Disaster & WMD Preparedness

This page is designed to provide members of the EMS community with a place to turn with questions regarding the pressing issues of disaster preparedness and preparing for a possible Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident.

The links below are provided to give you a resource that is available from the nation's foremost authorities on these topics. These links offer every EMS provider an opportunity to obtain insight, resources and education designed to better prepare you for events that may take place in your community.

Please use this site as part of your commitment to your community and the preparedness of your agency in the event of an incident.

Incident Command System (ICS) and NIMS Training

The Bureau of EMS (BEMS) continues to encourage EMS agencies and providers to complete appropriate level of ICS and NIMS training. BEMS, assisted in the development of the NYS guidance that identifies the typical positions/roles within an EMS agency and the level of ICS and NIMS training that would likely be appropriate. Your EMS Agency management and local policies may require you to have training beyond the minimum levels identified here.

The guidance for the minimum training considered appropriate for EMS providers is contained in the NIMS Training Guidance document issued by the New York State Office of Counter Terrorism.

Several of the ICS and NIMS courses are available on-line through the FEMA Independent Study website and upon successful completion, provide a certificate of completion.

For those EMS positions/roles requiring more advanced ICS training, there are additional classroom training opportunities that are offered.

  • ICS 300 Course - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  • ICS 400 Course - Advanced ICS for Major and/or Complex Incidents

For a schedule of ICS 300 and ICS 400 courses offered throughout New York State, please see the following websites:

Follow the appropriate links for additional course information and registration procedures.

Additional Resources

NOTE: The following links and sites are not maintained or updated by the NYS DOH. This information is provided as a service to the members of the EMS community and inclusion does not represent an official endorsement of the site on the part of the Bureau of EMS or the NYS Department of Health.