AWR 209: Working with The Media: A Course for Rural First Responders

AWR 209 is a DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour, tuition-free course designed
to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly
adopt the role of public information officer (PIO) if/when needed and to
communicate with the public through the media. Many rural first
responder organizations do not have a full or part-time PIO on staff.

Therefore, in the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO,
whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing
directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand
how the media works and how to work with the available media outlets.