Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
could be a one-time training requirement for entry into the groups, or it could also
be an annual refresher. This training could be limited to just one day in length or
it could be longer. It is dependent on what the planners want to cover in the topics
and how long they wish the training to be to establish sufficient qualifications.
Establishing this special event training as an annual refresher has several ben-
efits. First, it allows opportunities for new members to be included into the group
on a regular basis. This helps bring more qualified people into the pool of members
who may work special events. Second, it provides a mechanism to remove people
from the list should they no longer be interested. A yearly refresher also allows all
levels of people to meet from various agencies, which helps establish the familiarity
needed prior to actually working a special event.
Outside training may be required by planners or members wishing to join spe-
cial events responder groups. Members may be required to attend specialized com-
munications classes, incident command classes, or other classes deemed important
for their specialization. DHS hosts numerous courses throughout the United States
that cover many of the important homeland security/weapons of mass destruction
topics. These courses, under the banner of the Training Consortium, are mostly
free for attendees and provide good, consistent information on many topics that
special events responders may need. Each state also allows for other specialized
training on incident command, hazmat, fire, EMS, tactical law enforcement, or
technical rescue. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) needs to make the deci-
sion of which courses it will recognize as acceptable training courses.
Utilizing these courses as the basis for special events responders helps to sepa-
rate the special events responders from the normal operational responders and also
has the dual benefit of producing individuals who have a variety of skill sets that
can be utilized by the planners, managers, and operators. Those working in special
events should be chosen from the “rank and file” of the groups they represent as
individuals who have skill sets that make them particularly desirable to support
these functions.
The more skill sets that each operator has makes that individual more desirable
as a special events responder. A law enforcement agent who is also a bomb techni-
cian, or a firefighter who is also a paramedic, helps to increase the number of sup-
port functions to their operations group while reducing the number of people in the
group. This helps to establish a manageable span of control for the operations groups.
It also creates special events team members who have a much more comprehensive
understanding of the goals and objectives that are to be met by the responders.
Planning
Before any planning sessions, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) should
be established. The MOUs should contain information from each agency as to the
resources that they bring to the special events planning, the duration of the support
