CDP plans pilot iterations of new course

FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness has openings in August and September for pilot offerings of its newest course, Response to Controlled Dangerous Substances: Fentanyl, Analogs and Pharmaceutical Based Agents (CDS).

The CDS course trains responders to assess and identify dangerous substances as well as the skills and personal protective equipment needed to operate safely in an environment where dangerous substances may be present.

Throughout the course, students will discuss the risks to law enforcement and public safety colleagues, identify potential health impacts of exposure to controlled dangerous substances, and learn to safely care for victims of an exposure.

Responders will train on proper decontamination procedures as well as special considerations related to scene safety, evidence collection and operational response. This will include instruction and practical exercises related to threat identification and scene response.

Students will perform advanced, practical tasks in the nation's only toxic agent training facility for first responders, the Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological (COBRA) Training Facility.

This is a course development pilot delivery. Participants will attend as students, provide end-of-day feedback and participate in a hotwash.

The target audience is law enforcement personnel and first responders from all jurisdictions across the country who may encounter a controlled dangerous situation where pharmaceutical based agents, Fentanyl, and/or analog agents may be present.

For additional information or to apply, visit https://cdp.dhs.gov/training/course/PER-941.