| Disaster Response Training Courses |
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The following disaster response training courses are open to the public but are designed primarily for those individuals wishing to begin or continue training for the local Disaster Action Team (DAT) or the National Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System. All courses are free of charge and subject to change.
So that we can have sufficient training materials, please register at least one week prior to the class. Classes will be held at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem.
Courses may be taken:
- online (through the Red Cross Learning Management System),
- in an instructor-led classroom setting, or
- through blended learning (a combination of online instruction and an instructor-led classroom setting.)
Prior to registering for any disaster response training courses, all prospective disaster volunteers must have completed a volunteer application, basic background check and must attend the "New Volunteer Orientation" hosted by Bob Duld, director of volunteer and community services. Contact Robert J. Duld at 610-865-4400, ext. 229, or at DuldR@usa.redcross.org for the next available orientation class.
Upon completion of the orientation, you can register for a disaster response training class by contacting Rhonda Xiques, emergency services specialist, at 610-865-4400, ext. 219, or at XiquesR@usa.redcross.org or filling out the registration form. For online training, you must call Rhonda Xiques to get access to the Learning Management System.
List of Disaster Training Classes
Introduction to Disaster Services
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services online course is to engage and
inspire the public to actively participate in supporting American Red Cross
disaster response. This self-study course will introduce learners to American
Red Cross Disaster Services and allow them to discover how volunteers support
this critical mission and to explore ways they can become involved in a local
chapter.
This course is a prerequisite to all other Disaster Services training.
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Client Assistance Cards: Financial and Statistical Information (FSI) Management Workers
This online course consists of four modules that lead FSI workers through the caseworker's
role of issuing Client Assistance Cards. It also addresses how FSI workers distribute,
control and track cards. (2 hours online; pre-req: Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which you will need
a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Client Assistance Cards: Caseworkers Course
This course consists of three modules that introduce caseworkers
to the role of issuing Client Assistance Cards. (2 hours online; pre-req: Client Casework:
Providing Emergency Assistance) This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning
Management System for which you will need a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
An instructor-led, video-supported course designed to train Red Cross caseworkers
how to conduct effective client interviews and provide appropriate assistance to help
meet a client's immediate disaster-caused or disaster-aggravated needs.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Foundations of Disaster Mental Health
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to prepare
licensed mental health professionals to provide for and respond to the
psychological needs of people across the continuum of disaster preparedness,
response and recovery.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Mental health professional with a current state license include:
- Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
- A registered nurse (RN) with psychiatric nursing experience and training beyond the normal rotation required for a RN
- Social Worker
Recommended:
- Working With Total Diversity
- Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
| Day |
Date |
Time |
Not Scheduled At This Time
|
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Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action
The purpose of this course is to enable participants to translate their care and compassion into community action, through a uniform message. The
participants will be able to assess how to use their skills and abilities to
strengthen the capacity of both the community and the Red Cross to better serve people affected by disaster. They will understand the mission of the Red Cross, the principles and values that support the mission and the expected behaviors of Red Cross volunteers and employees in the
conduct of that mission and then will be given the next steps.
Prerequisites:
- None
Recommended:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment
The purpose of this course is to introduce the critical role of Disaster Assessment, explore related preparedness tasks, learn how to collect and communicate disaster assessment information, and become familiar with how disaster assessment information supports management and service delivery decisions. This course is comprised of two parts. Part 1 (online component) is comprised of six self-paced learning modules. It is estimated that it takes approximately 3.5-4 hours to complete all six modules. The on-line segment must be completed prior to attending Part 2 of the class (see dates below). Prior knowledge of computers is not necessary. You can access Part 1 of this course from home or at the Chapter, with assistance from Chapter staff as needed.
Prerequisites:
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
- Part One: Online training
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
June 7, 2008 |
9 am - 2 pm |
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Fundamentals of Staff Services
This online course prepares volunteers to support the staffing function
during a disaster operation. (3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered
through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which you will need a password.
Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Mass Care Overview
The purpose of this basic level Disaster Services training is to provide an
overview of the activities performed by the Mass Care group in support of a disaster relief operation.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Mass Casualty Disaster
An instructor-led and video-supported course designed to prepare employees and volunteers to plan for and respond to mass casualty disasters.
The course combines presentations and class discussions and uses real-world examples to explore the four types of mass casualty disasters and the Red Cross' role in planning and response
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Must have responded to a large disaster either within their community
or on a DSHR assignment.
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Orientation to Disaster Response
The purpose of this training is to orientate new volunteers to the location of supplies and the necessary items needed in order to respond to any disaster. The class will show you exactly where cots, blankets and necessary supplies are located. It will also show you how to restock and be ready for the next event. This course is mandatory for all volunteers to ensure their readiness to response.
Location: This training is held at the Augie Seidel, Jr. Disaster Operations Center
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Orientation to the Red Cross
- At least one other basic disaster class
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Wednesday |
May 7, 2008 |
6 pm – 7 pm |
| Saturday |
May 17, 2008 |
9 am – 10 am |
| Wednesday |
June 4, 2008 |
6 pm – 7 pm |
| Saturday |
June 21, 2008 |
9 am – 10 am |
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Preparing for and Managing a Spontaneous Volunteer Workforce
An online course that provides Red Cross staff with the knowledge and skills to prepare for,
manage and maximize the use of a spontaneous volunteer workforce during a disaster event.
(3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning
Management System for which you will need a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Preparing for the Unexpected
The purpose of this American Red Cross Preparing for the Unexpected presentation is to provide families, communities, and businesses with information about how they can prepare for any type of disaster, including a terrorist attack, and to respond to direction from authorities.
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Wednesday |
June 11, 2008 |
6 pm - 8 pm |
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Psychological First Aid
The purpose of this course is to prepare all American Red Cross workers to provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing disaster-related stress.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Shelter Operations
The purpose of this basic level Disaster services course is to prepare employees and volunteers of the Red Cross and other agencies to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team, while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Community Services Overview
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
May 17, 2008 |
9 am - 12 pm |
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Shelter Simulation
The purpose of this training is to provide participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful shelter operation.
Prerequisites:
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
- Community Services Overview
- Shelter Operations
| Day |
Date |
Time |
| Saturday |
May 17, 2008 |
1 pm - 4 pm |
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Staff Health: An Overview
This online course consists of four learning modules and a final assessment that reside
on the Red Cross Learning Management System (LMS). The course will familiarize participants
with the mission and services provided by the Staff Health activity. (3 hour online; pre-req: none)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for which
you will need a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Staff Health: Working on Disaster Relief Operations
This online course consists of four separate learning modules that reside on the
Red Cross Learning Management System (LMS). The course will familiarize participants
with their duties as workers in the Staff Health activity. (3 hour online; pre-req: none)
This online class is offered through the Red Cross Learning Management System for
which you will need a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism: An Overview
The purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the issues and safety concerns in performing our work in an environment involving a Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or Terrorism (WMD/T) incident. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities, and knowledge needed by disaster workers providing duties in this environment.
Prerequisites:
- Introduction to Disaster Services
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compasion Into Community Action
Not Scheduled At This Time
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Workforce Planning and Acquisition
This online course provides Workforce Planning and Acquisition workers with skills
needed and knowledge of their roles and responsibilities, expectations and procedures.
(3 hours online; pre-req: none) This online class is offered through the Red Cross
Learning Management System for which you will need a password. Call Rhonda Xiques at 610-865-4400, ext. 219.
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Introduction to Disaster Services
