Essential CEUs.
Real-World Readiness.

Join Maine’s front line professionals for one and a half days of hands-on training, expert-led sessions, and career-advancing certifications.

May 15-16, 2026

Register to Attend

The Conference

The Downeast Fire & EMS Conference brings together first responders from across the region for 1.5 days of high-impact training, CEU opportunities, and practical education. With sessions led by experienced professionals, attendees gain real-world skills in areas like mass casualty response, arson awareness, pediatric emergencies, and wilderness trauma—preparing them for whatever comes next.

May 15-16, 2026
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center
Bar Harbor, Maine

$215 per person

  • Your opportunity to meet recertification requirements while sharpening your clinical skills and decision-making. This course covers critical topics like trauma, airway management, cardiac care, and patient assessment—giving you the confidence and credits you need to stay mission-ready in the field.

  • Sessions covering topics like fire alarm systems, fire scene photography, arson awareness, and explosive device response, in these sessions you'll gain knowledge that directly supports safer, smarter operations.

  • Sessions focused on trauma, pediatrics, cardiac care, community paramedicine, and mass casualty response, you'll get the CEUs you need and the real-world training that matters most.

  • Sessions focused on community paramedicine deliver practical training in patient outreach, chronic care support, and preventative services — helping EMS providers expand care beyond emergency response.

View Sessions

Speakers & Sessions

Conference Agenda - Friday, May 15, 2026
*Timing is set. Sessions are being finalized.

Each Track will have one session for Fire, one for EMS, and one for Community Paramedicine. Specific details on which sessions will be in each time slot may change.

  • Coffee, snacks, meet vendors, and network.

  • Lessons Learned from the 2019 Farmington Explosion
    Edward H. Hastings IV, IAAI-CFI
    Senior Investigator
    Office of State Fire Marshal

    Takeaways:

    • The initial response

    • About the investigation

    • Community response

    • How to prepare for large scale incidents in the future

    NIMS Overview for Senior Officials (Executives, Elected, & Appointed)
    Andrew Sankey, Director
    Hancock County Emergency Management Agency

    Takeaways:

    • Leaders support incident management

    • Understand NIMS fundamentals

    • Know coordination structures

    • Communicate with one voice

    From Failure of Imagination to Failure of Belief: Why Emergency Plans Fail — Even When We “Know Better”
    Paul Biddle
    Training Consultant
    Dirigo Ready

    Takeaways:

    • Knowing isn’t believing

    • Plans reflect assumptions

    • Exercises reveal weaknesses

    • Challenge assumptions early

  • Operational Success & Personal Survivability
    AB Turenne
    Captain - Training & Safety
    South Fire District

    Takeaways:

    • Prevent MAYDAY conditions

    • Size-up drives safety

    • Position apparatus strategically

    • Proactive culture saves

    EMS on the Edge
    Cecily Swinburne, MD, MPH, FAWM
    Emergency Physician
    EMMC & MDI Hospital

    Takeaways:

    • Protect from elements

    • Splinting controls pain

    • Quality wilderness care

    • Preplanning is essential

Conference Agenda - Saturday, May 16, 2026


  • PTS & Suicide in the Fire Service
    Jeremy LeClair
    Fire Inspector
    Ellsworth Fire Department

    Takeaways:

    • Recognition saves lives

    • Comparison delays help

    • Silence fuels suicide

    • Direct talk matters

    Penetrating Trauma & Active Shooter Response
    Dave Saquet, DO
    Associate Medical Director
    LifeFlight of Maine

    Takeaways:

    • Understand ballistic trauma

    • Recognize hemorrhage early

    • Treat shock effectively

    • Protocol-driven response

    Measuring What Matters; Turning CE into Continued Competence
    Aiden Koplovsky MBA NRP
    Emergency Medical Services Program Director
    Eastern Maine Community College

    Takeaways:

    • Hours don’t equal competence

    • Measure real performance

    • Training beyond compliance

    • Build true readiness

  • Coffee break and snacks. Meet vendors. Network.

  • Legal Issues for the Fire Service
    Shawn Esler
    Fire Marshal
    Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office
    Joel Davis
    Deputy Chief
    Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office

    Session details forthcoming.

    Fire Alarm Systems
    Thomas Canavan
    Fire Inspector
    Ellsworth Fire Department

    Takeaways:

    • System Components

    • System Types & Operation

    • Installation & Maintenance

    • Key Functions & Advanced Tech

    Hypothermia
    Paul Marcolini
    Instructor
    Wilderness Medical Associates

    Session details forthcoming.

  • Lunch time!

    Welcome from Maine State Fire Marshal, Shawn Esler.

    Meet vendors. Network.

  • Drone Considerations for Public Safety
    *Note: This session runs until 5pm with a 30 minute break.
    Robert W. Russell
    Owner
    2A Tactical LLC & 2A TAC Air OPS Drone Services

    Takeaways:

    • Drones enhance operations

    • Build unit intentionally

    • BVLOS enables missions

    • Thermal search mastery

    “Help My Baby!”
    Are you ready for Pediatric Trauma?
    Marc Minkler, BS, NRP
    Program Manager - EMS for Children
    Maine Emergency Medical Services

    Takeaways:

    • Prepare for pediatric trauma

    • Systematic assessment saves

    • Engage families early

    • Reassess and adapt

  • Coffee break and snacks. Meet vendors. Network.

  • Basic Fire Investigation & Arson Awareness (w/ K9 Demo)
    Andrew R. Whitney (IAAI-CFI)
    Senior Investigator
    Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office

    Takeaways:

    • Drones enhance operations

    • Build unit intentionally

    • BVLOS enables missions

    • Thermal search mastery

    Kitchen Table Chaos: Managing Incivility in Fire and EMS
    Aiden Koplovsky MBA NRP
    Emergency Medical Services Program Director
    Eastern Maine Community College

    Takeaways:

    • Incivility erodes trust

    • Recognize subtle behaviors

    • Address issues early

    • Promote respectful culture

  • Wrap up your day and enjoy Bar Harbor!

Venue

Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center

119 Eden Street

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

*Note: Discounted rooms for Conference attendees available until March 15, 2026. Code for discount available in your conference confirmation email.

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