Maryland Defense Force Information Release
By Maj. Stephen Rice srice@mddf.us
Members of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) and allied emergency response agencies (Howard County Police, Baltimore County Fire Service, & Prince Georges County CERT) recently completed a three-day, Hazardous Materials / WMD Operational Level training course presented by instructors from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). Held at the MDDF headquarters, June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 22 soldiers completed the training as a part of their MDDF Disaster Response Specialist – Basic Qualification.
The training prepares emergency responders to recognize and identify, assess, assist in the mitigation of hazardous materials situations through the development of defensive actions to prevent further contamination of people, property, and the environment. Through a combination of classroom and field exercises, the course focuses on the unique response and personal protection challenges that responders face during a Weapons of Mass Destruction / terrorist incident or a Hazardous Materials incident.
The course is based on nationally recognized standards (NFPA 472) and satisfies Operations-level core competencies and personal protective equipment, mission-specific competency providing compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and EPA 40 CFR Part 311 response regulations. Through completion of this course and associated testing, students will obtain certification under the fire service, National Professional Qualifications Board (NPQS/Pro-Board) as Operations Level responders.
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