Course Catalog | Iowa Department of Public Safety

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Saturday Courses

All day saturday courses
Course	Description
Leadership Survival (NEW)	Using real case studies, Chief Billy Goldfeder examines firefighter survival in the firehouse and on the scene. Explore behavior, supervision, size-up, situational awareness and operational planning to improve safety, decision-making and accountability.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Lemons to Lemon Aid (NEW)	Chiefs Dennis L. Rubin and Christopher J. Naum examine challenging fire-rescue case studies and the leadership decisions needed to navigate adversity. Learn practical strategies for maintaining a positive attitude, strengthening leadership and guiding organizations through difficult situations.

10:30am - 12:00pm
Course	Description
The Power of One: Initial Company Operations at Externally Ignited Apartment Fires (NEW)	Learn initial engine company operations for externally ignited apartment fires, including building construction, exterior FAST tactics, big-water application and interior hose line operations. Focus on controlling fire and preventing extension into common attic spaces.
Fire in the Sky: The North Stonegate COOP Fire (NEW)	Explore the 2024 North Stonegate Cooperative fire in Hamilton County, where a lightning strike led to major structural collapses and corn spilling onto an active railroad. Learn about incident command, unified command, resource management and multi-agency coordination during a large-scale response.
Real Calls, Real Lessons: Low Frequency, High Impact Operations (NEW)	Explore four challenging incidents—a trench rescue, multiple-patient shooting, field blood administration and high-angle rescue. First-arriving and command-level responders share firsthand lessons, key decisions and practical takeaways from each event.
Where has Tradition Gone? (NEW)	Explore the history and value of fire service traditions, with a focus on building pride and ownership within Midwest departments. Learn how Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum teams can strengthen department ceremonies and traditions.
No Rank Required Leadership Culture by Design (NEW)	Explore how firefighters at every rank can lead through training, mentoring and setting standards. Learn practical strategies for building a culture of ownership, discipline and pride where influence is earned and everyone contributes to strong leadership.
The Fireground EMT: Expanding EMS' Contributions on the Fireground (NEW)	Explore the expanding role of non-firefighter EMTs in fireground operations. Learn how EMTs can support fireground strategy, communication, safety and coordination through cross-functional knowledge and collaboration.
Union Pacific Railroad Emergency Response: First Arriving Officer (NEW)	This presentation is designed for those who will be making command decisions such as chiefs and first arriving officers and focuses on the first two hours of a major rail incident.
Training Firefighters to Win on the Fireground (NEW)	Identify gaps in traditional fire service training and learn strategies to improve training programs. Explore ways to better prepare members for the fireground and close the gap between performance expectations and results.
Red light, Blue Lights, Gun Fights: Tactics for Responding to Violent Calls (NEW)	Learn practical tactics for recognizing and managing threats during high-risk fire and EMS calls. Cover pre-planning, exterior size-up, approach tactics, human behavior and survival strategies to improve safety and decision-making when situations escalate.
Incident Reporting With NERIS in Image Trend	Overview of what NERIS is, how to access NERIS information, and entering data into the state’s Image Trend System.

