First responders to get online training

The American Medical Association’s Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response has awarded a contract to Pearson Performance Solutions to develop a computer-based version of a training course that prepares first responders and health care workers for a mass casualty event.

According to the AMA Web site, the four-hour Core Disaster Life Support course provides an overview of natural or man-made public emergencies and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive attacks. The objective is to provide first responders and others with a standardized, competency-based, all hazards grounding.

The course is part of a larger National Disaster Life Support training program developed by the AMA and several medical centers and national health organizations.

Pearson will develop and deliver the course via Web-based training and also provide a follow up, table-top evaluation exercise. Officials are hoping to provide greater access to such curricula to first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The AMA center received a $1 million grant from the Homeland Security Department’s Office of Domestic Preparedness to create the electronic courseware.