Psychology of Decision Making for 1st Responders

Topic: 
Responder Health & Safety
Format: 
Online Course
Time: 
4 hours
Level: 
Intermediate
University: 
University of Alabama
PERLC: 
South Central PERLC

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Description: 

This course addresses topics related to the psychological factors involved with first responder decision making during emergency response situations. The curriculum focuses on emergency management services personnel’s ability to recognize and identify the key indicators of decision making in disaster response. This course is drawn from the concepts that make up Crew Resource Management. The psychology behind the ability to make good decisions on scene will be reviewed and implemented by practice-based scenarios. This course is intended for all types of emergency response personnel, including emergency medical services, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency management officials and emergency department nurses. A variety of training methods will be used including PowerPoint presentations, video case histories, and individual exercises.

Learning Objectives: 
  • Identify the functions and responsibilities of first responders during emergency operations
  • Identify the resources needed for implementing CRM
  • Understand the signs, symptoms and causes of tunnel vision
  • Identify and discuss the skills needed to improve “Critical Decision Making” at all types of incidents
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize the “Risk vs. Benefit” model at all-hazards incident responses
  • Demonstrate the correct method in applying the “DECIDE” model in decision making at incidents involving hazardous materials
  • Illustrate the correct procedures for applying the “Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment” (START) triage system and the “All Risk Triage Tag”
  • Describe and illustrate the correct procedures for using the Emergency Response Guidebook
PHEP Capabilities: 
Responder Safety and Health