The Walker County Emergency Services is hosting a Department of Homeland Security grant-funded disaster preparedness program entitled “Medical Management of Chemical, Biological, Radiation, Nuclear, and Explosive events” from Aug. 1-5 at the Fire/ EMS Headquarters Building on Alex Drive in Chickamauga.

This course, provided free of charge and funded through the Department of Homeland Security, is designed to increase preparedness and response capability within the local north Georgia community.

During the course, students will participate in multiple hands-on scenarios which reinforce critical thinking skills to ensure an understanding of the critical knowledge components of the course.

Initially designed to address chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear, or explosive events (CBRNE events), course material stresses an all hazards approach to disaster response.

Department chief Randy Camp has expressed that Walker County is committed to preparing emergency responders to effectively manage any situation or patient situation that it could encounter. With the current challenges and changes in the world today, emergency responders need to get this type of specialty training.

Students attending the course include Walker County Emergency Services, LaFayette Fire Department, Rossville Fire Department, Catoosa County Fire Department, Fort Oglethorpe Fire Department, Dade County Emergency Services, Puckett Emergency Medical Services, Lifeguard EMS, Angel Ambulance Service, Chattanooga Fire Department, Erlanger Medical Center and Hutcheson Medical Center.

TEEX, a member of The Texas A&M University system, offers hands-on, customized first responder training, homeland security exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. TEEX programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue, and economic development.