Training is the backbone of WERTs and ESOs. Effective training produces team members and responders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely perform their duties in the face of various hazards in emergency incidents.
Paragraph (h) of the proposed rule contains requirements for INITIAL and FOLLOW-UP training for responders and team members and requirements for maintaining proficiency in the necessary skills and knowledge through regular – AT LEAST ANNUAL – SKILLS CHECKS. These provisions ensure that team members and responders become and remain prepared and capable of performing their duties safely. Many of the provisions in proposed paragraph (h) are based on, or consistent with, provisions in NFPA 600, NFPA 1500, and other NFPA standards.
WEREs and ESOs need to establish comprehensive training programs to ensure that team members and responders are prepared to participate safely in emergency operations.
Proposed paragraph (h)(1) addresses minimum training requirements for team members and responders.