The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized approach to incident management developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security. The program was established in March 2004 in response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 issued by President George W. Bush. It is intended to facilitate coordination between all responders (including all levels of government with public, private, and nongovernmental organizations). NIMS is the common framework that integrates a wide range of capabilities to help achieve objectives.
Some EMT schools make it a requirement that you complete your NIMS training to graduate. No matter your specific situation, completing the NIMS training listed below will no doubt help you in the operations category. If you’re getting ready to take your NREMT exam and Operations is a weak point for you, then follow the links below and get it done!
Do this in 6 Steps!
STEP 1: Create an account with FEMA
To get started visit this link and create an account with FEMA: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register
STEP 2: Complete IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 (2hrs)
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
STEP 3: Complete IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (4hrs)
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c
STEP 4: Complete IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (3.5hrs)
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b
STEP 5: Complete IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction
IS-800.D: National Response Framework, An Introduction (3hrs)
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.d
STEP 6: Download the PDF file certificates for each of these NIMS trainings.
Download the PDF file certificates for each of these NIMS trainings. The training will set you up for success on your NREMT exam, and you will need the certificates for your EMS portfolio as well as for the agency that you may go to work for. Make sure to actually download the certificates in PDF format. Taking screenshots of them on your phone and sending them via text is perceived as sloppy and lazy. Get the PDF, attach it to an email and send it to who needs it.
If you have ever done these in the past and need copies of your certificates you can email Independent.Study@fema.dhs.gov from the email account you used to get them the first time, request copies of your NIMS certificates and they will email you all of the ones they have record of.
*When you finish each one of these, make sure to generate/download your certificate. Save/print them for your EMS portfolio. Most departments and organizations require all of their personnel to complete NIMS training in order for them to be in compliance with federal grant requirements.
You may be required to do additional NIMS training depending on your organization and your role within. The four listed here will definitively get you started and satisfy most situations.
For the complete list of available courses from FEMA visit their course list page here:
https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx
If you like those, and want even more:
National Preparedness Course Catalog
https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frts/npccatalog?catalog=EMI
Bookmark this page for your reference, and check back for any updates!
