Hazardous Disaster Preparedness Training for Firefighters and Emergency Responders
Official title: IAFF Hazmat/Disaster Training (HDPT)
Funded at International Association Fire Fighters · NIH-11382123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A training program helps firefighters and emergency workers stay safe and protect communities during hazardous material and disaster events.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | International Association Fire Fighters NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 1992 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $852,300 |
| NIH project number | 5U45ES006167-35 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are firefighters, emergency medical workers, and disaster relief workers who respond to hazardous materials and disaster incidents.
✕Less likely to help
Non-responders or organizations without hazardous materials exposure may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This program offers updated educational materials and training sessions to strengthen hazardous materials and disaster response. It also identifies at-risk fire and emergency responder groups and communities, so training can be targeted where it is most needed. In addition, it uses modern evaluation methods to measure how well the training works and to ensure it meets established safety criteria. The effort is led by IAFF with involvement from member organizations across various regions to improve real-world response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could reduce injuries and deaths among responders and improve community safety during disasters.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar training programs have shown improvements in safety practices and preparedness among first responders.
Where this research is happening
-
International Association Fire Fighters
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Joshua — International Association Fire Fighters
- Study coordinator: Smith, Joshua
Related research
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Training program for fire fighters' safety and health
This study is all about making sure firefighters stay safe and healthy on the job by giving them special training that helps them handle the unique dangers they face, especially during emergencies with hazardous materials.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.