give both current and future Hazardous Materials Officers realistic scenarios from two different viewpoints.
The entry team “sees” the close up Hot Zone while the Incident Commander and Command Staff “see” the scene from a distance. This hands-on program features wireless technology that provides members on the entry team with handheld atmospheric monitoring instruments with readings that correspond to the incident and reflect tactical actions. Radio communications between the entry teams and the Command Staff are critical for a successful and safe operation.
Workshop participants will rotate through the different positions within the Command Staff and Haz Mat Branch during the scenarios to experience group management while working within the NIMS ICS organization. After each scenario there will be a group debriefing to present lessons learned and share experiences. Whether you are an experienced or a brand new Technician, well-seasoned command officer or ready to take that next step in your career you will gain valuable experience supervising a complex hazardous materials incident.
This is an all day workshop. It is recommended for all Haz Mat Responders from beginners to experienced Technicians and Incident Commanders. (Seating Limited)
Presenters: Greg Socks and Rick Emery
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Precon #2 - HazMatIQ Above the Line/Below the Line
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This session was developed by responders, for responders and only available for HazMatIq. The HazMatIQ system incorporates trademarked innovative street smart "Cheat Cheets" that enable responders to safely and efficiently respond to any know or unknown chemical or mixture. Students taking this course will be able to size-up (physical state, hazards, initial hot zone, correct meters and PPE) any chemical in minutes. The system then coaches responders through a streamlined chemical research method to verify their initial size-up, preparing responders to immediately go to work when they arrive on a Hazardous Materials/WMD event.
Presenters: To be determined.
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Precon#3 - Emerging Technologies for Hazmat Response and Training
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This course will focus on current chemical, biological, radiological and explosives response technologies and training which will becoming available in the next two years for use in hazmat operations or training. Areas of focus will include detection, decontamination, protective equipment, decision support tools and training. Where possible, new technologies will be brought to the course for participants to get hands-on-time with the equipment in order to provide feedback prior to final designs.
Examples of new technologies to be discussed which will be hitting the market in the near term include detectors (spatially offset Raman spectroscopy, low cost Raman spectroscopy, Barcode colorimetric detection kit, colorimetric swabs), sampling systems (endoscopic chemical and biological collector, next generation glove box), decision support tools and training (chemical and explosives Web-based Training and Simulations, Emergency Response Decision Support System, Interactive IED Training), protective equipment (CB gloves, CB socks, biological protective suits), and more. This course is open to active emergency responders only.
Presenters: Dr. Christina Baxter and Natalie Fleming
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Precon#4 - Fire Smoke: Perceptions, Myths and Misunderstandings
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This session will provide firefighters, EMS providers and hazmat responders with the information needed to understand the unique health effects caused by smoke exposures. The class will discuss basic combustion chemistry, the hazards of fire smoke and the lethal combination of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) related to smoke inhalation. The discussion will also highlight the critical need for prompt recognition and treatment of acute cyanide poisoning, as well as discuss the cyanide antidotes currently available, and their limitations. The class will include discussion on detection and monitoring at the fire scene as well as a discussion of the current trends in overhaul procedures related to respiratory protection and monitoring.
Presenters: Rob Schnepp and Chris Hawley
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Precon#5 - Hands-on HazMat (aka the HazSim Challenge)
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We are excited that 2015 will be the 3rd HazSim Challenge at VA Beach. The defending champions from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic took the title from VA Beach FD last year. This class will be hands-on, realistic, and fun. Students will be taken in to the field and perform a variety of tasks designed to improve their skills in a realistic learning environment. Veterans and rookie hazmat team members will be challenged by real-time scenarios which will not only give the student new skills but also experiences to take back to their respective teams. This is a working class and physically challenging. The class finale is a team competitive challenge that is fun and has bragging rights for 2015 winner on the line. Course will utilize Level A suits, SCBA, props, and realism. Class open to all levels willing to work through challenges as a team and become better down range HazMat team members.
Presenters: Phil Ambrose, Robert Coschignano, Bill Bennett, Timothy Perkins
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Precon#6 - Hazmat Rescue: When You Least Expect It
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What to do when the unthinkable happens: your partner goes down in the “Hot Zone” or you discover an incapacitated victim? This 8-hour session offers a brief discussion on rescue operations involving hazardous materials response teams along with practical hands-on training for implementing emergency rescue operations where preventing exposure to the responders and victims is key. This valuable training will include information on rapid patient packaging, teach basic equipment, rope and webbing rigging, and fall protection use associated with these high-risk, low-frequency events. Students will apply these skills utilizing the classroom and practical simulators located at the VDEM-supported York County HAZMAT/CBRNE Training Facility in Seaford, Virginia.
Presenters: Todd Cannon and Tom Jordan
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