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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content.
"IT'S ALL ABOUT
DEVELOPING
RELATIONSHIPS, SO
THE FIRST TIME
YOU SEE AN EMA
DIRECTOR IS NOT
AN AN INCIDENT."
- Mark Wyland
approximately 400 first responders attend the course taught by Wyland.
As a provider of training across the state, relationships with county EMA directors, federal, state and local agencies are vital to Wyland’s work.
“It’s all about developing relationships, so that the first time you see an EMA director is not at an incident,” said Wyland.
In addition to the hundreds of relationships with locals that Wyland has cultivated throughout the years, he’s also established a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Because of Mark’s experience and relationship with the DOE, he’s been able to provide the counties specialized training that they otherwise would not have access to,” said Stephen Clark, GEMA/HS Radiological Programs Director.
Those specialized training courses include high level “hot source” training courses that give advanced students the opportunity to work with high activity radioactive sources. This allows students to train with their radiation meters in a field of radiation higher than normal classes to see how their instruments react. Student radiation doses are closely monitored so they receive the minimum dose possible, which is far below anything that would cause long-term health effects. In addition, to the training for onsite first responders, GEMA/HS provides training to hospitals that may be receiving contaminated patients and coroner training on how to handle a contaminated corpse.
While situations involving radiological material are rare, Wyland’s efforts throughout the state are ensuring that Georgia first responders have the training and experience needed to keep the public safe.
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK