Class Descriptions

Class One

APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator

The PST course may be used for new-hire and existing employee training. Students successfully passing the final exam receive APCO Institute certification demonstrating completion of a training course that meets and exceeds industry accepted national basic training standards.

The PST basic training course meets and exceeds the APCO Project 33 Revised Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators (2004). APCO Project 33 training standards are widely recognized as the national industry standard for basic Telecommunicator training.

The PST course blends the knowledge and skill building information needed for a basic Telecommunicator with the most up-to-date information on the technology and issues in public safety communications centers. “Hot” topics include Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and the Telecommunicators role in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s NIMS Incident Command System. There is also an extensive expansion of information on previously presented topics including TTY and Telematics.
TRAINING MODULES INCLUDE:
• Introduction to Your New Career (roles and responsibilities of the position)
• Interpersonal Communications
• Telephone Communications Techniques: Call Processing
• Telephony – Traditional Technology
• Telephony – Emerging Technology
• Telephony – TTY
• Telematics
• Computer Aided Dispatch & Related Technologies
• Radio Communications Techniques
• Radio Technology
• Call Classification
• NIMS Incident Command System
• Liability Issues
• Preparing for Your New Career (stress management)
PREREQUISITES: None

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: None

 

 

Class Two

APCO Communications Training Officer Course

APCO Institute’s 5th Edition of their premier training program the Communications Training Officer (CTO) course focuses on the development and maintenance of an agency’s one-on-one training program and provides the training necessary to foster levels of consistency for CTOs as they provide on-the-job training to new hires.

This updated version of the course includes the essential elements of a CTO program based on the industry recognized “San Jose Model” while also incorporating the requirements set by the national standard for CTO programs – APCO ANS 3.101.1-2007: Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Training Officers. To view the standard go to: http://www.apcointl.org/new/commcenter911/downloads/APCO-ANS-CTO2007.pdf.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

PREREQUISITES: Students must have successfully completed a formal basic Telecommunicator course.

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: APCO CTO’s are required to recertify every two years.

 

 

 

Class Three

APCO Emergency Medical Dispatcher

The APCO EMD course is based on the NHTSA’s National Standard Curriculum for EMD. Completion of the APCO Institute EMD Course means that the student has met all of the requirements of National Standard Curriculum—an important point for states that require compliance with the national curriculum.

Now also available as an online course in addition to the traditional classroom setting.

Topics covered provide the student with the knowledge to answer calls for emergency medical service and properly prioritize the response. The course also provides the student with the knowledge needed to convey proper pre-arrival instructions to the caller when needed.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

Introduction to EMD Roles and Responsibilities

The classroom setting provides practical exercises that help the new EMD become familiar with the theories and practices of EMD. Students practice with their agency’s EMD Guide cards in simulated EMD calls.

PREREQUISITES: Current certification in CPR from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross or equivalent and completion of a formal basic Telecommunicator training program.

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: APCO Institute certified Emergency Medical Dispatchers must provide proof every two years of 24 hours (12 hours per year) of Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) and a current CPR certification.

 

 

 

Class Four

APCO Fire Service Communications, 1st Edition

APCO Institute’s Fire Service Communications, 1st Edition course raises the bar for in-service fire communications training! This dynamic course covers the terms, techniques and protocols required for excellence in fire service call taking and dispatch.

Topics Include:

APCO Institute certified instructors who successfully complete this course can upgrade their instructor certificate to teach this dynamic course in-house or regionally for the cost of the course books only!!

Instructional media and exercises used throughout the course reinforce the knowledge attained in lecture and demonstration. If taught by your own APCO Institute certified instructors, it becomes an economical way to train your staff at your own pace.

Prerequisites: Students should have already completed basic Telecommunicator training.

Recertification Requirements: None