What You Need To Know About Floods as a First Responder

9/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your unit will provide you with proper training as well and ensure that you are equipped to respond to a flood call safely and effectively.

If you're an aspiring first responder, know that you will be required to attend a lot of flood scenes, especially if you live in a flood plain. For this reason, most emergency teams require responders to undergo rigorous flood training and to obtain certain immunizations. Some of the following vaccinations are required, while others are merely recommended:

• Tetanus required
• Hepatitis B required
• Hepatitis A recommended
• Typhoid recommended
• Cholera recommended
• Meningococcal recommended
• Rabies recommended

Whether a vaccine is required or recommended, the Columbia, TN, flood restoration experts recommend making sure you are up-to-date on all seven of the above vaccines. You never know what illnesses or diseases you may be exposed to on each flood response mission, and you can do your job best if you can respond with peace of mind.

Additional First Responder Requirements

In addition to receiving the required immunizations, there are other requirements you must fulfill before going on your first rescue mission. For one, you need to complete a state-approved emergency responder course. Most courses are about 40 hours and take approximately 30 days to complete.

You also need to obtain your CPR certificate from an accredited organization. Two reputable organizations whose certificates are accepted just about anywhere include the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health.

Once you successfully graduate from the emergency responder course and obtain CPR certification, you can either get your immunizations and start working or go on to take the certification exam for career advancement. There are several reputable organizations that offer this test, the results from which are recognized nationwide.

Of course, your unit will provide you with proper training as well and ensure that you are equipped to respond to a flood call in a safe and effective manner. To learn more about what you need to do to become a first responder, contact your local flood damage control professionals.