CFFJAC Classes Prepare Firefighters for Terrorism
Firefighters and first responders up and down the state have been training for terrorism incidents since the CFFJAC rolled out its new Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) Train-the-Trainer course earlier this year.
Three course dates have already been held in Sacramento, LA County and Riverside County, and eight more classes have been scheduled through the end of the year. More dates continue to be added.
"The response we've received so far has been excellent," said CFFJAC Program Director Yvonne De La Peña. "Departments large and small are recognizing that terrorism incidents can happen anywhere in California and it pays to be prepared."
The one-day course, provided at no cost to the individual or department, provides an overview of TCM standardized protocols, building on the curriculum that was disseminated through the CFFJAC's 2004 TCM course.
The class teaches first responders how to recognize chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive agents and devices and to understand what issues to consider when planning strategies and tactics during a terrorism incident.
The 2009 curriculum also features updated terminology and technology, expanded methods of decontamination and more resources in the event of a terrorist attack.
Following the Train-the-Trainer model, the class has been designed to train the staff member(s) from a department with instructor training and HazMat or paramedic experience. After the one-day training, the staff member(s) are then equipped to return to their department to conduct their own training at the local level.
"The course is really outside the box for firefighter operations," said Russ Fowler, who is a primary author of the current curriculum and has also taught the course. "It gives firefighters the tools and makes sure that they know what to do. Students I've talked to have been very enlightened by it."
And despite the flagging state of our economy, the TCM course is a rare opportunity for departments to get free training. Not only does the CFFJAC provide the necessary instructor and student materials, mileage reimbursement and lunch but the CFFJAC also helps to offset backfill costs for departments that send students to a Train-the-Trainer course. Materials for registered local classes are provided at no charge and backfill offset funds are also available for local class participants.
