Advanced Course Descriptions

Medical Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties Course

**No OFRD funding is available for travel for this course.

**Officers will be notified by email when OFRD receives their application.

Application Packet

Course Description

This course consists of classroom, laboratory and field exercises. Classroom discussion includes the history and current threat of chemical and biological agent use, the characteristics of threat agents, the pathophysiology and treatment of agent exposure, and principles of field management of threat agent casualties. In the laboratory, attendees gain valuable, hands-on experience by participating in the resuscitation of a laboratory animal exposed to a nerve agent simulant. In the field, attendees practice the principles of personal protection, triage, treatment and decontamination of chemical casualties. During this exercise, attendees learn the capabilities and limitations of Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) when treating casualties in a contaminated environment.
Additional information about the MMCBC course is available at: http://www.usamriid.army.mil/education/index.html#inhouse

Course Objectives

Classroom instruction, laboratory and field exercises prepare graduates to effectively manage casualties of chemical and biological agent exposure.

Course Location

Ft. Detrick and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Prerequisites

  • Officers 0-2 through 0-6 in the following deployment roles:
    • Dentist 
    • Physician Assistant 
    • Pharmacist (General) 
    • Primary Care Physician 
    • Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 
    • General Nurse 
    • Medical Technologist (Laboratory Technician) 
    • Clinical Veterinarian
  • You must have at least one pair of woodland BDU's for this training
  • In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:

1. Supervisor's permission to attend.
2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Working Khaki uniform.
3. Completed physical exam (including medical review) on file with MAB within past 5 years.
4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
6. All course Immunization requirements completed* AND recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
7. Current APFT recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
9. Recorded the number of hours you practice your deployment role on CCRF Officer Summary Page.
10. Current login and update of OFRD Officer Summary Page.
11. Must have completed all sessions in the Core and Clinical folders of the OFRD online training program.
*As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/ccrf_newsletter_041904.htm#IMMUNIZATIONS


 

Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) Program

 

Course Title

Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and International Humanitarian Response

Course Description

This course curriculum has been tailored specifically towards USPHS Officers. The didactic portion of the DART program will familiarize PHS officers with USAID/OFDA, what it is, how it accomplishes its mission, and the context under which it operates. Participants will learn how to perform effectively as a DART or Response Management Team (RMT) member in a public health function. Upon completion of this classroom training, selected officers will be asked to participate in “Headquarters” field training on detail to OFDA in Washington, D.C. for a period of 2-4 weeks. This second portion of the DART program is required before an officer can deploy with OFDA on an overseas assignment or within the U.S. Participants will also learn the appropriate use of the OFDA Field Operations Guide (FOG) for Disaster Assessment and Response as a DART, or assessment planning and implementation, reference tool.

Course Objectives (click on this link for more information)

This course will teach officers the mission of OFDA and how to function within its structure. Officers will gain the basic knowledge to deploy with OFDA. To fulfill OFDA’s entire program requirements, officers must complete a 2-4 week detail with OFDA in Washington D.C. in order to deploy with a DART.

Course Location

Washington, D.C., January 10-14, 2005

Prerequisites

  • Officers 0-2 through 0-6 in any CCRF deployment role 

        Note: (Engineers and Environmental Health Officers are often needed for these missions).

  • In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:

1. Obtained supervisor's permission and signature to attend (must appear on application form.)
2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Working Khaki uniform.
3. Completed physical exam (including medical review) on file with MAB within past 5 years.
4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page, and a copy faxed with your application.
5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
6. Completed Immunization requirements* and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary page.
7. Recorded current APFT on OFRD website.
8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
9. Logged in and updated OFRD Officer Summary Page information within past 3 months.
10. Must have completed all of the sessions in the Core folder of the online training program.
11. Recorded the number of hours you practice your deployment role on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
*As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/ccrf_newsletter_041904.htm#IMMUNIZATIONS

 

Mental Health Disaster Response Training

Application Packet

This course was originally developed by CCRF in collaboration with several federal agencies and non-governmental organizations to meet the needs of deployed PHS officers through OFRD.  Subject matter experts in the field of disaster mental health and response will be teaching the course.  Our collaborators on this  program include:  ARC, OFDA (USAID), USUHS and CDC.  We are pleased to offer this course to those officers in the Mental Health Provider Deployment Role.

