Emergency response seminar coming to Bracken County

By WENDY MITCHELL Staff Writer

Friday, November 24, 2006 10:55 PM EST

BROOKSVILLE -- What happens in the first moments of a disaster are sometimes what dictates the outcome of the emergency; how a school responds in a crisis often determines the level of trust and response the school will have from student, parents, teachers and the community, said crisis intervention experts.

To help guide schools and educational facilities in a direction toward a safer outcome, the Bracken County Health Department and Bracken County Coroner's Office are hosting a seminar called the School Crisis Rapid Intervention Program, Dec. 4, at the VFW building on Elizabeth Street in Augusta.

The class, which costs $180, if prepaid by Nov. 30, or $235 after, is suggested for school administrators and counselors, law enforcement, EMS, social services, coroners, fire departments, mental health professionals, American Red Cross members and Homeland Security personnel. It is classified as EILA certified credit for school personnel for 7 hours.

According to the Kenyon International Emergency Services Web site, the impact of a disaster or critical incident extends beyond the victims and their families. The silent victims of a crisis ore emergency are often the responders and disaster workers. Prevention through training is one of the crucial strategies for maintaining the health and well-being of employees.

Bracken County Coroner John Parker is familiar with, Kenyon International Emergency Services, the group presenting the seminar.

"I have been to their headquarters in Houston, Texas, for training and I worked with them in New Orleans after Katrina and in Lexington after the ComAir accident," said Parker. "They are true professionals and this is a valuable class."

Identifying the characteristics of a crisis, hierarchy of emotional impact, risk factors, intervention strategies, stress in children and the elements of the SCRIP© Task List are parts of the practical information the program provides to participants. The class is said to culminate in a defusing exercise, to illustrate what has been taught in the class.

For registration information contact the Bracken County Health Department or e-mail Tony Cox at tony.cox@ky.gov

For more area news, go to www.bracken-online.com

Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 276.

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