Fire and EMS
1
Fire Department Response to Active Shooter Events
Course Overview:
This course equips fire department personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to active shooter incidents. Participants will learn the principles of integrating with law enforcement, triaging victims, providing immediate medical care under threat, and ensuring scene safety.
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Active Shooter Events:
- Understanding the nature and dynamics of active shooter incidents.
- Historical case studies and lessons learned.
2. Incident Command System (ICS):
- Roles and responsibilities within ICS.
- Unified command structure and interagency coordination.
3. Integration with Law Enforcement:
- Strategies for coordinated response.
- Communication and information sharing.
4. Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC):
- Principles of TECC.
- Techniques for providing medical care in a hostile environment.
5. Scene Management and Safety:
- Establishing secure perimeters.
- Strategies for scene stabilization and hazard mitigation.
6. Victim Triage and Evacuation:
- Triage protocols and prioritization.
- Rapid evacuation techniques.
7. Psychological Considerations:
- Managing the mental health of responders and victims.
- Techniques for stress management and resilience.
8. Practical Exercises and Simulations:
- Scenario-based training.
- Role-playing and hands-on exercises.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the complexities and unique challenges of active shooter events.
- Develop the skills to effectively integrate with law enforcement and other agencies.
- Apply TECC principles in a high-stress environment.
- Implement strategies for effective scene management and victim triage.
- Enhance psychological resilience among first responders.
Target Audience:
- Firefighters
- Paramedics
- EMTs
- Fire Department Officers and Command Staff
Course Duration:
- 8 hours (1 day)
2
Emergency Vehicle Driver Training
Course Overview:
The Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) course is designed to enhance the driving skills and knowledge of firefighters and emergency service personnel who operate emergency vehicles. This course emphasizes safe driving practices, vehicle handling, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of emergency vehicle operators. Participants will learn to navigate various driving conditions and scenarios to ensure the safety of themselves, their teams, and the public.
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Emergency Vehicle Operations:
- Importance of safe and responsible emergency vehicle driving.
- Overview of the risks and challenges associated with emergency vehicle operations.
2. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities:
- Review of laws and regulations governing emergency vehicle operation.
- Ethical considerations and the duty of care owed to the public.
3. Vehicle Dynamics and Handling:
- Understanding the dynamics of emergency vehicles, including weight distribution and braking.
- Techniques for maintaining control in various driving conditions (e.g., wet, icy, and uneven surfaces).
4. Pre-Operational Vehicle Inspections:
- Conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle readiness.
- Identifying and addressing common mechanical issues.
5. Defensive Driving Techniques:
- Strategies for anticipating and avoiding potential hazards.
- Importance of maintaining a safe following distance and managing intersections.
6. Emergency Response Driving:
- Proper use of lights and sirens during emergency responses.
- Balancing the need for a rapid response with safety considerations.
7. Navigating Traffic and Intersections:
- Techniques for safely navigating through traffic and controlled intersections.
- Understanding and managing driver reactions to emergency vehicles.
8. Advanced Driving Maneuvers:
- Performing advanced maneuvers such as evasive steering, braking, and high-speed cornering.
- Techniques for reversing and parking large emergency vehicles.
9. Accident Avoidance and Recovery:
- Strategies for avoiding collisions and managing skids or loss of control.
- Procedures for recovering from accidents and ensuring scene safety.
10. Scenario-Based Training:
- Practical exercises simulating real-world driving scenarios.
- Hands-on training to build confidence and proficiency in emergency vehicle operation.
- Debriefing sessions to analyze performance and refine techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of emergency vehicle operators.
- Conduct pre-operational inspections to ensure vehicle safety and readiness.
- Apply defensive driving techniques to prevent accidents and manage hazards.
- Operate emergency vehicles safely in various driving conditions and scenarios.
- Navigate traffic and intersections effectively during emergency responses.
- Perform advanced driving maneuvers and recover from skids or loss of control.
- Balance the need for a rapid response with safety considerations for the public and crew.
- Engage in scenario-based training to build confidence and proficiency in emergency vehicle operation.
Target Audience:
- Firefighters
- EMTs and Paramedics
- Rescue Personnel
- Other Emergency Service Drivers
Course Duration:
- 8 hours (1 day)
3
Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS)
Course Overview:
The Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) course is designed to equip EMS personnel and firefighters with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage traffic incidents effectively and safely. This course focuses on enhancing the coordination and collaboration among responders to reduce the impact of traffic incidents on public safety and traffic flow. Participants will learn best practices for scene management, safety protocols, and interagency communication.
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Traffic Incident Management:
- Understanding the importance and goals of TIMS.
