Training
Training is a necessity when it comes to any emergency response. Disasters can quickly create situations that even seasoned responders have not dealt with or that involve many agencies that usually don't work together working on the same scene. Proper training will help to minimize risks to responders and maximize aid to victims.
All responders are encouraged to have a basic understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as well as awareness level training in hazardous materials. In order to facilitate coordinated action, communities should consider having not just their emergency response agencies exposed to these concepts, but also school officials, road crews, and elected officials.
The LEPC is not a training organization, but we occasionally sponsor training and we can publicize trainings by our members that are open to outside agencies. Since this training is so time-sensitive, please see our News and Events page for any upcoming LEPC related training.
The links below are to the more established training programs.
FEMA Training Programs
FEMA provides many programs, courses, and materials to support emergency preparedness and response for emergency personnel as well as the general public. These are available through the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the US Fire Academy, both in Emmitsburg, MD. Courses are available as resident, state-led or independent study classes. See the link below for both of these source of training.
http://vem.vermont.gov/exercise_and_training - Open in New Window
ICS Course Materials
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index.htm - Open in New Window
The new NIMS IS700 is available as an independent study course at:
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700a.asp - Open in New Window
IS-100b Incident Command System (ICS) I-100
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is100b.asp - Open in New Window
IS-800 National Response Plan (NRP), An Introduction
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is800b.asp - Open in New Window
Vermont Training Programs
ICS 100/200 is available through the Vermont Police Academy and Fire Service Training Council. Higher-level courses are available only through the Police Academy. Please let the LEPC know if you are scheduling courses that would be open to personnel beyond your department.
Vermont-based First Responder Training across disciplines
http://vem.vermont.gov/exercise_and_training - Open in New Window
Vermont Police Academy
http://www.vcjtc.state.vt.us/trainingtalk.htm - Open in New Window
Vermont Office of EMS Class Schedule
http://healthvermont.gov/hc/ems/class_schedule.aspx - Open in New Window
Vermont Fire Service Training Council
http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/vfstc/council.html - Open in New Window
Other Training Programs
Eastern Area Wildland Fire Training
http://nationalfiretraining.net/ea/ - Open in New Window
Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher
http://www.nifc.gov/wfstar/index.htm - Open in New Window
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Community Members that are not First Responders, but wish to be of assistance during emergencies should consider the CERT Program. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.
