For the 2022 FSWO Annual Training Symposium, we are excited to announce our Keynote Speaker Celene Lemire. Celene
is a Deputy Chief of People Culture and Equity in Vancouver Fire. She
has focused on equity and inclusion in large emergency service
organizations, addressing systemic issues, supporting membership and
operational teams by identifying inequities in policies, practices and
programs.
Registration for our 2022 Symposium - Together Towards Tomorrow - is now OPEN!
We have extended our Early Bird Rate for Members!!
We have several Registration options. Currently Registration is now open for everyone. Members get a special Early Bird Rate! Click here to become a Member of FSWO!
Descriptions for the HOT classes and in class sessions can be found below.
The Ramada By Wyndham Belleville Harbourview Conference Center is hosting our 2022 Symposium. All registration, inclass sessions, most newtorking events and our gala dinner will be held at this location.
We also have a great group rate for participants of the symposium.
Keynote Speaker - Celene Lemire, Deputy Chief of People Culture and Equity, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Celene Lemire has more than 20 years experience in community service, government relations, strategic design, operational planning and leadership. Over the last decade, she has focused on equity and inclusion work in large emergency service organizations, addressing systemic issues, supporting membership and operational teams by identifying inequities in policies, practices and programs. Celene has conducted internal cultural assessments, equity reviews and lead strategic plans focused on addressing barriers and identifying issues in accessibility. She has lead equity audits and systems change initiatives within recruitment processes, training design and curriculum content, promotional processes, infrastructure audits and policy reviews.
She is a member of the Municipal Equity Council, the UN Safe Cities working group and the National DEI Community of Practice for Fire Rescue Services. Celene was a Top 40 Under 40 award winner, a graduate of the University of Calgary, has a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and is currently a Deputy Chief with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. Celene believes strongly in the power and impact of lived experiences, and much of her work is in connection and collaboration with the communities she serves. Celene has facilitated sessions with the BC Association of Fire Chiefs, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and with multiple municipalities across Western Canada.
NFPA 1033 is online for 8 weeks and 3 days of on the fireground learning activies coupled with classroom learning. It is a blended course and covers all investigative competencies associated with NFPA 1033, 2014 edition, including scientific method, Origin & Cause, building construction, scene safety, scene re-constructions. All aspects of assessing & investigating fires and adheres to NFPA 921.
NFPA 1041 will take place both online and in class and will teach students how to deliver training to a variety of audiences in an effective manner. Students will learn how to use a lesson plan effectively by analyzing and applying principles of adult education, assessing learner needs, planning lessons and conducting evaluations. Considerations for scheduling, learning environments and community stakeholders.
NFPA 1035 provides students with the skills necessary to deliver and coordinate existing fire & life safety education at various levels within a community. This course examines fire behaviour, human behaviour during a fire, educational methodology and basic fire protection systems. Scheduling of activities, recognizing opportunities for shared efforts with common fire & life safety goals, and adapting lesson plans to the needs of the audience.
Do you want 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?
During this full-day session we will explore fire behaviour using various prop demonstrations, practice fire control using door control and nozzle techniques, finally putting everything together in a live burn in our 40’ Enclosure Fire Dynamics Simulator.
IMPORTANT: You must have achieved NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 accreditation to participate in this live fire training.
This is designed specifically for those departments that are covering large areas and when time is critical...every second counts! Firefighters will be challenged to create a plan to perform a fast and safe rescue with the clock running. The scenarios will be - multi vehicle accidents, roll over pin jobs, T-Bone as well as head-on impacts. Firefighters will receive extensive tool time.
Come join us for an 8 hour forcible entry course where we’ll cover conventional forcible entry tips and tricks, plus dive into the world of respectful entry by going through the lock. We will spend the morning in class reviewing door/lock size up, mechanical advantage of the Halligan bar, how to generate force with your axe, through the lock techniques on residential, commercial, and add-on locks, and discuss various tools (i.e. shove knives, K-tool, adz rex, J-tool, force wedge, mod. framing square). The afternoon will be spent practicing the skills and techniques we discussed in class.
This one-day course will start in class. A high-level explanation of the pump components and understanding of the pump performance capabilities. We will discuss friction loss and related fire ground calculations to help you, the pump operator, get water moving and understand what you’re doing. On the fire ground every participant will have plenty of hands-on opportunity, both on the pump panel and hose management. This course can be tailored to the individual on the panel to develop comfort and confidence or challenge current skill level. We will perform two main scenarios for the day, first will be a transitional attack using a pressurized water source, then a second attack using a static water source.
