Handlers take prerequisite classes from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This 15 hours of training lays the foundation for our instructors.

K9FR augments classwork with 20 hours of additional training by recognized experts in Psychological First Aid (PFA), Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Intervention Techniques and Emergency Operations.  Role-playing, one-on-one training, logistics & operations and deployment reviews round out the basic training.  Additionally, we bring in clients from our deployments to provide their perspective of events.  This integrated approach provides real world examples and situations to learn from.

Training Topics:

Psychological First Aid* (PFA)
Critical Incident Stress Management* (CISM)
Psychosocial Intervention Techniques
Interactive role-playing exercises
Federal Emergency Management Agency* (FEMA) protocols
Office of Emergency Management (OEM) protocols
Logistics & Operations
Canine behavior and stress
First Responder self-care
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cultural Competence: Community & Public Safety

Continuing education and regular field evaluations are conducted to keep teams and squad updated on current best practices.

Canine CIMHS Teams backgrounds are composed of law enforcement, emergency medical technicians (EMT), licensed clinical social workers, school counselors and educators.  All of which contributes to an enhanced level of service and training.

* These courses qualify for certification.