- Overview of the roles and responsibilities of different responders.
2. Scene Safety and Risk Management:
- Assessing scene safety and implementing risk management strategies.
- Techniques for establishing a secure incident perimeter and ensuring responder safety.
3. Traffic Control and Incident Management Areas:
- Setting up effective traffic control measures to protect responders and the public.
- Designing and managing incident management areas (IMAs) for various types of incidents.
4. Responder Roles and Responsibilities:
- Detailed roles and responsibilities of EMS personnel and firefighters at a traffic incident scene.
- Coordination with law enforcement, tow operators, and other stakeholders.
5. Communication and Coordination:
- Effective communication strategies among responders and with dispatch.
- Utilizing interoperable communication tools and protocols.
6. Vehicle Positioning and Staging:
- Best practices for vehicle positioning to maximize scene safety and efficiency.
- Staging areas for emergency vehicles and equipment.
7. Patient Care and Extrication:
- Providing medical care in a traffic incident environment.
- Techniques for safe and efficient patient extrication from vehicles.
8. Hazard Identification and Mitigation:
- Identifying and mitigating hazards at the scene, such as hazardous materials and fire risks.
- Strategies for dealing with vehicle fluids, downed power lines, and other dangers.
9. Quick Clearance Techniques:
- Importance of quick clearance to reduce secondary incidents and traffic congestion.
- Techniques for rapid incident assessment and clearance.
10. Scenario-Based Training:
- Practical exercises simulating various traffic incident scenarios.
- Hands-on training to apply TIMS principles and best practices.
- Debriefing sessions to analyze performance and improve techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles and goals of Traffic Incident Management Systems.
- Implement scene safety and risk management strategies to protect responders and the public.
- Establish and manage effective traffic control measures and incident management areas.
- Coordinate roles and responsibilities with other responders at a traffic incident scene.
- Utilize effective communication and coordination strategies during incident response.
- Position and stage emergency vehicles and equipment for optimal safety and efficiency.
- Provide patient care and perform extrication safely in a traffic incident environment.
- Identify and mitigate hazards to ensure a safe working environment.
- Apply quick clearance techniques to reduce traffic congestion and secondary incidents.
- Engage in scenario-based training to build confidence and proficiency in TIMS.
Target Audience:
- EMS Personnel
- Firefighters
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Tow Operators
- Incident Commanders
Course Duration:
- 8 hours (1 day)
4
Defensive Tactics for EMS Personnel
Course Overview:
The Defensive Tactics for EMS Personnel course is designed to provide emergency medical service (EMS) professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves while performing their duties. This course focuses on situational awareness, personal safety techniques, and non-lethal defensive tactics to ensure EMS personnel can effectively manage and mitigate potential threats in the field.
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Defensive Tactics:
- Understanding the importance of personal safety in the EMS environment.
- Legal and ethical considerations in using defensive tactics.
2. Situational Awareness:
- Techniques for maintaining situational awareness and recognizing potential threats.
- Strategies for assessing and managing risk in various environments.
3. Verbal De-escalation Techniques:
- Effective communication strategies to de-escalate potentially violent situations.
- Role-playing exercises to practice verbal de-escalation.
4. Basic Defensive Techniques:
- Non-lethal self-defense techniques tailored for EMS personnel.
- Techniques for escaping common holds and grabs.
5. Use of Defensive Tools:
- Introduction to defensive tools (e.g., pepper spray, personal alarms) and their appropriate use.
- Legal considerations and protocols for carrying and using defensive tools.
6. Self-Defense Scenarios:
- Practical exercises simulating real-world scenarios EMS personnel may encounter.
- Hands-on practice to build confidence and proficiency in defensive tactics.
7. Team Tactics and Coordination:
- Working as a team to ensure collective safety and support.
- Communication and coordination techniques during defensive situations.
8. Post-Incident Procedures:
- Reporting and documenting incidents involving defensive tactics.
- Psychological and emotional support following violent encounters.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of personal safety and defensive tactics for EMS personnel.
- Maintain situational awareness and assess risks in various settings.
- Apply verbal de-escalation techniques to manage potentially violent situations.
- Demonstrate basic non-lethal self-defense techniques.
- Use defensive tools appropriately and understand the legal implications.
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with team members during defensive scenarios.
- Follow proper post-incident procedures, including reporting and seeking support.
Target Audience:
- EMTs and Paramedics
- EMS Supervisors and Managers
- Firefighters with EMS responsibilities
- Other healthcare providers in pre-hospital settings
Course Duration:
- 6 hours (1 day)