TERT TEAM LEADER COURSE
TERT State Coordinator
Official responsible for managing and coordinating a TERT deployment at the state level.
Reason to Implement
PSAPs, specifically their personnel, are critical for the safety and security of the public. Many man-made or natural occurrences have the potential of adversely affecting a PSAP's staffing and consequently might place the public and first responders in danger. It is therefore incumbent on PSAP administrators to prepare for such occurrences.
PSAP
Public Safety Answering Point
The first step in the preparation process for the TERT team leader must be to gather as much information as possible concerning the nature of the deployment and members. Generally, the information about the deployment circumstances should come from the TERT State Coordinator. The topics that should be discussed include, but are not limited to:
Purpose of the deployment, to include role, scope, and specific needs Anticipated duration of the deployment Weather conditions or other environmental factors potentially influencing the deployment Deployment site point of contact and contact information (name, position, cellular/agency phone, email, and address) Transportation logistics (how, when, and where) to the deployment area While advanced knowledge of these topics is certainly preferred, the amount of available information may be quite limited and may change. As a result, it is very important that the team leader continually keep in contact with the TERT state coordinator to ensure the information is accurate and updated.
During the initial communication with a team member, the team leader should:
Review the nature of the deployment (as best as possible or known)
The APCO/NENA ANSI Standard for TERT deployment recognizes four components: Team leader, Team member, state coordinator and
Safety officer
SDC
Standards Development Committee
After-Action Reporting As previously mentioned, each deployment is a learning experience for individual team members, team leaders, and all other personnel involved in the deployment. For this reason, the team leader should collect the completed
TERT Member Deployment Review" forms completed by the team members while traveling home and quickly discuss any thoughts the group may have before they are dismissed. Again, the team should not be delayed in returning home, but individual members are likely to forget key items if these are not filled out prior to their final dismissal.
which of the following is one of the responsibilities of the team leader during Pre-Deployment planning
Team member identification
TERT
Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce This is the governing body of the communications center which can be at the local, municipal, county or state level. This body has oversight of the communications center and will have knowledge of the skills, knowledge and abilities of employees at the center.
Who responsible for initiate activation
The Requesting PSAP Must initiate activation by providing appropriate information. they are also responsible for assuring the responding team members are utilized in an appropriate manner
TERT Requesting PSAP Deployment Review
The TERT Requesting PSAP deployment review is a tool to be completed post-mission by the requesting PSAP Liaison. This survey is used to assure that the response was handled in a safe, efficient manner and provide lessons learned to improve future deployment.Completed reviews shall be provided to both the requesting and responding TERT State Coordinator and the NJTI Co-Chairs.
what is a TERT Package
The TERT package is information and resources provided by the requesting PSAP to the responding TERT. This package should be prepared in advance by requesting PSAP personnel and have the necessary information and supplies for the TERT to function while deployed.
Each TERT team member must have a resource number issued from:
Their own State Emergency Management Agency
Each TERT team member must have a resource number issued from
their own state emergency management agency
The first responsibility of the team leader after having entered the deployment area is
to make contact with the receiving agency TERT representative
After arriving at the receiving agency, the final work plan may vary considerably from the preliminary work plan
true
Because conditions can change, it is important that the team leader keep in contact with the TERT state coordinator to ensure deployment information is updated.
true
Many team leaders may have previously participated in or even led team building exercises
true
The APCO/NENA ANSI Standard for TERT deployment recommends that team members possess the ability to adapt to poor environment conditions such as no beds, cold meals,no running water, etc.
true
The NJTI developed a guidance document called the APCO/NENA ANSI standard for TERT deployment
true
The TERT team leader should disseminate the information obtained in meeting with the receiving agency to all of the TERT team members
true
The development of a preliminary on-site work plan for the deployment should be based on team member strengths and preferences when possible.
true
The team leader must remember they are also telecommunicator and may be assigned to a non-supervisory role depending on the situation
true
The deployed TERT Team should assure their members are able to be self-sufficient for at least
72 hours when deploying to major disaster scenes, but the Team shall meet the requirements of the EMAC Mission Order
Team leaders should look for the specific characteristic changes in team members as a sign of potential stress and/or emotional issues
A Change in attitude The change in attitude is significantly negative or has changed from positive to indifferent or aggressive, this may be a sign of trouble. Withdrawal from others Some people have a desire to withdraw from others as a form of stress relief, but if the withdrawal is from everyone including family and friends and/or continual, problems may exist. Wide range of other issues Substance abuse Loss of appetite Over desire to sleep or rest Fear of making a mistake Disgust Feeling overwhelmed Many emotions all at once.
