2024-05-23 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 23, 2024 Page 4 • Special Operations: o Haz-Mat: Hazmat companies completed their CST training in April, from the 15t" to the 19t". A full-scale, multi-agency drill with CST is planned for June, followed by training with the Department of Health in September. o Ocean Safety: One WSO I candidate was hired on May 16t" o Rescue: The Radon is currently at Riddle Marine for boat tank replacement. • Support Services: o Emergency Medical Services: Captain Lam attended the ESO Wave Conference in Austin, Texas. EMS and Training Branches collaborated with HPD on a three-day ALERRT Active Shooter Training for roughly 30 participants from both departments. The EMS Branch facilitated three I-Gel Supraglottic Airway webinars and participated in the State Department of Health's quarterly meeting. FMS II assessment center was held on April 18t" and personnel have transitioned to permanent positions. EMS Branch personnel volunteered as judges for the Waiakea High School Health Academy senior project. The Fall 2023 paramedic class of eight will begin their third rotation this month. The 52nd firefighter recruit class has completed EMT training and is back with the Training Branch, their graduation ceremony will be in July. Regarding the paramedic class, Commissioner Cushnie wanted to know if this would significantly improve staffing levels. Chief Todd stated that once this class goes out on the line, the department will be close to fully staffed. However, this would likely last around a year. There's a significant number of personnel who will be eligible for retirement in 2025. Commissioner Cushnie asked if there would be another class that would start after this one. Chief Todd explained there would be a class continuously. o Training Services: The Active Attack Integrated Response training was opened to operations personnel. The 52nd recruit class completed Fire Ground Survival training. Additionally, they joined HFD Volunteer Firefighters for Wildland Firefighting Training at Pohakuloa. Commissioner Mattos asked about HFD's interest in live burns, noting that recruits used to participate in them. Chief Todd explained that the United States halted live burns due to numerous safety issues. Recently, the NFPA issued guidelines on conducting live burns safely. Chief Todd mentioned that meeting these safety requirements is costly for fire departments, making live burns challenging but not impossible. Currently, HFD partners with PTA, which has a three-container system on its property, where they conduct live burn training.