Table 4.

Recommendations for the improvement of the CDC responder training system

Recommendation 1:Better organization of existing trainings and resources Dedicate time and staff resources to better organize existing materials and available trainings into a visible, easy-to-access web location. Market responder training courses internally and increase visibility of trainings. Organize all relevant training resources into a single location, and ensure consistency across the list of preparedness and response-related training.

Recommendation 2: Introduce succession planning for IMs Collaborate with other federal response agencies to learn how their leaders are prepared for and assigned the role of IM. Interview or convene a group of CDC IMs to hear their perspectives on what to include in succession planning.

Recommendation 3: Move beyond foundational learning Develop training courses or activities (or enhance existing courses) that go beyond the foundational level to include role-specific training and experiential learning for seasoned responders. Include more case studies and exercises in didactic courses. Develop more in-depth training related to field deployment activities, specifically covering international deployments, cultural competency, and political aspects of working with foreign nationals.

Recommendation 4: Train on cross-sector connections Develop opportunities for cross-agency and interagency training, partnerships, collaborations, and relationship-building. Allow CDC responders to train with, shadow, mentor, or learn from emergency responders from other organizations.

Recommendation 5: Increase training accessibility for non-headquarters staff Offer training opportunities at CDC field office for non-Atlanta-based staff (domestic and international). Consider scheduling popular response courses before or after large conferences so travelers can attend both conferences and trainings.