FSWO offered several in-class seminars and HOT classes.
The 2019 Training Symposium was held in Ottawa October 18-20, 2019. It was a spectacular event to celebrate FSWO's 10-year anniversary.
We are excited and honoured to have London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton as our Key Note Speaker and facilitate a session about Leadership.
FSWO offered several in-class seminars and HOT classes.
Join Amber for an accessible mindfulness based yoga session tailored to a woman’s body. She will be guiding you through the practice and holding space to discuss and provide insight into your breast health and your lymphatic system. Through the postures and the breath work you’ll reconnect with your inner strength, be empowered in your body, and feel your tension melt away.
The CPAT is a widely used, comprehensive physical ability test designed specifically for the fire service. All participants will receive “hands-on” familiarity with the test apparatus and receive guidance on specific conditioning regimens and techniques to help them prepare for the test. The job of a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs. It requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The Candidate Physical Ability Test consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties. Protocols, equipment and practice opportunities will be provided during this workshop.
This workshop encourages women to examine the harmful impact of a lifetime of sexist messages that can cause competent women to doubt their own judgment, competence& leadership capacity, and those of other women. Self-confidence is a requirement for success in fire/emergency service. Most female responders have overcome many of the sexist comments, behaviors and policies that challenged them reaching their current positions, but their own, internalized sexism may still be holding them back. Participants will confront the internal doubts, the effect on performance and support of other female firefighters and explore ways to overcome those doubts.
Most of us have probably been there at one point in our life. Maybe it was when you got your first big job, or maybe it was just after your last promotion. That little voice inside your head quietly says, “What if I’m not ready”. Or, more subversively, “What if they find out that I’m an imposter”?
Join me while we explore Imposter Syndrome. We will discuss our own Imposter experiences, explore the science behind the syndrome, learn the difference between Imposter Syndrome and low confidence, learn how to crush Imposter Syndrome in its tracks and then try out some exercises to make that happen.
Public Fire Education and Inspection/Code Enforcement: they can both reduce the number and severity of the damage caused by fires when they occur, which in turn makes our communities safer and protects our firefighters from harm. While not every fire can be prevented, all fire protection systems have a positive impact in reducing the severity of fires if properly installed, checked, tested, and inspected. Learn why public education and fire prevention are the best 2 lines of defense and how these can protect our firefighters from injuries.
Fire Prevention is on the forefront of firefighting and anyone can do it. If the fire trucks respond it is already too late. The loss, damage, injury and even death is already in progress.
Leadership in the fire service demands self-confidence, and trust of one’s own knowledge, judgement and capabilities. While most women have successfully challenged sexist comments, behaviours, policies and organizational structures to get to their positions, the impact of internalized sexism often still holds us back–since a lifetime of sexist messages causes us to doubt our judgement, our competence, and our leadership capacity. Picking up from Part 1, we’ll help each other dig deeper and explore strategies to interrupt our patterns of self-doubt, and to support other women, so we can all perform our very best.
There are a number of areas in Firefighting where technical skills must be learned and constantly practiced so that in the event of an emergency you are ready to carry out a rescue.
This HOT class will focus on completing effective search and rescue techniques, preparing patients for removal from a hazardous environment, and large area search.
With diminished visibility, you will complete scenarios in a mock residential dwelling, maze and open area space.
During this session the participants will learn a variety of stabilization, lifting and extrication techniques.
This course will focus on getting the students comfortable with communicating on the radio and with leading their crew. The course will involve a few hours in the classroom and the rest of the day will be practical training. We will discuss the basics of Incident Command, completing a 360 and the required content of radio reports. We will be using a smoke machine, simulated charged hose lines and forcible entry equipment to create realistic conditions in which the students will advance into the structure and locate a mannequin in distress. There will also be a simulated mass casualty incident which will incorporate motor vehicle and medical components. Students will have the opportunity to assume command and lead their crew through the various incidents.
