National Center for Integrated Emergency Response releases free SSAVEIM Foundations training

The National Center for Integrated Emergency Response (NCIER) has released a free online training program called SSAVEIM Foundations, aimed at enhancing preparedness for active shooter incidents in schools and among first responders. This initiative, designed to be accessible to anyone, covers critical aspects of incident management from the moment the first 911 call is made to the final reunification of students and staff.

Available at ncier.org/ssaveim/foundations, SSAVEIM Foundations consists of 13 video modules, each approximately 3 to 4 minutes long. The course is self-paced and can be completed anytime, anywhere. It addresses a crucial gap in current training by providing detailed insights into the response mechanisms and coordination among multiple agencies, which are often overlooked in standard lockdown drills.

"This training fills a significant gap in our preparedness, ensuring that everyone—from school staff to first responders—knows their role," said Bill Godfrey, CEO of C3 Pathways and NCIER. "Without a clear plan and the training to back it up, lives can be lost when every second counts."

The SSAVEIM Foundations course is designed to complement existing protocols such as the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) from The "I Love U Guys" Foundation. These protocols help establish a clear, coordinated response strategy but often leave gaps in the details of how the response unfolds on the ground. SSAVEIM Foundations bridges these gaps, providing a comprehensive view of the entire response process.

According to John-Michael Keyes, Strategic Initiatives Director and Founder of The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, the modules are particularly effective. "These modules are spot on and accessible to educators and public safety professionals at no cost," Keyes stated. "They are clear, direct, and to the point, which is exactly what we need in a crisis."

SSAVEIM Foundations has already been deployed in practice, with Orange County Public Schools and Central Florida responders receiving training before the start of the current school year. The program is now available to all U.S. schools and first responder agencies, with no cost, prerequisites, or budget cycle required.

"NCIER's commitment to providing this free training is commendable," said one education official. "It ensures that everyone involved in a potential crisis has the necessary knowledge and understanding to act effectively."

The National Center for Integrated Emergency Response, a division of C3 Pathways, Inc., is dedicated to setting the national standard for integrated response to active shooter and hostile events. This initiative reflects their ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety through comprehensive training solutions.

With the release of SSAVEIM Foundations, NCIER continues to build a robust framework for emergency response, ensuring that the knowledge and skills necessary to handle critical incidents are widely available and accessible.