1:00pm - 4:00pm
Course	Description
Ripples (NEW)	Explore how daily leadership choices shape firehouse culture, morale, safety and on-scene performance. Officers will learn to recognize cultural drift, address performance issues and use practical tools to strengthen accountability, consistency and trust.
Building the Team Everyone Wants to Join (NEW)	Explore how firehouse culture and environment influence emergency scene performance. Learn simple, actionable ways to build a firehouse environment that supports operational excellence and the service your community expects.
Mayday in the Metro	Explore the April 9, 2022, commercial building fire that resulted in multiple Maydays and nearly cost three firefighters their lives. Hear firsthand accounts and lessons learned from the firefighters involved.
Farm Smart HazMat (NEW)	This course prepares rural responders for hazardous materials incidents in agricultural settings. Topics include pre-planning, product identification, risk assessment, PPE, decontamination, rescue, Mayday procedures and incident documentation. Attendees will examine common rural HazMat incidents and learn practical strategies for safer, more effective response.
Smooth vs Fog: Which is Better (HOT)	Learn the basics of smooth bore and combination fog nozzles, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. Classroom and hands-on training will cover nozzle selection, hose types and diameters, and fire attack packages. Students will put both nozzle styles to the test.
Industrial Firefighting Awareness for the Municipal Firefighter (NEW)	Explore the hazards and operational considerations of industrial facility fires. Learn about building types, unique risks and safe response practices, with guidance for developing department SOGs. Case studies, including the 2019 Clinton, Iowa, LODD, will highlight lessons learned.
Solid Start: Anchors that Shape Rope Rescue Outcomes (Classroom Only)	Learn the fundamentals of building strong, reliable anchor systems for rope rescue. Explore natural and improvised anchors, load distribution and critical decision-making to build safer systems in unpredictable environments.
Innovative Search (Classroom Only)	Explore modern fireground search using fire behavior research, rescue data and real-world experience. Learn how building layout, communication and victim survivability guide search decisions, including victim drags, oriented search, split search and VEIS.
Fireground Strategies: Strategic Decision Making (NEW)	Explore fireground strategy selection and transition based on current and forecasted conditions. Using case studies, this course covers offensive and defensive strategies, transitional attacks, below-grade and large-area fires, exposure issues, alarm considerations and operational reporting.

1:00pm - 2:30pm
Course	Description
ImageTrend Report Writer for NERIS (NEW)	Learn to use ImageTrend Report Writer to create custom reports, track operational metrics and analyze NERIS-formatted incident data. Designed for administrators, data analysts and officers seeking practical fire service analytics skills.
Incident Reporting with NERIS in Image Trend	Overview of what NERIS is, how to access NERIS information, and entering data into the state’s Image Trend System.

Sunday Courses

9:00am - 4:00pm
Course	Description
A, B, Cs (NEW)	Chief Dennis L. Rubin and Chief Christopher J. Naum will discuss the Actions, Behaviors and Conditions (A-B-C’s) that must be considered, to prevent accident and/or injury to firefighters at all types of events. With more than 100 members dying in the line-off duty and another 85,000 reportable fire fighter injuries occurring each year nationally, this program is a “must attend” for all members that supervise at emergency alarms. Chief Rubin and Chief Naum will use a combination of straightforward, no-nonsense lecture, class interactions, along with case study materials to get critical points across. If you are interested in becoming a better fire officer, you will want to attend this program. The textbook, “Rube’s Rules for Survival” is the accompanying material for this course.
Firefighter's Overview to Building Systems (NEW)	Provide an overview to the various building systems that might be encountered by firefighters and how they can better understand their purpose in building operations and life safety. Since the school is being held at Prairie Meadows, I would attempt to see if their building engineering staff would be able to host a field trip through the facility to the see systems in place and in operation.

