Hazardous Materials Training for Emergency Responders in communities and Native American tribes
Official title: AFC-HWWT
Funded at Alabama Fire College · NIH-11381789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program to bring on-site hazardous materials training to emergency responders in the Southeast and Native American tribes to help respond safely to chemical incidents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alabama Fire College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 1992 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $664,077 |
| NIH project number | 5U45ES006155-36 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Emergency responders and public safety personnel serving small or remote communities and tribes who handle hazardous materials or potential chemical emergencies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not involved in emergency response or without exposure to hazardous materials training would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports delivering on-site hazardous materials training at all levels (Awareness through Incident Commander) to public safety agencies with limited budgets, including Native American communities. AFC uses portable training props and realistic hands-on exercises to simulate real incidents, reducing the need for travel to central training sites. The approach emphasizes practical skills in air monitoring, incident command, and confined space rescue, tailored to small or remote populations. Training sessions occur at responder agencies, leveraging AFC’s years of experience to reach geographically dispersed communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, responders will gain practical hazmat skills and confidence to protect themselves and their communities during hazardous materials incidents.
How similar studies have gone: Past on-site training programs have demonstrated improved readiness and safety behaviors in responders.
Where this research is happening
-
Alabama Fire College
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krayer, Theodore Henry — Alabama Fire College
- Study coordinator: Krayer, Theodore Henry
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Disaster Preparedness Training for First Responders in the Southeast and Native American Tribes
A disaster preparedness program trains first responders and public safety teams to recognize hazards, triage, and stay safer during natural or man-made emergencies.
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Hazardous materials worker safety training for responders and Native American communities
This program keeps delivering specialized safety training to Native American tribal members and public safety personnel in the Southeast to help them handle hazardous materials incidents and waste sites more safely.
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.