This presentation is a Rapid Intervention Success Story about the heroic efforts of the rescuers and the struggle to survive by Fire Captain Gary Morgan.  On October 29, 2000, a greater alarm commercial buidling fire occurred in the unincorporated area of Whitter, California.  Fire Captain Gary Morgan from Los Angeles County Fire Department and his crew were actively engaged in interior fire fighting operations when all of a sudden the wooden floor below where Captain Morgan was standing collapsed beneath him.

He rapidly fell 14 feet into a basement full of smoke and fire.  He layed there motionless after his breathing apparatus face piece was ripped off his face during the fall.  He immediately began to breath in super heated toxic smoke and was in and out of consciousness while rapid intervention resources aggressively attempted to locate and remove him from the firery basement.

You will hear the actual words and events from the rescuers and the chilling words from Captain Morgan himself as he strived to stay alive and be rescued.  The presentation will examine the lessons learned from the command, strategic, and tactical applications.  Also, the successes and pitfalls of the Rapid Intervention Rescue of Captain Morgan.  This is a must see for all fire service personnel.

Command & Control......."We Need To Do It Better & Safer"!

Background: Do we need any more evidence that command & control procedures and processes are not being applied; and therefore, are contributing to the failures of incident commanders?  Continually we see where another NIOSH injury/fatality report illustrates the common factors that incident commanders are not implementing while in the "seat of command." 

These common factors include:

• the incident commander not following department operational SOP's/guidelines
• using inconsistent ICS terminology; not implementing an incident action plan
• incident command not properly established, transferred or maintained
• consistent policies on incident management system not followed
• did not complete a size-up or risk assessment prior to firefighting operations.  

These examples and many more provide the motivation for Elite Command Training to reach out to the fire service community and emergency service providers to make a positive impact by improving knowledge, skills and abilities of the command officer. 

This signature program from Elite Command Training is the gold standard when it comes to command due to the the experience of the instructional cadre who are currently perform as incident commanders.  If you are looking for a class that will thoroughly explain, demonstrate, and implement an incident command process that works extremely well during emergency incidents, then this class is for you or your agency.

Length:  Minimum 16 hours (two days) Command Post "live" Simulations Require Extra Days!

Description: This presentation begins by identifying what every emergency incident is driven by.... The Incident Priorities. The program goes on to thoroughly analyze the development of the strategy objectives and modes of operation.  The incident commander can now effectively communicate and implement the incident tactical objectives to ensure the tasks are applied in a safe, coordinated, and purposeful manner.

This presentation will also include the identification, evaluation, and implementation of the critical “eight” step process of the “incident action plan” (IAP).  I would rather have 70% of something than 100% of nothing!  Have you ever been on an emergency incident where the IAP did not exist or wasn't working?  Were you able to make the necessary adjustments to move forward successfully?  From experience, this is one of the "choke points" in the incident where it becomes very dynamic, controlling everything in it's path, instead of the incident commander controlling the incident, now the incident is controlling you!

Lastly, the Elite Command Training cadre have been very successful in training fire department command personnel by using "live" command post exercises to effectively evaluate the students cognitive recall and manipulative learning abilities, utilizing fire simulator technology.  The students accomplish this by sitting in the "seat of command" utilizing their standard command operating procedures and policies in a simulated emergency incident.  The cadre members are the role players who utilize fire ground radios and provide incident command inputs, all during this real life (simulated) fire ground scenario with the actual environmental surroundings.  Students who have participated in this type of learning enviornment have all stated they have learned more about commanding an emergency incident than any previous training.  Please refer to the many testimonies on this site for validation.

Command Simulations (Strategy & Tactics)

Course Description:

Having trouble getting your personnel the necessary command training/experience because there are not as many fires as there use to be?  The U. S. Military, NASA, Law Enforcement Agencies, Airline Industry are all using simulators to artificially train there personnel to enhance each individual's slide carrousel and improve recognition prime decision making abilities.  If you are one of these agencies, I have a recommendation for you.  The experienced staff at Elite Command Training can provide simulated emergency command scenarios for your agency or a group of individuals through a mentoring process that will positively develop current and future company and chief officers.  By learning a very easy and practical command process taught by experienced incident commanders who are "currently" doing the job will guarantee that your personnel will greatly improving their incident command knowledge, process, critical thinking skills, decision making abilities and most important provide them the confidence to competently and safely lead the next emergency incident.