TERT Telecommunicator
A public safety dispatcher capable of functioning as both a TERT Calltaker and a TERT Radio Dispatcher, as described above.
because TERT team members will all work, sleep and eat in one place during deployment, the team leader can communicate with the entire team
false
there is always a place to stop and shop on the way to deployment ans there is no need to bring supplies for the trip
false
Brief the entire team The team should be briefed on the return trip and a review
general housekeeping policies or rules including the buddy system, professional behavior, and other items as necessary Complete TERT Member Deployment Reviews The team should complete the reviews included in the APCO/NENA TERT Standards.
The team leader will be responsible for many continuing activities well after the initial briefing. These include
logistical and operational needs, personnel management, recognizing stress and emotional issues in team members, and preparing for the return home.
the team leader needs to identify team members during which phase of deployment
pre deployment
Coordination with the state TERT Coordinator happens during which phase of the deployment process?
pre-deployment
The team leader should compile the TERT Member Deployment Reviews and complete an after action report to summarize
the deployment and to identify any areas of potential improvement.
There are significant consequences for failing to have the proper authorization to deploy
true
When meeting the receiving agency point of contact, the TERT team leader should discuss any available resources for the team
true
authorization is a critical component in coordination of resources to a disaster
true
personnel issues may include a team member that has broken a criminal law or PSAP policy mandate
true
the TERT Team leader should brief the team about the return trip home including, general housekeeping rules and the buddy system
true
the issue of stress has the potential to jeopardize not only the mission, but the health and safety and welfare of TERT team members
true
TERT team leaders should begin coordination and communication with all team members
as soon as they have been identified and again when all of the members have assembled
Tracking TERT Member Time
deployed TERT shall use the ICS 214 form to track daily activities. The Team Leader should assure that this form is completed for each operational period
The "unwritten contract" or "open" contract is a verbal agreement that team members will
each member will respect and trust each other, as well as work together toward a common goal (successful deployment).
The final preparation task for the TERT team leader is to ensure all of the logistics to travel to the deployment area are in order. Which of the following is an essential components:
establishing a buddy system
TERT team leaders should review the expectations of the team members only before departure.
false
The TERT team leader should not bother the receiving agency with talk about meals and lodgings
false
Prior to arriving in the deployment area, the team leader should conduct a final review of several different topics
A reminder of why the team members are being deployed: to assist fellow telecommunicators in a disaster area that need their assistance The need for professionalism during the entire deployment The importance to follow a "chain-of-command" with the team leader being the first person in the chain The importance of reporting problems during deployment related to assignment, co-workers, family, or other issues The need to have the resource number and proper identification with them at all times The need to follow all rules, policies, and other regulations established in the deployment area The need to always use a buddy system (traveling in pairs) in the deployment area Completing any required agency paperwork, such as time sheets or logs Ensuring the team manifest is accurate (member names, agency, and contact information) Updates in deployment area conditions, security, and potential member roles
the essential components to the logistics of travel include which of the following
A. means of transportation B. stopping /check points C. supplies for the trip D.establishment of the buddy system E all of the above
What does the APCO/NENA ANSI Standard for TERT deployment recommend for the issue of vaccination?
All TERT member agencies should follow the vaccination/immunization guidelines outlined in the CDC guidance document titled "Immunization Recommendations For Disaster Responders" Recognize this as a personal responsibility of team members
ANS
American National Standard
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
APCO
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction This is the governing body of the communications center which can be at the local, municipal, county or state level. This body has oversight of the communications center and will have knowledge of the skills, knowledge and abilities of employees at the center.
CAD
Computer Aided Dispatch
CISM
Critical Incident Stress Management
after action reports should include three major components including...
Deployment Description - The deployment description is an outline of the nature of the deployment, the conditions and the tasks that were outlined at the beginning of the deployment. Time required: 25%. Deployment Reports - This section will provide a description of the deployment. An overview of activities, key events, and challenges faced by the team leader and team should be included. The level of detail will depend on the content of the opportunities for improvement section. Time required: 25% Opportunities for Improvement - (a) why it happened and (b) how to do it better. Additional topics may include the strengths and weaknesses of the team, key leader self-assessments, and other reports. It may be helpful to indicate priorities (low/med/high) for these suggestions so that those without first-hand knowledge of the deployment might better understand the nature and urgency of the recommendation.
Personnel issues will often require TERT team leaders to use _____________ leadership skills to resolve problems
Diplomatic and assertive
EMA
Emergency Management Agency
EMAC
Emergency Management Assistance Compact
EMD
Emergency Medical Dispatch
From the beginning of the deployment, it is important for the TERT Team Leader to manage the expectations of the receiving agency, including which of the following?
