Connecticut has experienced several emergencies in the past year that have made headlines across the country. Last year, the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy totaled more than $360 million in damages, and resulted in 7,270 home and business owners applying for assistance. Almost $4 million in federal funding has already been distributed.
Connecticut has also experienced one of the worst man-made disasters in recent history. The mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown led to the deaths of 20 school children and six adults. This provoked a massive response from the U.S. Congress and the Obama administration. Governor Daniel Malloy also instituted some of the most restrictive gun policies in the country.
These and other disasters have led Governor Daniel Malloy to mandate compliance with National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides standardized response guidelines to agencies across the country in the case of a natural disaster or crisis event. NIMS offers specialized emergency management courses and training to first responders and emergency supervisors.
Qualifications to Become an Emergency Management Professional in Connecticut
Degrees – Emergency management jobs in Connecticut include professions in health services, law enforcement, first response, and public administration. One of the most important in the state are healthcare providers who offer medical assistance in the wake of a major disaster or terrorist incident. These professionals must often possess the following qualifications
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of experience in emergency management
- Prior experience in emergency planning, NIMS and HEICS
- Skills in public relations, communications and administration
- Ability to pass a federal background check
Certification and Training – Connecticut offers a number of certification programs that designate graduates as proficient within an emergency management specialty. The State of Connecticut Emergency Credentialing Program for Healthcare Professionals offers accreditation to medical and emergency personnel who wish to serve victims of disasters and public health emergencies. The emergency management classes that may be completed to receive this certification include:
- Emergency preparedness for Health Care with NIMS
- Emergency Management for Health Care Facility Volunteers
- The Role of Medical and Technical Specialists during an Incident
- Best Practices for the Protection of Health Care First Receivers
- Emergency Preparedness for Health Care at Home and at Work
Federal Certification – The federal government also offers certification through the Emergency Management institute. These programs include emergency management courses in
- Fundamentals in Emergency Management
- Leadership and Influence
- Emergency Planning
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Developing and Managing Volunteers
- Effective Communication
Many of these courses may be accessed online, while others require in-person attendance at an approved training facility.