9:00am - 12:00pm
Course	Description
Lithium ION Battery Safety and Response Considerations (NEW)	This presentation offers an overview of best practices for responding to fires and incidents involving lithium-ion batteries across various modern applications. Participants will learn about the unique hazards of lithium-ion battery failures, including thermal runaway, rapid fire growth, re-ignition, toxic byproducts, and the challenges they pose to traditional suppression methods. The course covers response strategies for consumer devices, power tools, micro-mobility equipment like e-bikes and scooters, as well as larger-scale hazards such as residential energy storage systems, energy storage facilities, and electric vehicles. Through practical guidance and real-world lessons, the training equips emergency responders with the knowledge to make informed tactical decisions, protect personnel and the public, and effectively manage risks associated with these increasingly common technologies.
When the Smoke Clears (Introduction to First Responder Wellness and Emotional Survival)	Drawing from more than 20 years of firsthand experience in facing officer-involved shootings, Line of Duty Deaths (LODDs), police suicides, and various traumas, the presenter shares deeply personal life experiences. This course delves into the challenges inherent in a lifelong career as a first responder, offering participants valuable insights on surviving the unique stressors that impact both professional and personal aspects of their lives. Explore topics such as hypervigilance, critical incident survival, and overall wellness, with a focus on the three R's: resistance, resiliency, and recovery. The course provides a comprehensive discussion on stress, delving into common psychological reactions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will gain a profound understanding of the essential building blocks for becoming a resilient and effective law enforcement officer, equipped to navigate the complexities of their career with resilience and strength.
Responsibilities of Command (NEW)	Regardless of the size of the unit the act of command requires a unique blend of traits and characteristics. Responsibilities of Command takes a holistic approach to develop those traits necessary to lead firefighters at the station and on the fire ground. This class combines the hard learned lessons from the US military and decades of fire service experience into a practical guide for those tasked with the challenging job of leading personnel and meeting the mission requirements of the organization.
Emergency Response to Hunting and Outdoor Emergencies (NEW)	This course prepares fire and rescue personnel to respond effectively to outdoor emergencies involving hunters and recreational outdoor enthusiasts. Recognizing that hunting accidents and outdoor injuries are low-frequency but high-risk events, the training focuses on assessing, rescuing, and treating injuries such as gunshot wounds, puncture and penetrating injuries, arrow and broadhead injuries, hypothermia, and multisystem trauma in remote outdoor settings. Participants will learn rapid trauma assessment, specialized rescue techniques using common and specialized equipment, and strategies for extricating victims from tree stands, elevated blinds, falls, and suspension injuries. The course also covers incident command, remote rescue operations, and managing complex incidents in rural and wilderness environments. Designed for all ranks—from entry-level firefighters to chief officers—particularly those in rural and volunteer departments, this training enhances preparedness for the unique challenges of outdoor rescue scenarios.
Why We Train	The importance of training from a firsthand perspective. In depth look at how we can get buy in from everyone to train. The mental stress that first responders deal with and tools we have to deal with this. When the emergency strikes at your door why does training take over when all else goes out the window.
Electric Vehicle and Stored Energy Systems	This is an Operations Level class for First Responders to identify and respond to Lithium-Ion battery fires in a safe and knowledgeable manner. Course material covered will include specific terminology associated with electric vehicles; specifically, Lithium-Ion (Li) batteries, problems associated with overcharging, damage or overheating, and a review of the most current approach to extinguishment, cooling, overhaul, investigation, and reporting. As stored energy appliances and EV’s become more popular, it is imperative that we as fire service professionals stay informed of the potential dangers of these devices, which have already presented themselves in catastrophic and sometimes deadly circumstances.
35 Things Every Fire Officer Must Know and Do (NEW)	This class offers both new and experienced fire officers a practical leadership playbook to navigate the complexities of leading high-performing teams in one of the most demanding professions. Drawing on lessons from Chief Viscuso’s books and leadership programs, it covers essential topics such as mentoring, succession planning, effective delegation, preventing freelancing, managing subordinate issues, conflict resolution, post-incident analysis, building morale, community service, and trust-building. Designed to simplify complex leadership challenges, this course provides the tools necessary to develop strong, cohesive, and resilient fire teams.
Commanding the Mayday (NEW)	One of the most concerning events to occur on a fireground is a mayday. For field personnel, a myriad of drills, events and competitions exist to prepare for what could be the worst event to occur for your agency, however very little training is in place to prepare officers, in particular command level officers, for their roles and responsibilities. This program is designed to cover the pre-amble to a mayday event, the foundation for managing all mayday events, and the plans and needs to manage the various types of maydays. Also, information and experience will be shared to discuss the impact a mayday has to your organization and the aftermath.
Fire Officer Excellence (NEW)	This Full Contact Leadership and Fireground Strategies presentation challenges current and aspiring fire officers to enhance their preparation, attitude, and operational skills both on the fireground and in the vital soft environment—the ongoing training, planning, and leadership behind the scenes. Emphasizing that the 1% of time spent on the fireground depends on the actions and discipline demonstrated in the other 99%, the course focuses on maintaining readiness and in-service status through strong leadership. Participants will explore tactical responsibilities such as strategic size-up, engine and ladder operations, attack and hoseline tactics, exterior control, forcible entry techniques, VEIS, and ground ladder procedures. The session underscores the importance of full-contact leadership to ensure optimal performance, safety, and readiness at all times.

