Kearney Volunteer Fire
Department Modular SCBA Maze
“Always Ready” Since 1883
www.kvfd.net
Modular SCBA Maze Goals
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Provide quality training
Functional training for any ability or skill level
Challenge firefighters of any size or stature
Ability to build skills and challenge firefighters
Easy to set up for training
Easy to reset between participants
Eliminate firefighters from memorizing maze
– Stop the “Trained Rat” syndrome and decrease the
ability to “cheat” in training.
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Goal of this presentation
• Show other fire departments how to recreate
the Kearney Modular SCBA Maze
• Let you learn from our experiences
• Spread the knowledge
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Maze
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What The Kearney Volunteer Fire
Department Ask Of You:
• Give credit where credit is due:
– Use the ideas, spread the knowledge but give the
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department credit for the
concept.
• Be creative
– If you see a way to improve on the design do so, but
please share the idea with us and others.
– Adapt this concept to work for your department
• Build this yourself, don’t allow some person or
company to make money off of it.
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What is a Modular SCBA Maze?
• A maze designed to improve firefighter
knowledge, confidence and ability to function
in challenging situations with their SCBA.
• A maze that can be “easily” reconfigured to
challenge firefighters every time they enter it.
• A maze that makes the small firefighter work
with their SCBA the same as a large firefighter
has to in order to clear an obstacle.
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What does it consist of?
• A series of “boxes” called modules.
• Each module provides a different challenge for
the firefighter to overcome.
• Overall, each module is the same size allowing
them to be moved around within the maze
– Only two modules remain in the same place, all
others can be interchanged.
– Currently Kearney has 13 different modules
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What Equipment Do You Need To Build
The Kearney Modular SCBA Maze?
• Circular saw and drill
• Highly recommended if building multiple
modules:
– Table saw
– Radial arm saw
– Impact driver
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Basic Module Dimensions
Constructed of 2”x4”
lumber and ¾” CDX
Plywood
• Interior Dimensions:
– 32” wide
– 48” tall
– 8’ long
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Why Use These Dimensions?
• Kearney chose these dimensions based on the
following information:
– Measurements of a larger firefighter in PPE/SCBA on
his hands and knees
– Plywood comes in 48” wide sheets
– It allows firefighters the ability to maneuver
– Kearney uses a 53’ long connex (metal shipping
container) with a 9’6” inside height
• Adapt the dimensions to work with the space you
have!
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The Basic Module
• Each module has 4
“ribs”
– Constructed using 2”x4”
– Upright sections are 48”
– Top and bottom are
36.5”
– Connected together
with deck screws.
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A Jig Can Be Very Beneficial!
Built From Scrap Material
Simplifies The Building Of Ribs
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Basic Module Assembly
• Space ribs evenly and
attach with deck screws
to plywood to make one
side.
• Repeat for other side.
• Install top and bottom
using (1) 32” or (2) 16”
pieces for each.
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The Completed Module
• Completed dimensions:
– 8’ long
– 36.5” wide
– 51” tall
• Prevent racking by
installing corner braces
on all ribs
• Chest handles (2 per
side) help in moving
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Joist At Right Angle Module
• Simulates crawling
across joist
• Build basic module
without a floor
• Install 2”x6” at center
and midway between
center and ends on 16”
center
• Finish ends with a 2”x4”
stood on end over ribs
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Bottom View Of Joist At Right Angle
• Joist In Line would be
similar
• When placed on top of
another module,
provides more realism
due to the fact there is
more open space
before the firefighters’
toe strikes something
solid.
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Joist In Line
• Simulates crawling
along joist in line
• Build basic module
without floor
• Position (2) 2”x4” on
16” centers and attach
to bottom of ribs
• Finish ends with a 2”x4”
stood on end over ribs
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Floor Tilting Over Center
• Simulates crawling on a
floor that starts to give
way.
• Construct the basic
module without a floor.
• At center point along
bottom of sides drill a
hole sized to the pipe you
will be using.
• This will be the pivot
point.
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Floor Tilting Over Center
• Using scrap pieces of
plywood drill holes in
them and attach to side
of module to help
support pipe.
• Cap each side to keep
pipe from sliding out.
• Double layer the floor
section trimming side to
allow movement.
• Trim 1.5” from end to
clear filler strip.
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Floor Tilting Over Cener
• Using pipe clamp
brackets secure floor to
pipe.
• Attach 2” filler strip to
bottom of the “exit”
end.
• Attach 2” wide strip to
underside of floor on
the “entrance” side.