Emergency command scenarios include:

• All Building Fires
• Hazardous Materials Incidents
• High Rise Fire
• Civil Unrest 
• Multi-Casualty Incidents
• US&R
• Floodings
• Tornadoes
• Refinery Fires
• Terrorism Incidents
• Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Wildland Fires

The course will develop and improve your incident commanders by utilizing simulator technology with "all-risk" emergency scenarios.  There is no emergency scenario we can't develop.  Experienced command proctors will facilitate the command exercises by acting as "role players" to provide an extremely realistic "simulated" emergency incident with numerous command, strategic and tactical inputs that the incident commanders have to evaluate, process, decide and make decisions to ensure an efficient, effective and safe incident action plan is implemented.

Contact us to assist you in developing a specialized command scenario for your agency.

Commanding the Mayday & Firefighter Emergency Procedure

Length:  8 hours (Command Mayday Live Scenarios Require Extra Days)

The calling of a Mayday & Firefighter Emergency process is a statement that no Incident Commander (IC) wants to hear. A missing, trapped, lost or injured firefighter(s) are among the most difficult, and stressful situations any IC can face. This presentation taught by Incident Commanders who have sat in the "seat of command" during actual Mayday events will discuss three primary areas:

Prior to a Mayday...

During a Mayday & Firefighter Emergency Rescue...

After the Mayday...

Course Description: Information will be provided to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of commanding a mayday situation. The importance of effective incident command cannot be overstated. NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) reports have consistently identified COMMAND as a primary area, needing attention. The firefighter who calls the Mayday wants command to do just that - command!

There are three ways to become efficient and effective: EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, and EDUCATION.  By accomplishing this, you greatly improve your knowledge, skills and abilities.  As fires across the nation continue to decrease in regularity, it is becoming more difficult to gain hands on experience, making training and education presentations similar to Elite Command Training fire courses critical.

Firefighting is a high-risk/low-frequency event. The occurrence of a mayday is even more low frequency and certainly puts firefighters at high risk. Unlike many other evolutions, the mayday/firefighter emergency procedures are not practiced routinely. The primary goal of this presentation is to provide a foundation to achieve successful outcomes, which simply stated is “to save firefighters’ lives."  In addition, as part of this course, students participate in real life command simulations, which include mayday/firefighter emergency scenarios.

Division/Group Supervisor "all risk" Presentation

Course Description:

This course teaches the student the management knowledge, skills, and abilities to fill the position of Division/Group Supervisor within the framework of ICS.  The student will possess the knowledge and fundamentals to "all risk" emergency incidents while improving necessary command leadership skills in understanding why and when specific tactics and strategy may need to be adjusted utilizing the process of risk management, decision making, and overall incident safety management.  In addition, command abilities will be enhanced by having the opportunity to prepare for, and participate in, planning meetings to develop and implement division/group activities, as well as managing and adjusting the operations organization.

Course Length:

Three day (total 24 hours)

Capacity:

40 students

Prerequisites:

I-300

Fire Ground Attitudes, Behaviors, and Culture

I've heard many comments from my fire colleagues that the reason why things turnout the way they do during firefighting operations is simply due to the culture of the organization.  Why is culture being blamed for negative outcomes when fire organizations haven’t figured out what’s really driving their fire ground culture in the first place?  Once again NIOSH reports continue to identify germane issues that continue to occur during fire ground operations.  Have you asked yourself or the leadership in your department, why do we have so many injuries on fires?  Why do we have so many traffic accidents responding to emergency incidents?  Why do we operate with SOG's that are so outdated and not practical in today's fire enviornment? Have you ever misinterpreted outcomes after an emergency incident as skill or ability?  When in reality it was just simply luck!