9:00am - 10:20am
Course	Description
Incident Reporting with NERIS in Image Trend	Overview of what NERIS is, how to access NERIS information, and entering data into the state’s Image Trend System.

10:30am - 12:00pm
Course	Description
Image Trend Report Writer for NERIS (NEW)	Learn to harness the power of your department’s data under the new national standard. This hands-on course teaches you how to navigate ImageTrend's Report Writer to build custom reports, track operational metrics, and generate actionable insights specifically from NERIS-formatted incidents. Perfect for system administrators, data analysts, and officers looking to master modern fire service analytics.

1:00pm - 4:00pm
Course	Description
Traffic Incident Management (TIM) for Emergency Responders	Traffic crashes happen every day on Iowa roadways. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, firefighter, tow truck operator, transportation worker, or any number of others who respond to crashes, making the crash scene safer and clearing the roadway as soon as possible is a priority to increase safety for all of us. This four-hour training program is developed to coordinate better the efforts of multi-discipline responders to work traffic incidents cooperatively, efficiently, and safely; thereby improving safety for all responders and everyone else on the road.
When the Smoke Clears Vol. 2: Finding Post-Traumatic Growth After the Incident (NEW)	This 2- 4-hour specialized training provides first responders—including fire, police, EMS, and dispatch—with a critical framework for transforming high-stress exposures into profound personal strength. "When the Smoke Clears" moves beyond traditional coping mechanisms to focus on Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), the documented process of positive psychological change that occurs after struggling with highly challenging calls or career events. In this intensive course, participants will learn the evidence-based theory developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun and gain a tactical understanding of how to apply it to their professional and personal lives.
First Due Engine to an Active Shooter/Hostile Event (NEW)	This presentation emphasizes the critical need for all first responders—paid and volunteer—to be prepared for active shooter and hostile events (ASHE). Recognizing that these incidents can happen suddenly and anywhere, it offers practical, resource-conscious guidance tailored for fire departments with limited training opportunities. Attendees will learn how to effectively integrate with law enforcement and EMS, manage incident command, establish staging areas, and make informed decisions during high-risk scenarios. Drawing on lessons from real-world incidents, FBI studies, NFPA 3000, and active shooter response models, the course covers essential topics such as terminology, response procedures, apparatus placement, and radio communication. Designed to spark departmental planning and coordination, this session equips responders with actionable insights to enhance readiness and ensure every team member understands their role when every second counts.
Emergency Response to Tornadoes and Rural Disasters	Prepares responders for tornadoes and rural disasters. Topics include initial operations, command setup, EMS triage, search and rescue, mutual aid, and equipment requirements. This course will prepare first responders at all levels, especially rural fire departments, for emergency response to large scale disaster operations, to include large destructive tornadoes.
Effective Radio Communications for Interoperability (Utilizing Iowa's Unified Radio Network to Complete the Mission) (NEW)	Poor communication is a leading driver of errors and adverse events in public safety. Iowa has led the charge to increase interoperable communications statewide on the ISICS land mobile radio network allowing one to many communications, situational awareness, and secure communications with advanced encryption capability. This course is built to provide an understanding of the ISICS system and how your agency can utilize push to talk (PTT) communications no matter what your normal means of communicating. You will hear about the newly updated Iowa Emergency Medical Services communication plan and how Iowa is moving away from legacy systems that are no longer supported.
Getting Out: The Critical Other Half of Forcible Entry (NEW)	Gaining access to buildings is generally an essential first step in efficient fire operations. It provides the gateway(s) through which other activities must flow. So, especially in recent years, “forcible entry”—getting in-- has been an important focus of firefighter training. Unfortunately, what isn’t so widely recognized-- and is ultimately even more critical-- is the importance of finding and utilizing egress routes when things go wrong. Methods of getting in and getting out are related and warrant being studied together. However, the barriers encountered in each and the methods used to overcome them are likely to be quite different. This course provides a detailed examination of the types of barriers facing emergency firefighter egress, general approaches to defeating them, and how fire crews can prepare themselves to perform forcible entry and emergency egress with equal confidence and skill. Getting in is essential. But it’s not successful until everyone’s out.