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Floor Tilting Over Center
Weighted end on “entrance” side will
allow floor to “reset” after firefighter
exits opposite side while also filling gap
between floor and rib due to increase in
floor height created by the pipe.
Filler strip on “exit” side provides a flush
floor if firefighter was to enter from this
end.
Also encloses the gap between the
bottom of the floor and rib for safety.
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Floor Tilting Side To Side
• Allows firefighter to
work on balance
• Build basic module
without floor
• Pivots on a pipe running
the length of module
• Cut hole slightly larger
than your pipe centered
on (2) 32”, 2”x4”s
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Floor Tilting Side To Side
• Use (2) pieces of 32” OSB
screwed together for
floor.
• Attach to pipe with pipe
clamps as with Floor
Tilting Over Center.
• Trim to length and width,
allowing floor to tip
• Cap ends with 32”, 2”x4”
to hold pipe in place
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Spongy Floor Module
• Allows firefighter to
experience “spongy”
floor feeling in a safe
environment.
• Construct basic module
without floor.
• Attached to bottom ribs
to keep plywood from
sliding under the
firefighters weight.
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Spongy Floor Module
• Use a 32” wide piece of
¼” or 3/8” plywood for
the floor, attaching it to
the filler strip on one
side only.
• The amount of give in
the floor is achieved
based upon the size of
filler strips and plywood
thickness.
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V-Floor Module
• Provides unfamiliar
surface for firefighter to
maneuver across.
• Construct basic module
without floor.
• Utilizing scraps plywood
cut (2) 3”x8’ pieces
• Secure them to the
bottom of the module
to secure sloped sides.
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V-Floor Module
• Cut two 8’ pieces of
plywood to form the
“V”.
• The width of the two
pieces used determine
the angle of the “V”.
• The KVFD used two
pieces 24” wide.
• Attach “V” to the
bottom and sides.
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Plastic Tube Module
• Used to simulate
crawling through a
confined space.
• Build basic module.
• Acquire 8’ piece of
plastic pipe that will fit
in the module. The
KVFD used a 24”
diameter piece.
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Plastic Tube Module
• Using 2x4’s create
supports for the pipe
inside the module as
needed.
• Attach pipe to supports
and module.
• Apply Rubberized
Undercoating to bottom
of tube to reduce
slipping.
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Reduced Opening Module
• Used to create a
reduced opening for the
firefighter to maneuver
through.
• Size of opening can
easily be changed to
challenge firefighters of
all sizes and to meet the
training objective.
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Reduced Opening Module
• Construct a basic
module.
• Centered in the middle
of the module make a
1” trench cut on the
top, bottom and one
side of the module.
• Use pieces of plywood
to span the top and
bottom openings.
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Reduced Opening Module
• This creates a channel
for the insert to slide in.
• Attach a large slide bolt
to side of module with a
corresponding hole in
the insert to lock them
in place.
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Reduced Opening Module
• Inserts are made out of
¾” CDX plywood.
• Insert is 4’ tall and at
least 41” wide with at
least one grab handle to
facilitate change out.
• Size of hole determines
if the SCBA remains on
or off.
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Reduced Width Module
• Simulates firefighter
moving through a
reduced width space.
• Width adjustable from
28” down to fully
obstructed.
• Build Reduced Opening
Module complete with
slide bolt.
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Reduced Width Module
• Cut one 4’x41” insert
with grab handle.
• Cut (2) 44”x47” pieces
of plywood.
• Attach to insert with
door hinges.
• Attach a garage door
roller on top and
bottom of both moving
pieces of plywood.
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Reduced Width Module
• Attach 2’ piece of
garage door track to top
and bottom of moving
plywood on each side of
module.
• The garage door rollers
and track allow the
interior plywood to
move.
• Guides the firefighter to
the opening.
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Reduced Width Module
• With insert slid
completely in scribe
where it meets the
module.
• Interior width
corresponds to exterior
measurements.
• Slide bolt keeps width
from changing during
use.
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Moveable Pipe Module
• Build basic module
• Prior to installing the
sides, drill 5 vertical
holes centered between
the outside set of ribs
on both ends.
• Install these side walls.
The holes will hold the
sections of pipe.
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Moveable Pipe Module
• Cut (8) ¾” thick by 4’
spacers at least 1” wide.
• Attach on each side of
vertical holes.
• Cut (4) ¾” thick by 4’
cover pieces to span the
spacers and pipe.
• Back two cover pieces
are screwed in place.
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Moveable Pipe Module
• On front side secure
cover pieces with
hinges and add slide
bolts to form a door.
• Slot can be cut to view
pipe position with door
closed.
• This keeps the pipes
from sliding out during
use.