The responsibility of preparing, arriving and controlling a scene rests with all firefighters. However, without the safe driving skills that deliver the apparatus, gear and crew to the scene safely, a firefighter’s work cannot be performed. The Emergency Vehicle Operator workshop involves the use of a driving simulator and in class discussions regarding best practices and responsibilities. The instruction during this workshop will better your ability to understand the responsibilities of driving and reduce your chances of becoming involved in a collision. Topics discussed will include a self-appraisal, apparatus inspection, cushion of safety, driving with lights and sirens, applying safe driving techniques and special considerations when operating an emergency vehicle. Your active participation is encouraged throughout this hands on workshop
Professional firefighting. The path to gaining a position as a firefighter and how to be prepared mentally, emotionally and with a great resume. Overcoming those days when you just feel beaten.
This program will begin with a look at fitness and how to apply it functionally to firefighting. This foundation will then be applied to the sport of FireFit. You don’t have to be a FireFit competitor or even aspire to be one. This course is meant for anyone who loves fitness, loves their job and wants to be stronger in both.
This program will begin with a look at fitness and how to apply it functionally to firefighting. This foundation will then be applied to the sport of FireFit. You don’t have to be a FireFit competitor or even aspire to be one. This course is meant for anyone who loves fitness, loves their job and wants to be stronger in both.
Ali Rothrock will share her story of experiencing trauma in the fire service. She will speak about the factors that lead to her PTSD diagnosis, including a sexual assault. She will talk about the cultural similarities that exist in all firehouses and the challenges that women face in the fire service. She will spend time delving into mental health issues that impact firefighters including the stress continuum and suicide. Attendees will walk away feeling hopeful that mental health struggles can be overcome.
Fire dynamics is the study of how fires start, spread and develop. Sizing up fire conditions is a critical assessment skill for operational decision-making and tactical level responder safety. This lecture will explore fire dynamics through an overview of the From Knowledge To Practice curriculum materials and will highlight novel models for understanding and communicating fire. The student will have free access to extensive web-based student manuals and curriculum materials, https://www.firedynamicstraining.ca/ for review and for their fire department’s use
The purpose of this workshop is to provide an interesting opportunity to understand the ways UAVs/Drones are being integrated by fire services and first responders in Canada and abroad. Drones offer a great opportunity to gather information ranging from significant incidents to large-scale events that provide additional situational awareness for first responders and incident command. This information can help keep firefighters and other responders from unnecessary danger and support decision making affecting search & rescue, forest fires, disasters, hazmat incidents and incident management decisions. Participants attending this workshop will be provided a brief explanation of the new June 1, 2019 regulations from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) regarding piloting UAVs in Canada. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see an assortment of drones equipped with IR cameras, video and additional capabilities in fire detection and suppression with open discussions regarding technology today. A demonstration of various UAVs/Drones will be conducted during this experiential and scenario based workshop by accredited pilots.
Firefighters work in teams. In certain situations a firefighter may be called on to perform tasks as an individual that they would normally perform with a partner.
In this program, we will take team skills such as forcible entry, ladders, lifts drags and carries (for both civilians and firefighters), VES, and break them down into individual or ‘solo competencies’ so that participants master these skills to contribute to the success of their team.
There are a number of areas in Firefighting where technical skills must be learned and constantly practiced so that in the event of an emergency you are ready to carry out a rescue.
This HOT class will focus on completing effective search and rescue techniques, preparing patients for removal from a hazardous environment, and large area search.
With diminished visibility, you will complete scenarios in a mock residential dwelling, maze and open area space
During this session the participants will learn a variety of stabilization, lifting and extrication techniques.
Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in the fire service? It’s never too late to think about changing careers! Not sure where to start? Let Fire Service Women Ontario help.
In 2007 five firefighters from the Ottawa Fire Service jumped for their lives from the windows of a 4 story building after rapid fire development. Thankfully everyone survived, and our department committed itself to learning from the events that lead up to this near miss.
