Nine EMT’'s from Loyola University Chicago’'s student-run EMS program traveled in March 2011 to the Department of Homeland Security’'s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Annison, AL to prepare for domestic terrorist incidents. Each responder attended one of two different courses while they’'re at CDP:
Tactical Emergency Response Training (TERT) for Chemical, Biological, Radiologic, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) Incidents:
The Technical Emergency Response Training for CBRNE Incidents course is a four-day training course providing an overview of the terrorist threat and potential targets and seminars in chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive hazards that may be used in CBRNE incidents. Participants will also experience hands-on practical exercises utilizing the responder’s knowledge and skills in performing decontamination and triage procedures, using survey and monitoring equipment, and responding to an event with multiple devices. An ongoing scenario will tie all seminars and hands-on training together, providing the performance defensive responder with the ability to identify all areas of response to a CBRNE event. This course further prepares responders for a CBRNE incident by providing them the opportunity to practice their knowledge and skills in the world’s only toxic chemical training facility dedicated solely to emergency responders-the Chemical, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF).
Pandemic Planning & Preparedness (P3):
Pandemic Planning and Preparedness is a three-day training course providing an overview of pandemic planning, its challenges, and the facets of community preparedness that will assist a community to prepare and effectively respond to a pandemic. After providing lectures concerning various aspects of pandemics and planning requirements, the course culminates in a practical exercise that casts students in various government roles where they must participate in planning and responding to a pandemic.
Funding for this training included round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, training costs, and incidental expenses and was borne by the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Loyola’'s student volunteer EMTs have once again shown their dedication to the Loyola and surrounding community by continually striving to meet the unique challenges facing today’'s emergency responders.
By Michael O’Brien