These days, homeland security and terrorism response are subjects much on the minds of emergency response personnel. The World Trade Center attack in 2001 shook the entire nation out of its sense of complacency and made Americans realize that they were woefully unprepared to deal with disaster. Americans have come to the realization that emergency response - not just to terrorist attacks, but to natural and industrial disasters - is not just a matter for the Army or the National Guard. A well-trained corps of emergency first responders is essential in facing any emergency or disaster. Firefighters, EMT's and police who are trained in handling large-scale disasters can make the difference between rescue and further disaster.

Training videos are among the best tools for preparing local emergency responders to respond to emergency situations. A good safety training video can illustrate disaster situations and teach proper response to them in ways that a dry lecture or reading material can't approach. There are a number of excellent safety training videos on the market that can be used in conjunction with drills and other safety training measures to prepare first responders in emergency preparedness.

For First Responders

In the event of a terrorist attack, local first responders will be on the scene for hours before federal reinforcements arrive. Their actions and the decisions made in those first hours can save lives, contain damage and have rescue efforts well underway by the time help arrives. These films are designed specifically to train first responders with no disaster training to recognize terrorist attacks, and respond to them effectively.

Terrorism: First Response (Emergency Film Group)

Terrorism: First Response is an award winning film that provides a thorough overview of information central to understanding the scope and importance of various elements of a first response action plan. The subjects covered include:
recognizing possible terrorist targets
creating an emergency response plan
understanding the four types of terrorist weapons
recognizing a terrorist attack
establishing a control zone
triage and stabilization of injured
securing the area
preserving and documenting evidence
the role of the terrorism intervention team


NIMS: Introduction to the National Incident Management System

On February 28, the Office of Homeland Security released Presidential Directive 5 which called for the development of a nationwide framework to handle all types of domestic incidents at every level. In order to receive special federal preparedness grants, local emergency response teams, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and other organizations must adopt and be trained in the NIMS. This short film is an excellent introduction and overview of NIMS, and ideal as a starter to NIMS education for local emergency response groups. The film covers:
The Incident Command Structure
The advantages of using a standardized management system during complex situations
How Command is established, used and transferred
The role and responsibility of the incident commander's staff
The four sections that may be activated in complex incidents
Coordination of multiple agencies through emergency operations centers
Managing incident related information and intelligence

Protective Actions: Evacuation - Shelter in Place

One of the most vital decisions to be made in many emergency situations is whether to evacuate the area or attempt to shelter in place. This film covers the various factors that must be considered in making a decision to evacuate an area, as well as an overview of how to create and implement an evacuation plan, and how to disseminate information about sheltering in place. The subjects covered in the film include:
issues to consider when deciding whether to take protective actions
deciding between evacuation and shelter in place options
how to implement evacuation with advance and with no warning
pre-emergency evacuation
post-emergency evacuation
how to determine the evacuation area
how to alert the public to plans
determining evacuation routes
easing reentry after evacuation
setting up and maintaining shelter in schools, public buildings, homes and other venues
terminating protective actions - when and how


Self Protection for First Responders

Being first on the scene often puts first responders at risk of exposure to hazardous substances. Firefighters, law enforcement officials, EMTs and other emergency responders are often called to respond to the site of chemical spills, floods and other situations that may release hazardous fumes, radiation or biological hazards. Understanding why it is important to protect yourself and the best methods to prevent contamination is vital training for any group that will be responding to emergency situations. This film series covers hazmat protection for firefighters; law enforcement and hospital first responders in three separate films, and should be a vital part of any emergency response training program.