Today's first responders face unique challenges. The threat of attacks with biological and chemical weapons, for instance, requires that first responders have at their disposal the most up-to-date information regarding threats and the ways to handle them. This presents its own challenge, both in terms of disseminating information and training. For rural first responders, who do not have access to the same resources as their urban counterparts, this can seem like a daunting task.

To aid first responders in preparing for such events, member institutions of the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) are developing a catalog of training programs specifically tailored for rural responders. As a member of the Consortium, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tennessee is currently developing a training program for first responders in the recognition, detection and triage of patients exposed to biological and chemical agents. The course, titled CBRNE Events for Rural Responders: Clinical Medical Simulations, provides emergency medical technicians, public health professionals, and hospital emergency room personnel with real-world experience with biological and chemical exposure patterns.

The mobile training program involves the use of high fidelity patient simulators and human subjects to allow students the opportunity to interact with and treat patients with potentially life-threatening illnesses which, if not contained properly, could also have catastrophic effects for the larger community. The curriculum is comprised of classroom lecture, as well as table top and simulation exercises in the initiation and execution of hasty, on-site diagnosis and quarantine procedures.

East Tennessee State University is a leader in placing public health and medical personnel in rural jurisdictions around the nation.

ETSU is one of 6 academic partners that make up the Consortium, managed by Eastern Kentucky University, which develops and delivers training nationally to first responders in rural communities. Training is tailored to help rural responders meet their homeland security responsibilities, and is focused on tasks associated with preparing for, protecting against, responding to and recovering from the entire spectrum of all-hazard events. Other courses offered include Event Security Planning for Public Safety Officials, Port and Vessel Security, and Development of Emergency Operations Plans for Local Jurisdictions. Training is delivered through the skilled application of distance learning technologies and the latest in teaching techniques. All training delivered by the RDPC is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is offered tuition-free. For more information on the Consortium or the courses and training locations, visit www.ruraltraining.org, or call 859-622-8994.