Course Description

The overall goal of this training course is to prepare PHS Commissioned Corps officers in the field of mental health (certified clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse, clinical social worker, or psychiatrist who provide a minimum of 112 hours of clinical care annually) to be effective in their role as disaster mental health providers within the context of a OFRD deployment.  This course will provide participants with an overview of the National Response to Disasters and Mass casualties and the role(s) of different Federal agencies and national organizations play in disaster mental health, specifically the involvement of the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Red Cross (ARC).  The course will cover topics such as the psychosocial reactions to disaster/mass casualties, current thinking and research in the field of disaster mental health,  early interventions, high-risk and special populations, and community mental health needs assessment.  Examples of specific skills that may be used in the field will be presented with opportunities for participants to role-play and discuss cases.  One and a half days will be dedicated to the ARC Disaster Mental Health Training.  Within this context, the roles and responsibilities of PHS/OFRD Commissioned Corps Officers deployed to the ARC will be discussed. 

 Course Objectives

After completion of this course, officers will be able to :
1)  Deploy to a variety of settings including situations such as natural or man-made disaster, humanitarian assistance, or fixed facility with an intact infrastructure. 
2)  Collaborate with local mental health programs, and implement and coordinate mental health services for disaster victims in some settings including support to the ARC. 
3) Understand professional limitations in knowledge, skills and ability, and seek 
appropriate assistance when needed.
4) Identify appropriate interventions and prevention services, techniques, and counseling.
5) Manage stress and adapt to changing situations.

  Course Location

Rockville, MD - beginning July 25, 2005

Prerequisites

  • Officers 0-2 through 0-6 who qualify for and have selected the Mental Health Provider deployment role.
  • In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:

    1. Obtained supervisor's permission and signature to attend (must appear on application form.)
    2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Working Khaki uniform.
    3. Completed physical exam (including medical review) on file with OCCO within past 5 years.
    4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page, and provide a copy with your faxed application.
    5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    6. Completed Immunization requirements* and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary page.
    7. Recorded current APFT on OFRD website or completed award for the President's Challenge.
    8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    9. Logged in and updated OFRD Officer Summary Page information within past 3 months.
    10. Must have completed at the 12 specified online training sessions required to qualify for the Basic Readiness Level PLUS the following sessions #120, 210, 217, 219.
    11. Recorded the number of clinical patient contact hours you practiced within the past 12 months as a mental health provider on the OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    *As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/immuniza.htm

 

Liaison Officer Training II (LNO II)/SERT

This course would provide an overview National Response Plan (NRP), specifically, Emergency Support Function #8 (Public Health and Medical Services) and DHHS Concept of Operations Plan (CONOPS) for Public Health and Medical Emergencies.  The course addresses the roles and responsibilities of relevant Federal Agencies; HHS's role and responsibilities; interactions with state and local health departments; and the day-to-day expectations of a liaison officer at these organizations. Specifically, participants will be trained for deployment to the Secretary’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) as it applies to emergency preparedness and response, such as responding to events of WMD and bioterrorism within the framework of the Public Health Service Act.  

Lecture, hands-on training, table-top exercises, and group tours will familiarize OFRD officers with the operational and logistical procedures, and equipment needed when called upon to deploy as a Liaison Officer to the SERT. 

Course Objective

At the completion of this course officers will have the skills and knowledge necessary to deploy as a OFRD Liaison Officer to numerous local, state, regional, and federal agencies, to work in command centers and with response teams.

