Emergency Response To Hazardous Materials

The Emergency Response to Hazardous Materials (ER2HM) course was created to teach the community how to plan for and respond to hazmat incidents, in addition to training the members of the community how to assist during recovery.

It was designed around the whole community approach. This approach integrates all members as vital partners in response to natural and man-made disasters. This training is appropriate for the following:

• Fire fighters

• Emergency medical technicians

• Law enforcement

• Specialized emergency response teams (e.g., hazardous materials, search and rescue)

• Emergency managers

• Community leaders

• Organizations serving persons with disabilities

• Faith-based organizations

• Skilled support personnel (e.g., public works, private industry and hospitals)

ER2HM combines three to four hours of web-based training (prerequisite) and a two-day, participant-centered, instructor-led mobile training program.

It is compliant with the hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction response requirements of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA® Standards 1072 and 473), and Executive Order 13650.

The relevance of this course is to develop emergency response and recovery plans using all of the community that would be impacted by an incident.

Members of the community that are trained for ER2HM can assist in helping with planning, aiding in response, and recovery after an incident.

Curriculum includes emergency response, EMS, evacuation, preparing shelters, and providing food and water to those in need, among other considerations that need to be evacuated before an incident occurs.

Certification

Once a participant completes the course and scores above 70% on the written exam, they will receive an IAFF certificate with a Pro Board® seal.

The IAFF will then submit the participant’s name to the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board® registry) for certification at the Awareness level. Pro Board® certification holds:

• Recognition for demonstrating proficiency

• A permanent record of the accomplishment

• Transferability/portability of qualifications, as reciprocity means Pro Board® certification will be recognized by fire departments nationwide.