WMD Radiological/Nuclear Responder

Operations Course PER-240

rt

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

p g p

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, and measuring 

levels of radiation and radiological contamination

tions Su

.

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.

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 radiation r

survey meter; however it is recommended that 

ism 

O

A responder checks for safe radiation levels in a bus after 

a simulated RDD attack on a metropolitan bus station 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 monitored 

so that attendees receive only minor radiation doses 

(lower than a chest X-ray or a typical round-trip airline r Terror

a simulated RDD attack on a metropolitan bus station.

( y yp p

flight across the U.S.)

Course Length:

24 hours (three 8-hour days)

Prerequisite:

Weapons of Mass Destruction Radiological/

N clear A areness Co rse (AWR 140 W) This co rse ounter

Responder team prepares to assess the scene after a 

Nuclear Awareness Course (AWR-140-W). This course

is available online at http://www.ctosnnsa.org.

Co

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 the 

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:

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

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.ctosnnsa.org

DOE/NV--1204-REV2.1

J 2009 anuary 2009