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Moveable Pipe Module
• Cut access door
between the two center
ribs.
• Attach hinges to
bottom, slide bolts to
top and sides.
• Facilitates inserting pipe
into back wall.
• KVFD used 1 5/8” OD
pipe cut to 35” lengths.
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Forrest Reeder’s Box of Death
• The Box of Death
concept was created by
Chief Forrest Reeder.
• Consist of a wooden
footlocker with two arm
holes cut in the lid.
• Student inserts arms in,
instructor has them
perform a task without
being able to see what
they are doing.
Forrest Reeder is the Battalion Chief &
Director of Training & Safety for the
Pleasantview Fire Protection District
Serves as the drill master for
FirefighterCloseCalls.com.
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Forrest’s Reeder Box of Death
• Idea came after hearing
Chief Reeder speak.
• Solved the problem of
transitioning students
from one side of connex
to the other.
• These two modules
always remain in place
at the far end of the
connex.
Give credit where credit is due.
These two modules are a modification
of Chief Reeder's Box of Death.
We simply modified the idea to work for us.
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Forrest Reeder Box of Death
• 32” deep, 64” tall and 8’
wide to allow the
firefighter to kneel.
• (8) 36.5” and 64” x 2”
wide material for ribs.
• Center ribs are 32” from
outside ribs.
• 9” arm holes centered
7” from end and 36”
from bottom.
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Forrest Reeder Box of Death
• 32” deep, 32” high and
8’ wide.
• Built same as bottom
module, dimensions
adjusted accordingly.
• (2) 9” holes centered in
plywood.
• Firefighter lays on side
to stick arms out of
module.
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Forrest Reeder’s Box of Death
• Bottom module allows
firefighters to kneel and
stick arms out.
• Top module allows
firefighters to lay on
side and stick arms out.
• Instructor has them tie
knots, adjust nozzle
settings, identify hose
ends (way out), etc.
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Floor Drop Module
• Allows instructor to
decide if floor drops or
not.
• Firefighter falls onto
foam mattress (double
stacked) held in place
by carpet to protect
mattress and hold it in
place.
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Floor Drop Module
• Recommended that 2x6’s
used for durability due to
movement during drop.
• Use (8) 36.5” & (8) 99”
2”x6” for ribs.
• Sides are 2 full sheets of
plywood plus (1) 3”x8”
piece
• Top and bottom are
32”x8’ pieces of plywood.
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Floor Drop Module
• To construct each half of
the floor use (2) 16”x8’
pieces of plywood.
• Attach each wing with
heavy duty hinges on
each side of module at a
height of 54”.
• Attach an 8”x8’ piece of
plywood to the underside
of the back wing along
the front edge.
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Floor Drop Module
• The 8” piece of plywood
will support both sides
until the “wings” are
clear of the floor.
• Wings were constructed
of (2) 24”x18” pieces of
steel. (2) heavy duty
hinges were welded to
each wing along with
two castor wheels.
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Floor Drop Module
• Cut a 24” tall section
between the two center
ribs allowing the wings
to swing clear of
module.
• Lever was made by
cutting down a 2x4 and
bolting it to the
module.
• A cable is attached to
the lever and wings.
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Floor Drop Module
• Cut a 24” high access
door between the
outside ribs. Attach
with hinges and slide
bolts. This provides
access to reset the floor.
• (2) cleats are attached
to the bottom of the
floor to keep wings at a
right angle to the floor.
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Floor Drop Module
• Although this may seem
simple, several
prototypes were used
to refine the process.
• Once dropped the
instructor asks the
firefighter to perform
LUNAR or similar report
and then self rescue to
continue in the maze.
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Entrance Module
• Entrance module allows
firefighter to enter the
maze and also serves as
a means to exit maze.
• To exit maze firefighter
breaches a wall or
passes through an
entanglement maze.
• Also provides air
movement in SCBA
maze.
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Entrance Module
• Overall depth is 4’, 6’
wide and has a 54”
floor height to match
other modules.
• Width allows instructor
to access rest of maze.
• Design is similar to floor
drop module with
center ribs modified to
allow room for wall
breach.
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Entrance Module
• For room to
accommodate wall
breach a header was
created.
• (2)4x4’s were ripped to
2.5”x3.5” to create
“studs”.
• Custom “hinge” was
built to allow for abuse.
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Entrance Module Hinges
Each hinge consist of 2 chain links welded onto (2)
pieces of flat stock
Conventional hinges do not take the abuse of a
firefighter trying to exit the maze.
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Entrance Module
• “Studs” on 16” center.
• Channel created to keep
studs in place.
