Radiological Training for
First Responders

FOSTER: First On Scene - Training for Emergency Responders

The FOSTER program has been designed to provide first response personnel who have little or no previous hazardous material training with a brief introduction to radiological incident response. The intent is to provide essential knowledge to allow the responder to take the actions necessary to secure the scene and provide for the safety of all involved without endangering themselves. The information contained has been selected to intentionally limit the depth and scope of the material to allow the program to be presented both in a simplified context and in a time period that meets the training needs of the targeted audience. Unlike other training programs, the responder in this course need not have prior training in hazardous materials, although such prior training will enhance the understanding and learning experience.

FOSTER focuses on the information you need – not on unnecessary technical information!

It is not the intent of, nor does this course in any way approach the training requirements for first responders as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.120. Personnel in agencies taking this training must be aware of the limitations imposed by these regulations, and the training requirements that are set forth for responders in different roles. It is the responsibility of the employing agency to be certain that their employees are trained to the levels required by their state or federal OSHA.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Recognize the presence of radioactive material at accident scenes
• Know what the specialized packaging used for radioactive materials means to your safety
• Understand what the different labels and placards mean to you
• Know what limitations you face depending upon your level of training
• Know who to notify and why
• Identify your role in initiating an appropriate response, even with limited training
• Understand the basic issues that surround radiological weapons of mass destruction (”Dirty Bombs”)

Most importantly, you will be able to make those critical decisions when you arrive first-on-scene – decisions that allow you to protect yourself, others, and the scene, while delivering an effective and appropriate response.

Audience

This program is targeted at those responders who have not been trained to the OSHA “Awareness” level, or who are Awareness level – or above – and desire more information about radiological incidents.

The program is non-agency specific – it has been developed for use with police, fire, EMS, public works and other responders, however, it is state-specific. The information contained in this course has been reviewed and approved by state agencies and has been developed to insure it is in agreement with federal OSHA requirements (NOTE, this course has not been approved by OSHA.)

FOSTER Structure

The content of the FOSTER program is organized to parallel the steps the responder should take in the order they should be taken. The following is a condensed outline of the course content.

• Introduction
• Course Objectives
• Truths & Lies & Facts & Myths
• Basic Radiation
• Terminology
• Identify the Hazard
• Labels & Placards & Papers, Oh My!
• Secondary Hazards
• Isolate & Deny
• Notifications & Resources
• “Who Ya Gonna Call???”
• Making Decisions
• Time, Distance, Shielding is not a law firm.
• “Dirty Bombs” & WMD

Prerequisites

None. However, the information contained in this course has been written with the expectation that participants are familiar with terminology that would be common knowledge. This course was specifically designed to provide instruction to these First-On-Scene responders who may have little or no previous instruction in hazardous materials response, or have little exposure to the special concerns of radiological materials.

FOSTER was developed to include supplemental and supporting material that may be used with specific groups, such as EMS responders, who are in need of additional information.

Course Length

Foster is designed to be taught in a three hour period. Larger classes or groups needing additional information on specific topics may require slightly longer classes.
 

Brochure

More Information

Foster On Line Beta