Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Team Training is a necessary tool in saving lives.  This need was strongly identified in Kobe, Japan and Northridge, California.  This section reviews course training by summary in detail.

In every major disaster volunteers emerge to do the initial search, rescue, fire suppression, and first aid.  Since such volunteering inevitably takes place, it makes good sense to maximize the results of these efforts through formal training.  The Emergency Response Team program can be an effective first-response to emergencies.  Acting as individuals first, then later as a team, trained volunteers can fan out within their particular areas, extinguishing small fires, turning off natural gas to damaged areas, performing light search and rescue, and then rendering basic first aid.

An Emergency Response Team training program was developed to begin preparing individuals, groups, commercial, institutional, and governmental bodies for the overall demands resulting from a major disaster.  The topics covered in the course include the following:

Module I begins with an overview of a catastrophic disaster.  Personal and family preparedness are given special emphasis because individuals must feel comfortable about the safety of their family and loved ones if they are forced to function away from home during an emergency.

Module II outlines basic fire suppression techniques to include size-up, fire chemistry, fire extinguisher types and usage, and utility control.  This module also discusses light search and rescue operations, including search techniques, evacuation and rescue methods, principles of mechanical advantage, and basic cribbing techniques.  Heavy emphasis is placed on recognizing rescue limitations and safety by discussing the dangers of various building constructions.

Module III is disaster medical operations with recognition and treatment of life threatening emergencies.  Students learn the principles of triage, transportation, and treatment area management.  Head-to-toe patient evaluation is taught, along with recognition and treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  Cervical collar and back boarding is demonstrated.  Disaster psychology is also discussed to help the rescuer cope with the emotional environment they will be confronted with.

Module IV will introduce the Incident Command System stressing the need for teamwork, organization and logistical planning.  Each teams role will be outlined and the chain of command for communications will be emphasized.  Team members will learn the components of and how to use the hand held radio.  Proper documentation of findings will also be taught.

Module V will be a skills lab and simulated disaster exercise.  Extinguishing REAL FIRES will test Fire Extinguisher skills.  Search & Rescue skills will be demonstrated by locating a victim in a densely fogged room.  Triaging moulaged victims demonstrate disaster medical skills.  In a simulated disaster exercise using the Incident Command System, participants will be required to apply the individual principles they have learned to the overall demands of a simulated disaster.  This class will dramatize the multi-functional training approach, as well as promote team reliance.  Teams are established and sent out to search, triage, treat and transport victims to medical treatment areas.  Fire teams will take care of utilities and simulated fire problems.  An Emergency Director will maintain communication and safety of his teams.

The modules can be tailored to meet your needs and schedules.  The complete training is 24 hours.

Additionally, training can include CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certification.  

Obviously, training cannot be a one-time job.  Awareness, commitment, and skills must be repeatedly practiced to maintain the edge necessary for the greatest level of response.  Aside from the Emergency Response Team members, all employees should be oriented to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Program, which should include disaster drills.  Every 6 months, an 8-hour refresher drill is highly recommended.

Attempts are made to custom fit each program to the needs of the group receiving the training.  For example: when teaching companies who work in high-rise buildings, there will be an emphasis on alarm and standpipe systems, stairwell access, and evacuation techniques.

Safety equipment and basic tools will be needed to execute the program.  All instructors are firefighters and paramedics with certification in Emergency Management Training. 

Training costs are directly related to size and location of group including the intensity of training desired.  Modules and information are constantly reviewed and updated for the latest teachings in these techniques.  Contact us for additional information.

Also, this training is not meant to take the place of a professional.  However, when professionals arrive and learn of your training they most likely will have you assist away from danger zones.  In the event they don?t arrive, you have the training that will mean the difference between lives saved or lives gone.

Request for quote by emailing to rfq@EMSgo.org or faxing to 714-539-9637.

Pictures from top to bottom:
Opening Training Day
How to enter a smoke filled room
Fire hose instruction with profession firefighters
Using cribbing techniques to free victims trapped in debris
Diane, of Life Goes On, planning the next