AWR 209: Working with The Media: A Course for Rural First Responders

AWR 209 is a DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour, tuition-free course designed
to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly
adopt the role of public information officer (PIO) if/when needed and to
communicate with the public through the media. Many rural first
responder organizations do not have a full or part-time PIO on staff.
Therefore, in the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO,
whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing
directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand
how the media works and how to work with the available media outlets.
Topics include (but not limited to):
• Utilizing the media in emergency and public awareness situations
• Working with the media at the scene of an emergency
• Anticipating what news agencies want from the responders
at the scene of an emergency
• Giving interviews that work
• Writing effective news releases that will be read
Who Should Attend:
• Emergency Management
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Service
• Governmental Administrative
• Healthcare
• Law Enforcement
• Public Health