Expectations ranging from common professionalism to specific expectations related to the type of deployment
ICS
Incident Command System
According to the course material, the TERT deactivation process will include which of these steps?
Incident Commander officially deactivates TERT response TERT is relieved of duties TERT Liaison assures responders question/concerns are answered Responding TERT completes checks-out County/State EMA notified of deactivation TERT response form copied and forwarded to Requesting PSAP after all responders arrive at home base Operational debriefing/CISM
There are several logistical needs that a team leader will need to continually ensure are met for the team members on a daily basis. These include
Lodging - sleeping areas, showers, restrooms, and distractions Meals - frequency, type, and quality Shift length - too long or short, sufficient break or rest periods, and relationship to other people performing the same job Resources to perform the assigned job - policies, directives, equipment, and any other reasonable need Resources for emotional support (when possible) - telephones and other personal communication tools, rest areas separated from work settings, etc.
the final preparation task is to ensure all of the logistics to travel to the deployment area are in order. Four essential components are involved:
Means of transportation - The mode(s) of transportation are the first consideration. The point(s) of contact, agencies, and contact information should be identified Stopping/Check points - Longer trips may have one or more stopping points. When possible stopping points should be identified and the finances associated with meals and lodging settled. The check point for entry into the deployment area should also be identified. Supplies for the trip - Supplies, such as water and food, should be sufficient to avoid unnecessary stops. Establishment of a buddy system - Each team member should be paired with another team member.
NENA
National Emergency Number Association
NIMS
National Incident Management System
NIC
National Integration Center
NJTI
National Joint TERT Initiative
OEM
Office of Emergency Management
As a consequence the TERT Leader must understand and appreciate:
TERT team leaders, as a result, must ensure they and each team member has a resource number issued from your own State Emergency Management Agency. Under no circumstances should any TERT team member, including a team leader, depart to a deployment area without a resource number. The authorization for deployment is one of the most important elements in preparing for deployment. As mentioned in the TERT Awareness course, there are significant consequences for failing to have the proper authorization to deploy.
Once the Stress and Emotional Issues Identification
The forms of stress and emotional issues may be dependent upon the nature of the deployment or individual Team leaders must engage in constant and effective communication with team members to not only identify stress and emotional issues, but also to develop a successful strategy to rectify the situation. Strategies may range from additional time off from working to returning home. Depending on the resources in the deployment area, the team member may be able to receive help during the deployment.
The development of a preliminary work plan should be based on team member strengths and preferences when possible
The shifts the member typically works - It would be advantageous for a person on the 3rd shift or nights to be assigned to nights, rather than placing a person that typically works days on nights and a person that works nights on days. Again, the team leader may have limitations on assignments. The work experience of the member - A person that has done primarily dispatching may not be the best choice and a person that has just become a dispatcher may not be well suited for dispatching. The preferences of the members - This may include the shift, length of shift, duties, or other assignments.
Many of the same TERT team leader responsibilities that applied to the initial departure apply to planning the return trip home
True
The team leader must pay attention to the working environment and listen to the team to ensure the operational needs are met
True
Self-deployment is not permitted. There are several consequences for entering a disaster area without proper authorization
Unnecessarily complicating a response effort Ineligibility for worker's compensation or financial reimbursement Prohibited access to communication centers
The Requesting PSAP Role:
Verify that an emergency has been declared at the appropriate level. Request TERT activation through appropriate EMA. (use Activation Steps). Provide specific information outlining your PSAP's needs to the TERT State Coordinator. The TERT Request Information is the minimum information that a responding TERT State Coordinator will need in order to start the activation process. The TERT State Coordinator may ask for additional information. Assign a TERT Liaison responsible for deployed teams.Provide TERT packages to arriving teams. Assign and monitor tasks to the TERT personnel while they are working in your PSAP, as necessary. Notify EMA after team has checked in. Inform the TERT State Coordinator of the responding state of any problems regarding TERT personnel, i.e. skills not matched to needs, not performing to your expectations, etc. Update EMA at least once per day. Inform EMA when situation is stabilized and TERT personnel are no longer needed. Ensure completion of all Deployment Review forms Coordinate travel and lodging with the State Coordinator of the responding state.
A team leader is responsible for the logistical needs of the team members. Logistical needs include
all of the above
when meeting the receiving agency point of contact, the TERT Team leader should discuss
all of the above
The most recent version of the APCO/NENA ANSI Standard for TERT deployment came out in 2012
false
