Available Training Courses

Bioreadiness for Healthcare Professionals - 2 hours

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of bioterrorism for healthcare professionals. Individuals in healthcare settings are invited to participate in this 2-hour program. (This program includes the following modules: Recognizing the Threat of Bioterrorism, Selected Agents of Bioterrorism, and Biological Warfare: A Historical Perspective.)

Objectives:

1. Define bioterrorism and list two reasons why it may occur in the United States.

2. List and describe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's six Category A Agents.

3. Describe three elements of a bioreadiness plan for protecting public personnel and buildings.

Bioreadiness for Government Professionals - 2 hours

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of bioterrorism for municipal, county and local government officials and professionals. Individuals who work in a government setting are invited to participate in this 2-hour program. (This program includes the following modules: Recognizing the Threat of Bioterrorism, Selected Agents of Bioterrorism, and Biological Warfare: A Historical Perspective.)

Objectives:

1. Define bioterrorism and list two reasons why it may occur in the United States.

2. List and describe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's six Category A Agents.

3. Describe three elements of a bioreadiness plan for protecting public personnel and buildings.

Recognition of and Response to Biological and Chemical Agents - 2 to 4 hours

This course includes a bioterrorism agent overview and sample collection procedures. It is offered in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health and is intended for first responders who collect and/or transport non-clinical samples of suspected bioterrorism agents (a.k.a. "white powder" calls).

Objectives:

1. Describe characteristics of potential biological and chemical agents.

2. Practice consistent, DOH protocol driven biological agent sample collection techniques.

3. Utilize threat assessment and chain of custody procedures for suspected biological agents.

4. Safely package and transport a sample to be tested at one of florida's four Laboratory Response Network (LRN) Reference laboratories.

Pandemic Influenza - 1 to 2 hours

This course provides up-to-date information about the current global pandemic status. The focus identifies the health threats of pandemic influenza by comparing and contrasting it with the seasonal human flu pathology, virulence, and symptomology. Recommendations regarding personal protective measures and equipment are provided in addition to the current state of a vaccine and chemoprophylaxis.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast features which distinguish pandemic influenza from seasonal influenza.

2. Identify personal protective measures and personal protective equipment use and requirements.

3. Describe the status of a vaccine, effective chemical prophylaxis, and disinfection procedures.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - 1 to 2 hours

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common bacteria found on our skin and it is the number one cause of superficial skin infections. Beginning in the early 1960's a new concern was recognized, specifically the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in hospitals. This resistance was caused by multiple factors, particularly the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The last decade has seen a drastic increase in the percentage of Staphylococcus isolates positive for MRSA, with continued and often expanded resistance to antibiotics. In recent years, a new entity known as Community Associated/Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has been increasingly documented in particular populations. These strains, unlike those bacteria associated with healthcare-related infections, have additional genetic factors which make them particularly resistant and invasive.

Objectives:

1. Describe colonization and infection.

2. Understand the difference(s) between Methicillin-sensitive and Methicillin-resistant organisms.

3. List risk factors for colonization and infection with MRSA.

4. Describe precautions for limiting the spread of MRSA in healthcare settings and the community.

5. Utilize criteria for determining whether a MRSA infection is most likely hospital or community-associated.

Bloodborne Pathogens and Emerging Infectious Diseases - 2 hours

This training provides a detailed overview about bloodborne pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis, and numerous emerging infections. A brief overview will be given about the following emerging infections: Avian Flu, SARS, Creutzfeldt-Jakob, Mad Cow Disease, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever, HTLV-1, Malaria, Syphilis, Babesiosis, Brucellosis, and Leptospirosis. An overview about personal protective equipment will also be provided. An overview of the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard will be provided, including who is covered by the standard and who has occupational exposures.

Objectives:

1. Identify the categories of bloodborne pathogens and standard precautions to protect against exposure.

2. Briefly describe the emerging infectious diseases.

3. Recognize different forms of personal protective equipment that can be utilized to protect an individual from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.

Recognizing the Threat of Bioterrorism - 1 hour

Terrorism comes in many different forms. Bioterrorism is the application of biological agents or their toxins as a weapon against people, animals or crops. This program provides an overview of the threat of bioterrorism including the possible sources, agents, and delivery methods. (This module is included in the Bioreadiness for Healthcare Professionals and Bioreadiness for Government Professionals presentations.)

Objectives:

1. Define bioterrorism.

2. List countries with potential bioweapons.

3. Describe the delivery and response systems.

4. List two potential targets.

Selected Agents of Bioterrorism - 1.5 hours

Descriptions of the Category A, B, and C agents are provided, including symptoms, health effects, and treatments for diseases resulting from exposure to these agents. This presentation is appropriate for many different audiences and the materials will be altered to address the educational background of the audience. (This module is included in the Bioreadiness for Healthcare Professionals and Bioreadiness for Government Professionals presentations.)

Objectives:

1. List and describe the six Category A agents designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as potential biological threats.

2. Describe characteristics of Category A, B, and C agents.

3. Explain why each of the group of agents can be a threat to national security.

Biological Warfare: A Historical Perspective - 1.25 hours

Throughout history there have been examples of biological warfare. A detailed account of the differenct instances is provided, jleading from as far back as 600 B.C. to the present. (This module is included in the Bioreadiness for Healthcare Professionals and Bioreadiness for Government Professionals presentations.)

Objectives:

1. Describe how biological warfare has been used throughout history.

2. Identify the disadvantages of biological warfare use.

3. Compare the biological warfare programs between the US and other countries.

Communicating with the Media During a Disaster - 1.5 hours

This module provides those involved in a crisis the tools necessary to effectively communicate with the media and the public. Participants in this interactive course have the opportunity role-play and to practice communication skills and critique several scenarios.

Objectives:

1. Describe the general principles regarding how the media works.

2. Describe components of a sucessful interview with the media.

3. Develop and deliver key messages to the public through the media.

4. Establish authority and control when giving media interviews.

5. Apply concepts on how to handle difficult questions.

Bioreadiness for the Community - 1 hour

This is an introductory presentation on biological terrorism that includes an overview of historical bioterrorism activities. Brief descriptions of the different biological agents are provided, including delivery and response systems.

Objectives:

1. Define bioterrorism.

2. Briefly describe historical examples of bioterrorism related activities.

3. Identify two biological agents.

Bioreadiness Plans for Protecting the Family and Home - 1 hour

Every family should have a plan for emergencies. This plan can be used in the event of a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or any other emergency situation. The key parts of a family plan include: communication, determining whether you will stay or evacuate, a plan for sheltering-in-place, making a kit, identifying resources, and knowing what type of threat you are facing.

Objectives:

1. List and describe three components of a family bioreadiness plan.

2. Identify how to obtain emergency information.

3. Describe reasons for deciding to stay or evacuate.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding our training courses.