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THE U S D A, RURAL DEVELOPMENT MISSION AREA'S
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE COURSE CATALOG

FIRST RESPONDER

COURSE SCOPE

The First Responder (at the awareness level) training is targeted to individuals who during the performance of their jobs are likely to witness or discover a release or threatened release of hazardous substances or petroleum products. The training will identify who the appropriate authorities are that have been trained to initiate an emergency response action to such a release. First Responders are instructed to take no further action beyond notifying the authorities of the release. First Responders (at the awareness level) shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the health and environmental risks associated with an incident.
  

• An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with a release of hazardous substances.
  

• The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency situation.
  

• The ability to identify hazardous substances in a release, if feasible, within the First Responder's first priority of personal safety.
  

• An understanding of the role of the first responder in an employer's emergency response plan, including site security and control and an awarenesss of the U. S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook.
  

• The ability to realize the need for additional resources, and to make appropriate notifications to the appropriate authorities.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the First Responder Course, you will be able to:

• Explain the role and competencies of the First Responder (Awareness Level) in an emergency situation.
  

• Discuss the types of hazards that might be encountered in an emergency situation, be prepared to use the Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook to help identify those hazardous materials, and identify who are the appropriate parties you would notify if you encounter an emergency situation.
  

• Be able to recognize hazardous substances and discuss the health and safety risks such substances pose to your health.
  

COURSE LENGTH

Approximately forty (40) minutes.