Say what? Who? Me? Right here in the trenches? Collaborate on what?--Seeking common ground in regional all-hazards preparedness training

Introduction Recent challenges with respect to environmental health issues have led to the development of new tools and techniques for use by first responders, including simple and rapid detection of [...]
Heroic responses to the events surrounding September 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as well as to other catastrophes, underscore the need for genuine collaboration within communities and among environmental health professionals, public health agencies, first responders from various professions, and other organizations. Because of competing organizational agendas, however, interdisciplinary training is needed to help ensure that communities and various first responders will operate in tandem. This article suggests types of responders who might benefit from such training, lists selected courses from a new curriculum, and shares lessons learned during the development of a regional all-hazards preparedness training program.