EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Pine Tree Burn Foundation and the Maine Fire Marshals Office, in collaboration with
Captain William A. Cannata, Jr. of the Westwood (Massachusetts) Fire Department 
is pleased to announce the following training opportunity:

“Autism Awareness for the First Responder- Fire/Rescue”

 Thursday  December  1, 2011  -  9am -12pm (Registration begins at 8:30am)
Houlton Fire Department - 97 Military St., Houlton, Maine

click here for brochure and registration information

Description of training:  Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the fastest growing neurobiological conditions in the world, with prevalence numbers rising exponentially over the last six decades. ASDs impair a person's ability to communicate and relate to others.  As a result, individuals with ASD are more likely to have a 911 encounter than the average citizen. These events can be high risk calls for the responder and a person with ASD.  Learner outcomes for this workshop include:

• To prepare fire and rescue personnel for a response to an emergency involving a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• How to identify characteristics and behaviors of a person with ASD.

• How to effectively communicate with a person with ASD.

• Discuss special tactics, rescue techniques, and patient care. 

• How to build relationships with the ASD community

• Fire and Life Safety Education, learning techniques and safety drills

About Captain Bill Cannata: Captain Cannata has been a member of the fire service for 33 years, and an officer with the Westwood (Mass.) Fire Department for the past thirteen years. He also has been a Massachusetts Fire Academy instructor for 15 years. Bill is a member and statewide coordinator of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC). ALEC currently educates first responders across the state of Massachusetts about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to better understand a person with ASD. ALEC has trained over 12,000 first responders in Massachusetts.  Captain Cannata has trained responders in 11 states and Australia. He is also the parent of a child with ASD.

To attend: This workshop is free. Call or e-mail Tom Malcolm at  207-447-0911 or (301tm@myfairpoint.net) by November 25, 2011 to RSVP with the number of attendees coming from your department or agency.   Space is limited so register early.

GRANTS & RECOGNITIONS

• NFPA: 2011 Rolf H. Jensen Memorial Public Education Grant Application (Application Deadline: Close of Business Friday, February 3, 2012).  The Rolf H. Jensen Memorial Puiblic Education Grant is presented annually to a local fire department to support a fire and life safety education community-wide program or campaign

   

• NFPA: Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Nomination Form  (Application Deadline: Close of Business February 24, 2012)

Maine Juvenile Fire Safety Program	National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Education Programs	Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters
US Fire Administration (FEMA) Online Training Classes	The Home Safety Council (HSC) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year.	Spurwink Services is A nationally accredited non-profit organization providing behavioral health, educational and residential services for children, adolescents, adults and families.

Last modified: 30-October-2011