• Holes drilled for 6” long
piece of sacrificial
dowel to simulate sill
plate.
• ¾” slot created for
drywall to be breached
by firefighter.
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Entrance Module
• Cut down roof ladder
used to access maze.
Holes cut in floor for
roof hooks.
• Entrance covered with
scrap pieces of fire hose
to block out light.
• Fans move air through
SCBA maze for safety.
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Entrance Module
• If instructed to exit
through entanglement
prop firefighter
maneuvers through a 4’
entanglement prop.
• Second entanglement
prop allows one to be in
use while the second is
reset for the next
evolution.
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Stairs
• Stairs were constructed
that allow the
firefighter to transition
from the upper to lower
level.
• Firefighter sounds
treads when
descending.
• Treads can be easily
removed.
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Entanglement Props
• Box is 4’ long.
• Constructed using (12)
2x4’s 36” in length
bolted together.
• Use (4) 24” pieces of
plywood on all sides.
• Drill a 1” hole in corner
of each rib to attach
wires.
• Keep cutters close by.
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Modules In Connex
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SCBA Maze Rules
• There is nothing built into
this training prop designed
to hurt you.
• This evolution is designed to
build upon the SCBA skills
you already possess and to
help you become more
proficient with your SCBA.
• The purpose of this training
is not to intimidate or
belittle you. At no point will
you be “set up to fail”.
• Take a tool with you.
• Carry that tool safely!
• Radio is recommended if
training situation allows.
(KVFD Channel 2)
• The only portion of this
prop that you are allowed
to “destroy” is either:
A) Entanglement prop (wire)
to exit the maze
B) Wall breach prop (drywall)
and widening the base
of the 2x4’s to exit.
Otherwise do not attempt to
force your way though the
maze
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SCBA Maze Rules
• If you need to remove your
SCBA to maneuver a portion of
this maze, put it back on, to
include waist belt, as soon as
you clear that obstacle.
• Do not remove your fire gloves
while in this maze. The next
time you are required to
perform these skills it might
be in a really hot environment.
• No alternate light sources are
to be used.
• This is not a timed event.
Speed will come with
proficiency. Become
proficient!
• If you “cheat” going through
this maze you may have just
cheated yourself out of a
valuable skill you may actually
need on an emergency scene.
The decision to cheat today
may negatively affect your
fellow fire fighters in a real
emergency.
• Don’t screw over your fellow
fire fighters and yourself!
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SCBA Maze Rules
• If you encounter a situation in
this maze that would trigger a
Mayday on the emergency scene,
call the Mayday!! Suggested
Minimum Information (LUNAR):
• L: Location (Where are you or
where was your last known point)
• U: Unit (What apparatus were
you working off of)
• N: Name (Who are you. Who are
we looking for?)
• A: Assignment (What was your
assignment. Search, attack, vent,
etc?)
• R: Resources (What do you need
to clear your Mayday?)
• If you encounter a real life
Mayday event, pound on the wall
until the instructors answer you.
We will then determine your
situation and remove you from
the maze if needed to clear your
Mayday.
• Once a fire fighter exit’s the maze
help them Rehab. Then reset the
prop.
• Only after you have gone through
the maze are you allowed past
the entry prop.
• Train Like You Want To Fight!
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Estimated Build Cost
• 2011 cost was $10,000-$12,000
– Excludes cost of 53’ “high boy” connex
• Do not let the cost to build the entire maze
discourage you!
• Start with a few modules.
• Two different type modules could be
combined to make one with dual roles.
• Make this idea work for you and your
department.
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Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
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Established in 1883
Motto “Always Ready”
Covers 272 square miles
Population served: 50,000
11 Fulltime Engineers (cover stations Sun-Fri)
Part time drivers (cover stations on Sat)
1 Supervisor
1 Office Manager
65 Volunteers.
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Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
• Response area:
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Residential
Commercial
Industrial
2 Hospitals
2 Colleges
• University of Nebraska, Kearney
• Central Community College
– 3 state highways
– 17 miles of Interstate I-80
– Busiest section of railroad in the world
• Union Pacific. One train every 17 minutes
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Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
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6 Engines
2 Aerial/Platforms
4 Brush/Grass rigs
3 Tankers (tender)
1 Rescue (16’ walk around)
2 ARFF Apparatus
4 Stations (3 manned 24/7)
Training Complex
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Contact Information
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Todd “Walt” Walton
Engineer
Kearney Volunteer Fire Department
2211 Ave A
Kearney, Ne 68847
308-233-3226 Station 1
twalton@kearneygov.org
www.kvfd.net
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