Adam Mcfadden
Adam is a Hazmat Technician, Shift Training Instructor and Former Recruit Training Officer for Canada’s Largest Fire Service; as well as a member of the Joint Response Hazmat & CBRNE Team, & Rapid Response Special Events Team for the City of Toronto,Canada. He is also the owner of Firehouse Training, a private-industry fire service training company, developing various programs in the areas of industrial firefighting response tactics, lithium-ion battery fire tactics and safety, hazardous materials spill response, terrorism awareness and flammable liquids training. Adam has over 20 years of experience in the Hazmat industry, has completed Cargo Tank Hazmat Specialist Training, Hazardous Materials Incident Command & Hazmat Safety Officer training programs with the Michigan State Police Academy. He was also a participant at the Tracking Terrorism: Countering the Threat Symposium in Durham Region, Canada. Adam has spoken previously at various Hazmat Conferences including the Florida State Hazmat Symposium, in Daytona Beach, New England Hazmat Conference, Hazmatcon: Hazardous Materials Virtual Conference in Michigan, and Ontario Hazmat Responders Association Hazmat Conference, in Niagara Falls, Canada just to name a few.
Presentations:
The Taylor Swift Effect: Terrorism & Hazmat Response Challenges for Event Venues
Session Description In an era where large-scale events can become targets for terrorism, preparedness and swift response are critical. This two-hour session, conducted by Adam McFadden, of Firehouse Training, will equip hazmat technicians with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively manage HAZMAT and terrorism-related incidents at large-scale event venues. Using real-world examples such as the Taylor Swift terrorism threat, the tragic Ariana Grande concert attack, and Las Vegas Jason Aldean Country Concert Shooting just to name a few; this session will delve into the unique challenges faced by first responders in these scenarios. Participants will explore the critical components of HAZMAT, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosive (CBR&E) response, focusing on threat detection, decontamination procedures, and coordinated multi-agency response efforts. The session will cover the establishment of perimeters, the use of specialized protective equipment, and the implementation of evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols. Attendees will also learn about the integration of law enforcement, EMS and firefighting operations to secure the venue, neutralize threats, and manage mass casualties during and after an incident. This comprehensive training session will provide valuable insights into best practices for threat assessment, inter-agency emergency response coordination, and boots-on-the-ground tactics to protect lives and minimize damage during high-profile events. Join us to enhance your readiness and ensure the safety of your local event venues and its patrons. Curriculum Overview & Content: Review of Initial Isolation Perimeters & Safe Zones Apparatus Staging and Staffing Requirements and Tasks Review and Discussion of Incident Command Systems for CBRNE & WMD Events Understanding the Use of a Tactical Hazmat Worksheet to Manage the Incident Mitigation Response for Bomb Threats, White Powder Calls or Active Shooters, including Chemical Attacks Equipment Cache & Staging of Supplies for Mass Casualty Events Joint Response Team Initiatives for Fire, Police and Paramedics Mass & Gross Decontamination Strategies for Ambulatory & Non Ambulatory Casualties Utilizing local hospitals, public transit services and public works departments Case Studies including the Taylor Swift terrorism threat, the tragic Ariana Grande concert attack, and Las Vegas Jason Aldean Country Concert Shooting Course Length - 45 minutes to 2 hours (flexible time-frames) Classroom/HOT/both - Classroom theory presentation Materials/Supplies needed for course - Will require projector, computer and speakers Cost - no cost or payment required / hotel and travel accommodation request
Zero-Hour Hazmat: Precision Tactical Response for Downrange Firefighters
It is vital on every hazardous materials emergency scene, we have an incident command system in place to ensure that all downrange - fireground tasks are completed, to safely and effectively mitigate any hazardous material and its effects. This includes critical decisions to perform rescues, or plug leaks and deal with dangerous chemical spills. Incident Command is the standardized structure that allows for a cooperative response within various groups or agencies to coordinate hazmat response activities, without compromising any decision making or safety. Focusing on a risk-based response through the chain of command, and utilizing tactical checklists as an Incident Action Plan in a way to identify roles, and tasks to ensure scene downrange objectives are met. This roundtable group session will: Identify how to better assess the situation through scene size-up Objectives including product identification and the use of chemical detection monitors Choice of personal protective equipment On-scene decontamination strategies and procedures. We will discuss the importance of having a Hazmat Safety Officer; and tactical priorities to make key decisions on-scene, such as rescue, recovery or spill response mitigation issues to consider. We will also review radio communication benchmarks for product related actions for fires or spills, lithium-ion battery emergencies, life protection strategies for public safety and assistance requests for local mutual aid agencies.
North America Under Siege: Multi-Agency Tactics with Fire, Police & EMS for Terrorism & WMD Events
Session Description This session will include specific highlighted learning objectives, identify key speaking topics in the areas of Terrorism Response Procedures, CBRNE & Weapons of Mass Destruction Chemical Detection & Mitigation Equipment, which will also include an interactive group participation module. All participants will be provided handouts including various tactical worksheets to use during our group mock table-top exercise, and round-table discussions. Curriculum Overview & Content: Review of Domestic & International Terrorism Events in North America Review and Discussion of Incident Command Systems for CBRNE & WMD Events Understanding the Use of a Tactical Hazmat Worksheet to Manage the Incident Mitigation Response Strategies for Bomb Threats, Chemical & Nuclear Attacks Lithium-ion Battery Intentional Threats & Dangers Joint Response Team Initiatives for Fire, Police and Paramedics Review of Tactics (Accountability and Entry Control, RECCE, Decon Techniques, Extraction, FTT, IC & Emergency Management Operations) Group Case Study Discussions: Do we perform a snatch and grab rescue; or do we isolate the area to mitigate the hazardous material? Hazmat and CBRNE Communication Benchmarks, Assigned Tasks (Command, RECCE in Hot Zone, PAR status, Decon Setup, Emergency Decon Established, FTT) Practical Table Top Scenarios, Group Discussion & Group Questions