Workshops
Restoring Resilience: An Evidence-Based Biopsychosocial Approach to PTSD, Brain Injury, and Chronic Pain in Firefighters
Institutes of Health with SDFD Battalion Chief (Ret.) David Picone
Explore how a biopsychosocial transdisciplinary community approach effectively addresses PTSD, brain injury, and chronic pain in firefighters. This holistic framework integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to develop best-practice strategies for early intervention tailored to firefighters’ unique needs. Learn how the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has adopted this model within their health and safety initiatives to enhance firefighter well-being. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based psychological treatments, the crucial influence of diet and nutrition on recovery outcomes, and the rationale for including such care under Workers’ Compensation. This session aims to inform and equip participants with knowledge about effective, science-driven practices to enhance the health and resilience of firefighters, fostering a deeper understanding of this integrated approach.
Recruiting and Retaining Women in the Fire Service
CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Liz Brown, San Francisco FD Chief of Staff Adrienne Sims, and San Jose FD Captain Corey Condren
Fire departments throughout California are all facing similar challenges around the same question: how can they recruit and retain women in the fire service to build a workforce that better reflects their communities? For the past 20 years, the Cal-JAC’s Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service has been a leader in answering this question and providing resources to departments and candidates alike. Join Commissioners for an open and engaging conversation to learn about what effective strategies, policies, and best practices departments must implement to strengthen their recruitment efforts and build a lasting pipeline for women into the fire service.
Lithium-ion Battery Emergencies: Bridging the Gap from Prevention, Response, And Recovery
SDFD Battalion Chief Rob Rezende and Office of the State Fire Marshal Assistant Deputy Director Tim Spears
From smartphones to electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. These batteries are creating new challenges for firefighters on the frontlines through potential exposures when responding to fires. Exposure to these fires can lead to potential health effects, and the approach to suppressing them needs to be strategic. Join us for an interactive discussion covering the current codes and regulations for lithium-ion battery fires and recommendations on how the fire service should prevent, respond to, and recover from these fires, and what steps you can take to keep personnel and the public safe.
Communicate to De-escalate
National Conflict Resolution Center
The National Conflict Resolution Center’s (NCRC) “Communicate to De-Escalate” training teaches frontline personnel successful de-escalation strategies and prepares them to navigate difficult conversations while promoting safety, respect, and dignity for everyone involved. By de-escalating tense situations, fire department personnel can slow down, reduce, and prevent further conflict. NCRC has been providing communication and conflict resolution training to government agencies, fire departments, law enforcement, universities, and community groups across the U.S. for over 40 years. Recognizing the unique challenges that frontline personnel face today, NCRC has developed communication and de-escalation training to effectively engage with members of the public safely and respectfully, which will help you meet the needs of the community you serve.