Facilitated by Tracey Shields and Kristy-Lynn Pankurst
Resilient Minds is an evidence-informed, skills training adn resilience development program designed by and for fire fighters. Developed in 2016, Resilient Minds has supported hundreds of fire fighters to develop strategies to mitigate and manage the occuptational stress associated with their job resulting in informed and healthier teams.
Do you want 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?
During this full-day session we will explore fire behaviour using various prop demonstrations, practice fire control using door control and nozzle techniques, finally putting everything together in a live burn in our 40’ Enclosure Fire Dynamics Simulator.
IMPORTANT: You must have achieved NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 accreditation to participate in this live fire training.
As a firefighter, you could be called upon to rescue a victim or colleague. But how do you conduct a rescue when the victim's weight far exceeds your physical capabilities? The answer is webbing, a low-cost and straightforward piece of equipment that can be carried in your pocket. During this training, you will discuss the uses of webbing in both self and victim rescue, review case studies where the application of webbing could have improved the outcome of the situation and how to utilize webbing in real-time through simulated fire ground activities.
Rope Rescue small team tactics and techniques will be tailored to the skill levels of participants. Previous experience is not required! Our goal is to provide a learning environment that will provide an opportunity to gain hands on experience with a variety of rope rescue systems. We aim to provide a fun, informative session that focuses on safety and efficiency working with rope rescue systems. In addition, each person will get the opportunity to work in the vertical environment.
Putting the “wet stuff on the red stuff” is not as basic as it sounds. Appropriate hose handling, hose advancement, water application and proper use of the nozzle creates a more firefighting crew, and provides better customer service. Tactics to create structure fires more tenable for anyone inside including us!
This course will be a shorter version of the 8 hour course but similar topics.
This is designed specifically for those departments that are covering large areas and when time is critical...every second counts! Firefighters will be challenged to create a plan to perform a fast and safe rescue with the clock running. The scenarios will be - multi vehicle accidents, roll over pin jobs, T-Bone as well as head-on impacts. Firefighters will receive extensive tool time.
This course will offer firefighters of all skill level the opportunity to get knowledge and experience on the operation of fire service saws in a team-teaching environment. The goal for this session is to build confidence that will make the participants understand the mechanics of using chain and circular saws as well as practical experience operating them in a safe environment.
Through this course, you will learn with lecture and practical scenarios/evolutions. The course will include three stages; 1) Firefighter survival 2) Partner rescue/fire fighter rescue 3) Rapid intervention teams/crews (RIT/RIC) You will learn the importance of self-survival on the Fireground. Knowing your SCBA’s, knowing your equipment, how to manage a Mayday and when to call a Mayday. You will take your skills from stage 1 and incorporate them into calling maydays for our partner and/or another firefighter. You will learn partner rescue techniques, lifts, and carries. You will take your stage 1 and 2 techniques/skills and adapt them into Rapid Intervention Teams. You will work as a team to experience and understand the importance of an effective RIT/RIC team
High Rise firefighting presents unique challenges as more communities are building up and not out. Changes to the building and fire code have created residential structures constructed with wood. These buildings have fire protection systems and stand pipes not common to firefighters. Interior fire attack utilizing 65 mm hose is not new but few structural firefighters have experience with this evolution.
This course will be a shorter version of the 8 hour course but similar topics.
This is designed specifically for those departments that are covering large areas and when time is critical...every second counts! Firefighters will be challenged to create a plan to perform a fast and safe rescue with the clock running. The scenarios will be - multi vehicle accidents, roll over pin jobs, T-Bone as well as head-on impacts. Firefighters will receive extensive tool time.
This course will offer firefighters of all skill level the opportunity to get knowledge and experience on the operation of fire service saws in a team-teaching environment. The goal for this session is to build confidence that will make the participants understand the mechanics of using chain and circular saws as well as practical experience operating them in a safe environment.
Through this course, you will learn with lecture and practical scenarios/evolutions. The course will include three stages; 1) Firefighter survival 2) Partner rescue/fire fighter rescue 3) Rapid intervention teams/crews (RIT/RIC) You will learn the importance of self-survival on the Fireground. Knowing your SCBA’s, knowing your equipment, how to manage a Mayday and when to call a Mayday. You will take your skills from stage 1 and incorporate them into calling maydays for our partner and/or another firefighter. You will learn partner rescue techniques, lifts, and carries. You will take your stage 1 and 2 techniques/skills and adapt them into Rapid Intervention Teams. You will work as a team to experience and understand the importance of an effective RIT/RIC team
In 2018, Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) hosted a round table of Fire Chiefs from across the province to come together and discuss gender equity, diversity and inclusion in the fire service. The information gathered from that event has assisted FSWO in their research of women’s lived experience in the fire service.