Course Location:  Washington, DC

Hubert Humphrey Building (HHS)
200 Independence Avenue, SW 
HHS bldg. Room 800
Washington, DC 20201

Prerequisites

Officers 0-2 through 0-6, Any PHS officer that has selected Liaison Officer deployment role.

The course will be filled first with Liaison officers meeting the course requirements, then by Emergency Coordinator Augmentees, Communications Officers, and General Health Educators.

In addition, the following must be completed PRIOR TO SUBMISSION of application:

  1. Obtained supervisor’s permission and signature to attend (must appear on application form.)
  2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Working Khaki uniform.
  3. Completed physical exam on file with MAB within past 5 years.
  4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD  Officer Summary Page, and a copy faxed with your application.
  5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD  Officer Summary Page.
  6. Completed all Immunization requirements* and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary page.
  7. Recorded current APFT on OFRD  website or completed President's Challenge.
  8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD  Officer Summary Page.
  9. Logged in and updated OFRD Officer Summary Page information within past 3 months.
  10. Must have minimally completed the 12 defined modules to meet the Basic Readiness Level

 *As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/immuniza.htm  

Travel arrangements and funding will be available through OASPHEP.

Joint Operations Medical Managers' Course (JOMMC)**

**No OFRD funding is available for travel for this course.

**Officers will be notified by email when OFRD receives their application.

APPLICATION PACKET

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare senior commissioned officers with new or projected assignments as commanders, administrators, or department chiefs to function in management and leadership roles in the operational environment. Additional critical information about the JOMMC course is available at: http://www.dmrti.army.mil/JOMMC/jommc.htm

Course Objective

Didactic lectures culminate in a joint healthcare support practical exercise, enhancing the use of operational management and planning tools. Students will leave the course with the capability to provide operationally integrated leadership in joint health service support operations.

Course Location

San Antonio, TX

Prerequisites

  1. Officers 0-5 and 0-6 in any OFRD Deployment Role:
  2. In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:
    1. Supervisor's permission to attend.
    2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Summer Khaki uniform.
    3. Completed physical exam and history on file with OCCO within past 5 years.
    4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    6. All course Immunization requirements completed* AND recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    7. Current APFT recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    9. Recorded the number of hours you practice your  deployment role on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    10. Current login and update of OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    11. Must have completed all sessions in the Core folders of the OFRD online training program.
    12. Complete justification as to why you should attend this course (see application).

*As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/ccrf_newsletter_041904.htm#IMMUNIZATIONS

Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (MEIR)

**No OFRD funding is available for travel for this course.

**Officers will be notified by email when OFRD receives their application.

Application Packet

Course Description 

The Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (MEIR) Course improves operational capabilities by providing medical and operational personnel with up-to-date information concerning the biomedical consequences of radiation exposure, how the effects can be reduced, and how to medically manage casualties. 

The training, formerly known as the Medical Effects of Nuclear Weapons Course, was expanded to include nuclear incidents that can occur on or off the battlefield and that go beyond nuclear weapons events. This "advanced" course addresses the following topics: fundamentals of ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation interactions with cells and organs, diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndromes and combined injuries, psychological effects of radiation exposure, internal radiation contamination, radiological defense, and radioprotection. 

Students are acquainted with the hazards of ionizing radiation, radiation pathology, human exposure resulting from radiation accidents, consequences of nuclear weapons detonation, and nuclear accident response by government organizations. The course is organized into four key subjects: health physics, biological effects of radiation, medical/health effects, and psychological effects. Students are provided the MEIR Course Syllabus and the Medical Management of Radiological Casualties Handbook. 

Course Objectives 

The goal of this training is to prepare officers to participate in public health emergencies involving radiation exposures to the general population and will build upon the participant's clinical expertise in the treatment and care of patients. 

