WMD Radiological/Nuclear Responder

Operations Course PER-240

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Operations Course PER 240

This operations-level weapons of mass destruction (WMD) course is designed to teach first 

responders how to respond to an incident involving a radiological or nuclear WMD, such as a 

Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD, or “Dirty Bomb”) or an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND).

Course Description:

Responders are given hands-on experience with Suppor

radiation fields while learning the basic operation of 

radiation detectors and dosimeters. Attendees are 

taught to conduct radiological surveys of personnel, 

vehicles, facilities, and outdoor areas. Hands-on 

activities blend cognitive knowledge of radiation and 

instruments with survey techniques used in detecting 

the presence of radiation, locating radioactive material, 

tions 

S

and measuring levels of radiation and radiological 

contamination.

Attendees also learn to select personal protective 

equipment (PPE), perform radiological decontamination, 

conduct team operations at a radioactive hot zone, and 

perform lifesaving rescue operations in high radiation 

areas Operati

After rescuing victims of an RDD attack, responders detect 

radioactive contamination in a subway car.

areas.

The course culminates with an evaluation exercise 

requiring attendee teams, under a unified command, to 

respond to a scenario where a terrorist attack has 

dispersed radiological material at a facility or in a public 

transportation system. 

Every participant will be issued a dosimeter and 

orism 

O

A responder checks for safe radiation levels in a bus after 

Every participant will be a simulated RDD attack on a metropolitan bus station issued a dosimeter and 

radiation survey meter; however, it is recommended that 

attendees bring their own department’s equipment if 

available. 

This is a “live agent” course using actual radioactive and 

nuclear materials. This course is designed and 

Terr

monitored so that attendees receive only minor radiation 

or

a simulated RDD attack on a metropolitan bus station.

y

doses (lower than a chest X-ray or a typical round-trip 

airline flight across the U.S.)

Course Length:

24 hours (three 8-hour days)

Prerequisite:

The Weapons of Mass Destruction Radiological/ ounter 

Responder team prepares to assess the scene after a 

Nuclear Awareness Course (AWR-140-W) is available C

online at http://respond.emrtc.nmt.edu/campus/index.k2

o

simulated terrorist attack involving radioactive medical 

devices in a hospital.
Target Audience:

◊ Law Enforcement

◊ Emergency Medical Services

◊ Emergency Management Agency

◊ Fire Service

◊ Hazardous Materials (HazMat)

◊ Public Works

◊ Governmental Administrative

◊ Public Safety Communications

◊ Health Care

◊ Public Health

◊ Other skilled support personnel that provide 

immediate support services during prevention, 

response, and recovery operations

Certificate:

A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of 

Responders measure radiation and contamination levels in a clandestine 

lab at a simulated terrorist safe house.

A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of 

the course, acknowledging 2.4 continuing education units 

(CEUs) through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas 

(UNLV). A letter verifying CEUs can be provided upon 

request by contacting the Counter Terrorism Operations 

Support (CTOS) registration desk.

Cost:

All training and course materials are provided at no cost 

to eligible participants.

Course Delivery:

The course is delivered by a Mobile Training Team at the 

participants’ locations. Enrollment Information:

I d t tt d t i i l d li d b f th F d l E M t A /N ti l 

Responders check the buildings surrounding the scene of a 

simulated RDD attack on a metropolitan bus station.

Eligibility:

It is the responsibility of the jurisdiction to select 

qualified course participants.

In order to attend a training class delivered by one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency/National 

Preparedness Directorate (FEMA/NPD) partners, a request must be provided to the designated U.S. Department 

of Homeland Security training point of contact. For the training coordinator in your area, please contact the 

FEMA/NPD Help Line at 800-368-6498.

For More Information, Contact the Registration Desk at:

National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Site Office

Counter Terrorism Operations Support Program

P.O. Box 98521, M/S NLV126, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8521

702.295.3224 • 702.537.2639 Fax

E-mail: ctosreg@nv.doe.gov

www.nv.doe.gov/combatingterrorism

DOE/NV--1204-REV2

July 2008