The Region 2 Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response (EHTER) Operations Strike Team Training Pilot is a two-day, instructor-led training, designed to prepare environmental health professionals to effectively respond to disaster and public health emergency incidents. The training is intended for professionals who may deploy during emergencies to conduct field assessments or serve on Environmental Health Strike Teams, including responders responsible for shelters, food safety, water and wastewater, building conditions, and related environmental health operations.
Through classroom instruction, hands-on skill stations, and immersive scenario-based exercises, participants will build the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate as part of an Environmental Health Strike Team within an Incident Command System (ICS) response.
This pilot training is being offered through a partnership between the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute (PRI), and Bergen County, New Jersey. This training was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number NH78TU000004 funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The training is solely the responsibility of the providers and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.
Attendance is limited. Registrations may be canceled if eligibility requirements are not met or if a region/agency is overrepresented. Confirmation or cancellation notices will be sent on or around August 21.
Training Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand Environmental Health Strike Team concepts and operations.
- Apply Incident Command System (ICS) principles during disaster response.
- Conduct environmental health assessments in emergency settings.
- Demonstrate proper use of environmental health equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Communicate effectively within a deployed strike team.
- Complete environmental health mission assignments using standardized forms and procedures.
- Participate in realistic, scenario-based field exercises.
Training Format
Online Pre-Training (7hrs, Required)
The online EHTER Awareness course is a 7-hour introductory course that is a prerequisite for the EHTER Strike Team Training. It will cover key topics such as Introduction to Disaster Management, Responder Health and Safety, and Safe Water. This course provides foundational knowledge for environmental health responders in preparation for emergency response. Additionally, it prepares responders to engage in a simulation-based emergency response activity. Completion of this asynchronous course is required for participation in the in-person Strike Team Training and must be completed 14 days prior or your registration is subject to cancelation.
Day 1: Foundations & Skills Development (9hrs)
- Classroom instruction
- Team formation
- Equipment familiarization
- Skills stations
- Strike Team preparation
Day 2: Scenario-Based Field Exercise (9hrs)
Participants will deploy in Strike Teams to complete simulated disaster response missions involving:
- Operational shelters
- Water and wastewater incidents
- Mass feeding operations
- Shelter site assessments
Breakfast (8-9AM) & Lunch (12:30-1:30PM) will be provided on both days. An optional networking Dinner on Day 1 will be held offsite (7-9PM)
Financial Support
PRI will arrange and pay for hotel accommodations for participants who live more than 45 minutes from the training site. Indicate your interest when registering. Alternatively a discounted rate at the host hotel will be available for participants who prefer to book and pay for their own accommodations. Details will be shared soon.
Most travel expenses will be reimbursed. Personal vehicle travel will be reimbursed at IRS standard rates. Train and airfare must be booked at least two weeks in advance and must be economy class or equivalent. Ground transportation expenses between transit hubs, hotel, and training sites will also be reimbursed. Please keep a copy of all receipts and other supporting documentation, reimbursement will take up to 60 days after submission.
Sponsors
This pilot training is being offered through a partnership between the NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute (PRI), Bergen County, New Jersey, & National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
This training was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number NH78TU000004 funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The training is solely the responsibility of the providers and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.