How to Make Official Protective Action Recommendations
A comprehensive training program essential for local and state officials responsible for formulating Protective Action Recommendations (PAR).
5-Day In-Person Workshop
for Protective Action Decision Makers
Learning
Objectives
This course is meticulously designed to bridge training gaps, providing state decision makers with practical tools and insights for accident assessment and the nuances between exercises and real events. Dive deep into critical aspects of Protective Action Recommendations (PARs), from managing information flow to comparing responder assets and handling diverse incident scenarios. Empower yourself to make informed and effective decisions, ensuring the safety and well-being of your community in radiological emergencies.
Intended
Audience
This course is for everyone in the Protective Action and decision-making process
Note: Participants MUST include the “Decision-maker” for that
Others that benefit from participating along with the decision-maker include: Emergency Management, Dose Assessment Staff, Protective action Recommendation, Feild Response Staff in an EOC or mobile facility, County Staff. Anyone involved in that decision making process.
Workshop Details
Part OneDay 1 - 2
This comprehensive training is designed to fill training gaps for state decision makers, focusing on the practical use of accident assessment tools and understanding the differences between exercises and real events. Participants will benefit from interactive modules covering everything from the history and duties of Protective Action Decision Makers (PDMs) to contingency planning, data management, and the development of protective action recommendations. With hands-on exercises and expert instruction, this course prepares you to handle the complexities of radiological emergencies, ensuring you can protect public health and safety with confidence and competence. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and make a meaningful impact in your role as a state radiological coordinator.
Agenda Overview:
Day 1: Introductions, logistics, PDM history, duties, authority, available resources, comparison of exercises vs real events, notification and activation exercises, contingency planning, and direction and control.
Day 2: PAR logic structure, KI policies, impact of HAB incidents, data management, exercise performance issues, relocation, reentry and return, ingestion pathway sampling plan, and preparation for Part 2.
Learning Objectives:
PDM Role: The PDM is responsible for directing and coordinating radiological response activities, developing protective action recommendations (PARs), advising state agencies, and integrating state and federal technical assets.
Differences Between Exercises and Real Events: Real events often have limited staff and resources, occur off-hours, and require more flexible and adaptive responses compared to pre-planned exercises.
Contingency Planning: Emphasizes the need for flexibility and prioritization of resources during an incident, with exercises to practice decision-making under constrained conditions.
Data Management and Quality: Highlights the importance of accurate, valid, timely, complete, and consistent data for decision-making during a radiological incident.
Relocation, Reentry, and Return: Discusses the criteria and processes for relocating populations, allowing temporary reentry, and eventually returning to normalcy based on data and safety assessments.
Ingestion Pathway Sampling Plan: Involves determining the affected areas, prioritizing products, identifying the ingestion pathway, and developing a sampling plan to ensure food safety and public health.
Preparation for Part 2: Part 2 of the training will focus on practical exercises and scenarios to apply the knowledge gained in Part 1, enhancing decision-making and communication skills in various radiological incident contexts.
Part TwoDay 3 - 5
Part 2 of this comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the critical aspects of being a PAR decision maker, including managing information flow, comparing responder assets, and handling various incident scenarios. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, simulating real-world incidents such as transportation accidents, moisture density gauge incidents, and multi-hazard scenarios, allowing them to practice and refine their decision-making skills. The course also covers the nuances of communicating technical information to non-technical audiences, ensuring that participants can effectively relay crucial data during emergencies. With a focus on practical application, self-critique, and instructor feedback, this training prepares individuals to confidently and competently handle the complexities of radiological emergencies, making it an invaluable investment for professionals in the field.
Ready to learn more?
Meet the Facilitators

Angela Leek, PhD
Associate Vice President, Radiological, Nuclear, and Health/Med Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my training?
All of our trainings are customizable for your specific team and goals. Our experts take the guess work out for you during an Initial Planning Meeting (IPM).
What industries is this training for?
We specialize in industries including federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and private corporations. If you have questions about whether our training courses are suited to you and your industry, please contact us [here].
Training Date
Our experts will contact you to select your training date(s) once a purchase is made.
How many can participate?
If you have more than 48 attendees, we can still accommodate you. Fill out the Request More Information form today and our team will get back to you with additional pricing.
Where will the training be located?
If you have a location for training, our team will come directly to you. If you do not have a facility, we can source one for you after we gather more information from you at the Initial Planning Meeting (IPM).
What is the Initial Planning Meeting?
Once you pre-order with us, we will contact you to begin the planning process to include an Initial Planning Meeting (IPM). The IPM will help us determine the specific scope of your training. We will discuss your goals, then we will tailor our approach to your intended training outcomes. Training objectives, design requirements and conditions, intended audience, and special considerations will be identified.
What does is payment schedule?
Only 20% payment required to begin the process. The remaining balance will be due 15 days prior to your training. Any add-ons you choose during your IPM will also be due prior to training.
How much does it cost?
The pricing will be determined based on customizable factors. The price will be provided during or after the Initial Planning Meeting.
Get Started
Complete the form below to get started with this workshop or request more information. Our experts will contact you within approximately 1-2 business days.
Questions?
Contact our team at [email protected]