1:00pm - 2:30pm
Course	Description
Incident Reporting With NERIS in Image Trend	Overview of what NERIS is, how to access NERIS information, and entering data into the state’s Image Trend System.
An Introduction to the DNR Fire Program (NEW)	This presentation would provide an introduction to all things that are the Iowa DNR Fire Program including VFA grant opportunities, fire reporting, Federal Excess Property Program updates and the potential for wildland fire training offerings.
Runway Recovery: Breaking Down Response to an Unusual MCI (NEW)	This presentation explores the coordinated response to an airline Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), challenging first responders to move beyond traditional disaster models and engage in out-of-the-box thinking. Aviation incidents present complex, non-typical variables that require adaptability, rapid decision-making, and seamless interagency coordination. Participants will examine how an aviation disaster may differ from standard mass casualty events, including scene hazards, access challenges, large patient volumes, multi-jurisdictional response, and national-level implications. But these difficulties are realities at every event and must be anticipated, managed, and worked through to ensure incident success.

Image Trend Report Writer for NERIS (NEW)	Learn to harness the power of your department’s data under the new national standard. This hands-on course teaches you how to navigate ImageTrend's Report Writer to build custom reports, track operational metrics, and generate actionable insights specifically from NERIS-formatted incidents. Perfect for system administrators, data analysts, and officers looking to master modern fire service analytics.
So You Want a Drone (NEW)	This course will examine the benefits of implementing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into emergency responses. Students will be introduced to different types of UAS available and how they can be implemented into emergency responses to further first responder safety and efficiency. This course will examine legal requirements of UAS utilized by government agencies and will work to identify possible funding strategies for successful implementation.
Fireground Contamination, Decontamination, & Exposure Tracking: Research Based Practices for Firefighter Cancer Prevention	This course focuses on understanding and mitigating firefighter exposure to toxic smoke emissions, soot, and hazardous combustion byproducts that contaminate gear, skin, and station environments. It translates Iowa State University NexGenPPT research—supported by FEMA—on PPE contamination, passive exposure sampling, and decontamination into practical, field-relevant guidance for Iowa firefighters, officers, and department leaders. Participants will learn about how smoke particles deposit on protective gear, the risks of secondary exposure, and effective decontamination practices that reduce contamination. The course introduces passive samplers as tools for documenting exposure history to support health-risk assessments and cancer prevention strategies. Attendees will explore best practices for gear handling, exposure documentation, and operational protocols aligned with firefighter cancer prevention efforts. Additionally, the session highlights the upcoming Iowa Firefighter Cancer Prevention Program, a statewide initiative designed to connect fire service leadership, researchers, and training resources to promote consistent, practical exposure-reduction actions across Iowa fire departments.

9:00am - 4:00pm
Course	Description
Behind the Force (HOT)	Forcible entry starts before the irons ever hit the door. In this hands-on conference session, students will learn how to size-up residential and commercial inward- and outward-swinging doors and choose the best attack based on conditions. Crews will practice both conventional and non-conventional forcible entry techniques in limited-space and limited-visibility environments, while also using saws for garage doors and C-side building access.
Innovative Search (HOT)	This high-energy, hands-on training gives you real-world skills backed by the latest research. You'll learn: Safe and efficient victim drags, sharpen your team communication during high-stress calls, practice smart search tactics for any scenario. We’ll also walk through the confident application of oriented search, split search, and VEIS for rapid rescues. Most importantly, you’ll build lasting confidence through live, forward-thinking drills—all in a positive, supportive environment. Walk away ready to lead, respond, and serve your community at the highest level.