The Center for Biopreparedness Education, a joint endeavor between UNMC and Creighton University Medical Center, invites UNMC physicians, physician assistants and nurses to attend two free disaster preparedness courses.
The courses also are open to Nebraska health care professionals, public health professionals, first-responders and others who may respond to disasters.
The Basic Disaster Life Support and Advanced Disaster Life Support courses will be offered Sept. 4, 5 and 6, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus (6450 Pine St.). Meals and course materials are included.
The two courses will prepare health professionals to better understand their roles in the disaster response system, including coordination among local, state and federal emergency response efforts and providing protection for themselves and others during a disaster.
It also will teach how to communicate effectively with other emergency personnel and the media and how to address the special psychological impacts and related social chaos that may follow disasters.
The advanced course includes skill stations in triage, personal protective equipment and decontamination, disaster skills and human patient simulation.
Free American Academy of Continuing Medical Education credit is available for Nebraska residents. The basic course is worth 7.5 hours and the advanced course 15 hours.
Registration is limited to the first 60 people and can be done through Web sites at www.bioprepare.org or www.disasterlifesupport.com.
Questions can be directed to Leslie Scofield at lscofield@unmc.edu.