If you truly want answers and ideas to the above questions, please join others who have benefited from the sound advise provided while attending this class.  Buckle up and enjoy the experience!

Length: 4 or 8 hours

Description: This presentation will take an in-depth look at how fire service organizations operate on emergency incidents while examining fire ground attitudes, which have a direct connection to fire ground behaviors and the formation of those patterns.  Learned fire ground behaviors are passed on from generation to generation of firefighters, which eventually defines a fire ground culture.  This is the type of presentation where a lump develops in your throat because you realize these same fire ground attitudes and behaviors occur within your department, battalion, fire company, or maybe with you!  Fire ground videos, case studies, and numerous actual incidents are used to illustrate how attitudes shape behaviors and behaviors shape a fire service culture.

If you have the courage to look deep inside how (we) in the fire service, are operating on the fire ground, and are willing to incorporate and share some of the basic methods taught in this class at your fire station so that you can implement the necessary changes/adjustments in the way you operate - then this class is perfect for you and your department members.

Firefighter Bill of Rights "What You Need To Know"

Course Length: 8 hours (includes simulated scenario based interaction)

Course Description: On January 1, 2008, the California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 220, “Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act."  How well do your company and chief officers understand the specific applications and intent of AB-220?  Do your supervisors and managers fully understand what this law means as it directly relates to their day to day supervision and management responsibilities?  Has your agency provided the necessary training to all company and chief officers to ensure there competency and prevent future liabilities?  Are your supervisors and managers applying correct departmental procedures that meet the intent of AB-220?

If you said no to any of the above questions, then this presentation is for you or your agency. The presentation will examine how to do investigations, interrogations, information gathering, punitive and non-punitive actions, counseling, instruction, and verbal admonishments.  In addition, the course will examine on and off-duty behavior as it relates to AB-220, as well as which employees are covered and the ones who are not.  Lastly, the presentation will provide a list of the do's and don'ts for supervisors and managers.

Incident Safety Officer S-404 (All-Risk)

This is one of the signature classes offered by Elite Command Training.  This is usally a three-day class (24 hours) depending on agency/state specific certification requirements.  Note: This class can be modified as a one-day class; however, no certification/certificate will be issued.   

This is absolutely one of the MOST important classes you can ever take in your fire service career.  Unfortunately, there are fire agencies who are only interested in their members receiving a certificate of completion from this course.  We all know it goes much deeper than just having a certificate.  What professional or personal impact will this class have on you as a fire service adult learner?

The critical questions that each firefighter/attendee needs to ask:

Does the instructor possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the subject?
Is the instructor qualified to perform in the safety officer position?
Does the instructor have the necessary background/experience?
Is the instructor currently participating in command and safety officer roles at major complex "all-risk" emergency incidents?

If you enroll in any Elite Command Training course, the answer to all these questions is yes. The creditability, knowledge, command, and safety experience is unmatched by the instructor(s).  So what are you waiting for? Don’t sign up for an imitation safety course, sign up now for the real thing and you won’t regret it.
The lives of you and your crew depend on it! 

 Course Description:  The Safety Officer course curriculum will deliver “All -Risk” emergency information for the Safety Officer position (type II and line safety) commensurate with the requirements of FIRESCOPE.  This can be a California State Fire Marshall accredited class also meeting the minimum standards from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (310-1).  The students will be required to write and deliver safety messages, assess and/or anticipate hazardous and unsafe situations.  They will also develop and recommend measures for assuring personnel safety throughout the operational area. Additional subjects covered include: work place injuries, vehicle accident investigations, OSHA & NIOSH requirements and investigations, operational safety briefings, ICS forms, assistant safety officer (Haz-Mat & USAR) responsibilities, decision making process for risk mitigation, situational analysis of tactical application (215A), wildland duties and base/camp responsibilities, case study analysis (structure fires), understanding fire behavior & smoke conditions, certification (depending on agency/state requirements) and task book requirements (if necessary), firefighter injury and fatality investigations (case study), etc.