This session brings together the ground-breaking research, and information gathered over the past three years culminating in a toolkit developed for fire services to use in understanding and reducing barriers for woman and other underrepresented groups in the fire service. This toolkit offers practical modules and templates to help fire departments reach their equity, diversity and inclusion goals.
The following presentation will be an overview of the toolkit, focusing on the two most requested sections; recruitment and hiring. Through an interactive discussion, session participants will engage and learn to use the toolkit within their own fire service. The knowledge gained will be used to assist your fire service in aligning its recruitment and hiring strategies, with diversity and inclusion policies, giving you practical ideas to create implementation plans.
The importance of health and safety for all workers and a robust health and safety program that is inclusive to all. Emphasis on the types of hazards in the workplace that have a higher risk to women including PPE fit, workplace violence and mental health and tips on how to share information with your supervisor.
This session offers strategies for preparing to enter into recruitments or job competitions. There will be discussion about how to shape your cover letter and resume to line up with the job posting. The presenters will cover key areas to consider when conducting research before the interview as well as how to get ready for anticipated questions.
Why are so many firefighters - who will enter a burning building - afraid to even talk about homophobia? Homophobia, unchallenged, can be used to discredit all women in the fire service, and discourage male responders from dealing with their emotions. Transphobia challenges leaders, from bathrooms, to pronouns and policies. How do we begin the conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity in our department? In this interactive session we’ll tackle language and concepts to decipher the “alphabet soup” – LGBTQQI, and to break down some of the common myths and stereotypes about LGBT people.
Facilitated by Tracey Shields and Michele Fitzsimmons
This classroom session will explore what it means to be a leader in Fire Suppression. We will explore leadership on the fire ground as well as in the station. We will discuss the basics of Incident Command, 360 size up, and communications. We will explore the challenges of being a leader and transitioning from firefighter to officer. This session will be interactive and give you the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.
To provide a detailed review of the Ontario Fire Code and NFPA 96 specifically dealing with kitchen suppression systems. You will be able to complete a site inspection and ensure that the technical requirements in NFPA 96 are being followed correctly. You will have the opportunity to complete a site inspection and provide group discussion on the outcome from the inspection.
For Women Only - Any rank or role in the fire service demands self-confidence, and trust of one’s own knowledge and capabilities. Most fire service women have successfully challenged sexist comments, behaviors, and policies to get their positions, but internalized sexism often still holds us back. The lifetime of sexist messages has us doubt our judgment, competence, and leadership capacity. This workshop will examine how self-doubt affects our leadership, training, support of other women firefighters, and separates us. You’ll be offered strategies to identify and to confront internalized sexism – to help every woman, at any level of the fire service – perform her very best.
The course is designed to provide fire fighters with a basic understanding of fire alarm
systems. It will cover purpose of a fire alarm system, system components, where fire alarm
systems are required and operation. It will also address the common steps taken when
responding to a fire alarm activation. Upon completion of the course participants will be able to identify fire alarm devices, describe how fire alarm systems activate, know how to locate an activated device, be familiar with how to reset a fire alarm system and understand the purpose of a fire watch.
For Women Only - In Part One of When I Doubt Myself, we dug into the harmful impact of internalized sexism on our self image and confidence. In this session, we’ll help each other dig and heal a little deeper. We’ll explore strategies to interrupt our patterns of self-doubt and how we hold ourselves and each other back. We will share healing support, and uncover tactics to propel us to our fiercest, boldest and most confident selves.
Facilitated by Michele Fitzsimmons, Cheryl Hunt, Susan Jones, Karen Simpson
While a career as a first responder can bring about a strong sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, particularly after getting hired and/or promoted, the reality is that this career can also bring about a great deal of angst. The repeated exposure to occupational stress and trauma, be it on scene, or as a result of the work environment itself, raises the risk that some will develop anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and/or even PTSD. The associated stigma and shame related to these types of mental health issues leave many reluctant to ask for help. If these symptoms are left untreated, the impact on a person’s overall wellbeing can be devastating and even result in the inability to continue working as a first responder. FSWO is pleased to bring together Michelle Fitzsimmons, Cheryl Hunt, Susan Jones and Karen Simpson. They will share their personal and professional experiences overcoming prolonged occupational stress and trauma, how to recognize the ‘warning signs’ of mental health issues, as well as discuss becoming more resilient.