From Knowledge To Practice (FKTP) was developed as a result and the curriculum is currently available free of charge to anyone who wants to learn more about the challenging fire environments firefighters face today, and how to apply various tactics to help control the fire and mitigate inherent risk by applying current fire science with best practice fire ground tactics and decision making strategies.
Join members from the Ottawa Fire Service for an introductory day to this 5 day program. We will explore fire behaviour through small prop demonstrations, practice door control and nozzle techniques, finally putting everything together in a live burn in our 40’ Enclosure Fire Dynamics Simulator. You must have Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program Certification or NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 accreditation to participate in this live fire training.
In this session I am going to cover women as leaders and leadership in times of crisis.
Women can lead very differently to men and we should celebrate and embrace that difference, but sometimes it can be difficult for women leaders to find role models and mentors in male dominated organizations. It is vitally important to stay true to yourself and your values and not try to be somebody you are not.
I think we only ever really discover our true inner strength when we have to lead under pressure. I want to explore how we build personal resilience to allow us to be the best we can be in times of extreme pressure or stress
The science behind Origin and Cause Investigation has three distinct areas of responsibility: Municipal, Provincial and Private. Private fire investigation and the possibility of subrogation (i.e. financial recovery of the loss payment) is often a resource many in the fire service are not aware of. Private fire investigations work within the insurance industry to determine the cause of fire incidents and categorizing those incidents into one of four classifications identified within NFPA 921. Further, the private fire investigator has a unique avenue to prevention and the mitigation of future incidents with regards to Origin and Cause determination related to the insurance industry.
Several case studies will be reviewed to highlight the very volatile and unexpected environment fire service members may find themselves in and the different methods to mitigate and address those serious situations including joint operations with other agencies as well as the importance of post incident debriefs. Topics in the case studies will include:
Firefighters can be exposed to a variety of toxic, cancer-causing chemicals during fire suppression. This is of particular concern since studies have found firefighters to have higher rates of cancer compared to the general public. This course will summarize some of the past and present research on cancer rates, particularly in female firefighters, and exposures to toxic chemicals in the fire service. Facts and myths about the efficacy of certain exposure reduction procedures will also be covered.
Most of us have probably been there at one point in our life. Maybe it was when you got your first big job, or maybe it was just after your last promotion. That little voice inside your head quietly says, “What if I’m not ready”. Or, more subversively, “What if they find out that I’m an imposter”?
Join me while we explore Imposter Syndrome. We will discuss our own Imposter experiences, explore the science behind the syndrome, learn the difference between Imposter Syndrome and low confidence, learn how to crush Imposter Syndrome in its tracks and then try out some exercises to make that happen.
"What dooms women is not their actual ability, but rather the decision not to compete"
2. Navigating and managing stressful conversations - Navigating and managing stressful conversations in the workplace.
3. Encouraging your organization to change: Having a workforce that's ready and able to harness that change will make the difference between success and failure.
Learn how the City of Ottawa’s first responder peer support teams have worked to break down silos and stigmas, and how they are actively engaged in supporting their colleagues and each other. The Tri-Service Peer Support Coordinators from fire, police and EMS will outline their beginnings, challenges and what they have learned over the past 2 years of working together to build their peep support network.
Understanding the incident and how it is likely to develop is essential to implementation of appropriate tactics and incident actions.
Assertive, effective and safe all hazards commanders: A Commander who has all these qualities will be dynamic, reactive and balanced, happy to make decisions and lead the incident.
Every fire department has got a different answer to these questions, yet they are all providing almost identical services and solutions.
During the session I will discuss scenario-based command training which develops and importantly maintains these command competencies, allowing commanders to develop their skills in a safe environment.
When good people are silent, they allow racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, anti-Semitism, anti-Islam, and all other forms of oppression to persist unchallenged.
Fire service personnel should be inspired and equipped to provide respectful support and advocacy, rooted in justice, for their colleagues and all communities they serve. Personnel must also be trained and empowered to intervene in oppressive or hurtful behaviors they witness.
In this session, participants will practice their skills of intervening in oppressive behaviors while working to re-build trust, using real-life, fire service scenarios.