Multi-Casualty Command

Background: Emergency service providers seem to have a pretty good understanding through their training and experience when confronted by a multi-casualty incident with a smaller number of injured patients (1 to 20).  First responders do well by establishing initial traige measures, treat and move the injured patients, and transport those patients who are tagged immediate "first" to hospitals.  However, not many incident commanders are well trained or experienced to command an "expanding" multi-casualty incident where large numbers of patients (20 to over 100+) are injured and in need of transportation to a hospital.

Description: Multi-casualty incidents require mass coordination.  The objective of this presentation is to provide the incident commander with the necessary command tools that identify when and how to expand a multi-casualty incident to support large numbers of injured patients.  You will learn how to develop and expand the incident organization that supports an event which occurs over a large geographical area, as well as the number of patients, type of incident, and the resources necessary to support the incident.  By doing all of this you'll eliminate the transportation choke points/bottlenecking, while improve communications, unity of command, span of control and most importantly transport more patients off scene to the hospital.  You will also learn how to establish and implement well defined incident priorities, as well as strategic and tactical objectives that will provide a smooth and effective incident action plan that will effectively deliver injured patients to the surrounding hospital facilities in an efficient and safe manner.

In additon, you will learn the essential command responsibilities of Unified Command, MCI Branch Director, Medical Division/Group Supervisor and Transportation Group Supervisor that will clearly define the organizational and communication lines to ensure timely treatment and transportation of injured patients.

Length: 8 hours (with command post MCI simulations)

Risk Assessment & Decision Making Process

Background: Have you ever asked yourself how could things have gone so wrong?  How could they not have seen the fatal fire event coming?  It is a personal observation that the (fire service) is not providing our company and chief officers with strong foundational decision making methods so in there preparation for promotion they will effectively make safe decisions during emergency incidents.  Rather, much effort is focused on teaching company and chief officers the steps (check boxes) to successfully navigate promotional examinations.  Once these individuals are promoted they never fully understand how to assess risk and the foundational processes of good decision making.

Description: The incident commander must be prepared to make split-second decisions that will protect lives or lose lives. This is an overwhelming responsibility that is echoed throughout NFPA 1500 Standards and other learning resources.  Commanders are bombarded with large amounts of information in various forms and must attempt to create a mental picture of a situation to use as a basis for decisions.  The limits of the working memory preclude decision makers from considering all of the information available.  This presentation will take you on an informative journey by thoroughly examining and analyzing a simple 5-step decision making process that can be utilized at all levels.  These steps/processes provides the decision maker with enough information about what is occurring, or about to occur, to make quality/safe decisions while operating in very dynamic and high stress emergency environments.  Student participation and interaction is required.  The program will utilize visual illustrations of real life emergency situations allowing the student to demonstrate their cognitive recall in a simulated emergency environment.  Please read on this site the many testimonials written by previous students who have attended this presentation and validate the fact that the decision making process really works!

Length: 8 hours

                       Initial Attack Incident Commander

Ever since the 1961 Bel Air "Santa Ana" wind driven conflagration in Los Angeles County, fire department incident commanders continually experience the numerous challenges of predicting fire behavior, evacuating large numbers of residences, containing the perimeters of the fire, developing an effective action plan, managing large numbers of fire fighters and resources, contending with dry fuels, as well as dynamic and ever changing weather conditions.

This presentation is a must for initial attack company & chief officers who "sit in the seat of command" during wildland fires.  This course contains such topics as California's wildland fire problem, incident command system, wildland fire safety, weather changes, wildland fuels, wildland fire behavior perdiction, initial attack methods, utilizing air attack operations, as well as developing and implementing effective incident priorities, strategies, tactics, and tasks to ensure efficient and safe incident action plan.  This course will also examine firefighter safety and survival, case studies of burnovers, near-misses, and lessons learned.

Lastly, but most importantly, this program will take advantage of a wildland simulation program to reinforce the incident commanders ability to develop an incident action plan, assign and track resources, establish an incident organization, articulate clear strategies and implement tactical objectives, and communicate and coordinate with helicopter & air resources.  These command post exercises provide the incident commander with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to improve their command performance.