This session will begin with core strength postures designed to build a healthy and safe foundation for all movement, on or off the job. With the body properly warmed, participants will be led though a series of stretches to reduce muscle and joint tension and increase range of motion. The class will finish with breathing and meditation techniques that participants can use to make the most of their working and resting SCBA air time.
Why are so many firefighters - who will enter a burning building - afraid to even talk about homophobia? Homophobia, unchallenged, can be used to discredit all women in the fire service, and discourage male responders from dealing with their emotions. Transphobia challenges leaders, from bathrooms, to pronouns and policies. How do we begin the conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity in our department? In this interactive session we’ll tackle language and concepts to decipher the “alphabet soup” – LGBTQQI, and to break down some of the common myths and stereotypes about LGBT people.
In this session Celene will cover the relationships women have with one another in competitive, male-dominated work spaces. The session will review concepts of female identities, gender stereotypes, how lateral violence manifests and coping mechanisms (harmful or helpful). The discussion will range from the theoretical and academic, to the realities of existing as a female in society’s current state and how we support or destroy one another.
This session will be transparent and bold, and require the audience to be willing and thoughtful in assessing and addressing some of their own biases, assumptions and behaviors.
For this session, please be aware that everyone in the room will have different experiences and be at different places in their learning. Be gentle with other’s perspectives, and also with yourself. Please note, if you need to leave or feel uncomfortable, you are not glued to your seat. Take any time and space you need to be healthy.
Facilitated by Deputy Chief Debbie Higgins, Deputy Chief Louise Hine-Schmidt, Batallion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons, Fire Chief Monique Belair and Deputy Chief Celene Lemire
Is the narrative on women in power changing? What are the policies and practices that support women in leadership? What skills and experiences are essential to support women to advance to leadership positions? FSWO is pleased to bring a panel of highly regarded women leaders in the fire service to share their individual experiences and the challenges of the path to success.
This is a three-part seminar. The first part will deal with how to make sufficient notes after attending a scene and how this evidence is used in litigation. Firefighters may not appreciate how often their notes and records become part of litigation and just how important they can be to the parties involved. The second part will deal with the risk that a firefighter may become so injured that they lose capacity and become incapable of managing their property and personal care. The legal, emotional, and financial consequences of finding yourself in this position, or your loved ones supporting you in this position, is shocking to most. The third-part will deal with the accident benefits that are part of your automobile insurance policy. Firefighters are “big wage” earners and the standard coverages you may be entitled to are insufficient to support you and your family if you were to become seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident.
You will learn about the statistical risk factors related to illnesses, disease, and related disorders including reproductive impacts associated with occupational exposures as a firefighter. You will learn about substantive studies on firefighter health, as well as specific accounts of work-related disease. You will learn about methods, and immerging initiatives to reduce occupational illness risk. You will gain an understanding of the impacts of occupational exposures, as well as how to mitigate risks. Learners will become cognizant of current trends in research, and the format will allow for, and encourage interaction, and participation.
Whenever you’re not getting the results you want, it’s likely an important conversation either hasn’t happened or hasn’t been handled well. In fact, both individual and organizational success are largely determined by how quickly, directly, and effectively we speak up when it matters most. At the heart of healthy and high-performance organizations are people willing and able to hold Crucial Conversations.
This course will introduce you to Crucial Conversations® for Mastering Dialogue and the skills to step into disagreement—rather than over or around it—and turn disagreement into dialogue for improved relationships and results.
Do you think you should be on social media but don’t know where to start? What should you post, and how often should you post it? What’s more powerful, a like or a retweet? Here’s what you need to know about the most popular social media platforms for both personal and professional settings. Social media can be used to further your firefighting career and community relations duties. It can also be used to destroy your chosen career path. You control its use and a professional approach is a win for you, your employer, and the community you represent and serve.
On July 1, 2022 under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Regulation 343/22 regarding mandatory certification for Ontario Fire Services became law. This regulation creates Ontario based certification options to allow a municipality to identify the level of service for their municipality and then train and certify to meet that level of service.
These Ontario based certifications are based upon components of full NFPA standards that match the level of services outlined in O. Reg 343/22.
To assist fire service members with meeting the new requirements for certification and developing training programs this session will provide a brief overview of the O.Reg and developing internal programs that meets the needs of your fire service delivery model within your community.
The loyalty and commitment of those working the frontlines is fierce. Which is why it is so important to find a healthy balance with work and life, especially with the many experiences/exposures one endures while at work. The cost of caring in the work one does can have profound effects that may result in compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and/or burnout. This workshop will focus on the cumulative stress of working the frontline, recognizing the impact of this work, and learning how to build resilience and improve ones overall mental health and wellbeing.