Course Location 

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) 
Bethesda, MD 

August 2-5, 2005 

Prerequisites 

Officers 0-2 through 0-6, in the following deployment roles: 

  • Dentist 
  • Medical Technologist (Laboratory Technician) 
  • Occupational Health Medicine (Physicians and nurses only) 
  • Physician Assistant 
  • Pharmacist (General)  
  • Physical Therapist 
  • Primary Care Physician 
  • Emergency Medical Technician 
  • Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 
  • General Nurse 

In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:

  • Supervisor's permission to attend.
  • Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Summer Khaki uniform.
  • Completed physical exam (including medical review) on file with OCCO within past 5 years. 
  • Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page. 
  • Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
  • All course Immunization requirements completed* AND recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
  • Current APFT recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page. 
  • Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page. 
  • Recorded the number of hours you practice your professional skill/deployment role on OFRD Officer Summary Page. 
  • Current login and update of OFRD Officer Summary Page. 
  • Must have completed all sessions in the Core folders of the OFRD online training program.
  • Complete justification as to why you should attend this course (see application).
    • Plus the following clinical modules (required for clinicians and non-clinicians): 
      • Blast Injuries (155) 
      • Burn Injuries (158) 
      • Crush Injuries (159) 

Continuing Education Credits 

Continuing education credits for this activity are sponsored by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). 

Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) 

This activity is provided by USUHS, which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education activities only and does not imply Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product. 

Continuing Medical Education (CME) 

USUHS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This activity has been approved for American Medical Association (AMA), Category 1, Physician's Recognition Award (PRA) credit.

*As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/ccrf_newsletter_041904.htm#IMMUNIZATIONS

Homeland Security Medical Executives Course (HLSMEC)

**No OFRD funding is available for travel for this course.

**Officers will be notified by email when OFRD receives their application.

Application Packet

Course Description

This course is a unique opportunity for CCRF officers to train and develop expertise in the area of leadership that might be necessary for post-disaster, civil-military, and mass casualty deployments. Specifically, this program is designed to prepare you to play a leadership role in support of the National Response Plan (NRP). The program will cover planning and response to natural and man-made disasters as well as CBRNE consequence management operations. Didactic lectures are reinforced by a joint interagency healthcare support practical exercise involving a time-lined scenario. Attendees have the opportunity to interact and share ideas with local, state, federal, and military emergency managers and leaders.

Additional information is available at http://www.dmrti.army.mil/

Course Objective

Course participants will learn the role of major agencies and departments in the nation’s homeland security. The course is designed to foster critical thinking, exercise existing plans, identify challenges and issues, and recommend possible solutions. Upon completion of the course officer will have an understanding of the NRP, provide assistance to conduct CBRNE consequence management operations, and be able to function within the system as a leader.

Course Location

Tampa, FL; 12-16 June 2006

Prerequisites

  1. Officers 0-4 through 0-6

    Any deployment role.

     
  2. In addition, the following must be completed prior to submission of application:
    1. Supervisor's permission to attend.
    2. Own at least 2 complete pairs of the Summer Khaki uniform.
    3. Completed physical exam and history on file with OCCO within past 5 years.
    4. Certified in AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    5. Current licensure (if applicable) on file with OCCO and recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    6. All course Immunization requirements completed* AND recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    7. Current APFT recorded on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    8. Recorded height and weight on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    9. Recorded the number of hours you practice your  deployment role on OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    10. Current login and update of OFRD Officer Summary Page.
    11. Must have completed all sessions in the Core folders of the OFRD online training program.
    12. Complete justification as to why you should attend this course (see application).

*As detailed at http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/ccrf_newsletter_041904.htm#IMMUNIZATIONS

 

Back to Home Page Questions or problems regarding this web site can be emailed directly to the WebMaster. 
Notice: This Government Computer System is provided as a public service by the Office of the Surgeon General, Department of Health and Human Services.
Any unauthorized use of this service may be punishable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986.
This page was last modified: 06/07/2006 01:00 PM