The American Rescue Plan’s Impact on Public Safety

The American Rescue Plan’s Impact on Public Safety
Resources

April 5, 2021

Resource: Blog Industry: EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, Public Safety
Tags: EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, signed into law on March 11, 2021, promises to deliver relief to the American people during this uniquely difficult time. While media headlines focus on the $1,400 stimulus payments to individuals and the expanded child tax credit, aid to state and local governments whose critical services are essential for protecting the public is an equally important component of getting our country back on track.

first responder vehicles

More than $300 billion in emergency funding is dedicated to helping state, local, territorial and Tribal governments provide needed support to front line public workers. Key topics outlined in the American Rescue Plan for the public safety sector include funding for training, education, and awareness around:

  • Preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19
  • Encouraging healthy work conditions
  • Addressing mental health crisis

Vector Solutions' comprehensive online training platform, Vector LMS, helps public safety agencies train, track, and reduce risks with over 450 continuing education hours for firefighters, 250+ hours for EMS, and 250+ hours for law enforcement.

Below are a few courses from our expansive catalog related to topics covered in the American Rescue Plan.

EMS Response for COVID-19 (PPE, Decon, and Transport)

This course helps prepare EMS personnel to safely handle calls for possible cases of COVID-19 in a variety of settings and to make vital decisions quickly, sometimes with limited information and resources. The course also reviews preparedness for EMS providers, including proper personal protective equipment (PPE), knowledge of how to take PPE on and off correctly, how to safely assess, treat, and transport possible cases of COVID-19, knowledge of appropriate disinfection practices, and what comes after a patient is transported.

Coronavirus 101 - What You Need to Know

Protecting your health against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) starts with getting the right information. This interactive online course features critical information about how COVID-19 spreads, how to recognize its symptoms, how to prevent and treat the virus, and what to do if you become sick with the virus.

Coronavirus 102 - Preparing your Household

A COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time in your community. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak in your community. This interactive online course will provide you with practical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you get your household ready for community transmission of the disease in the United States.

Coronavirus 103 - Managing Stress and Anxiety

Crises such as the COVID-19 outbreak can certainly induce an incredible amount of worry and stress on anyone. Stress is our body's way of responding to physical, emotional, or mental demands, such as those imposed by COVID-19 pandemic. This interactive online course discusses signs and symptoms of stress and explains the physical and emotional effects of built up stress, such as anxiety. This course also discusses stress management techniques, treatment options, and lifestyle changes to help alleviate stress during such difficult times.

Coronavirus 104 - Transitioning to a Remote Workforce

Advancements in technology and 24/7 internet access have dramatically changed strategies for workforce management, providing flexible, remote working opportunities for some workplaces in times of crisis like the COVID-19 outbreak. This interactive online course describes the factors that contribute to the need for a remote workforce, discusses the advantages and challenges of transitioning to a remote workforce environment, and lists best practices for successful remote workforce management.

Coronavirus 105 - Cleaning and Disinfecting your Workplace

Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in community settings. This interactive online course will provide you with practical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for cleaning and disinfecting rooms or areas where those with confirmed COVID-19 have visited.

Coronavirus 106 - DIY Cloth Face Coverings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidelines for the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. This interactive online course covers best practices for wearing cloth face coverings and includes tutorials for sew and no sew methods for creating face coverings as recommended by the CDC.

Coronavirus 107 - Reopening your Organization

Are you considering reopening your business? The CDC has released guidance to help organizations make reopening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers. It is important to check with state and local health officials to determine the most appropriate actions that are unique to your community. This interactive online course will provide you with practical guidance from the CDC to help get your organization ready to reopen.

Coronavirus 108 - The Basics of Vaccines

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, much emphasis and priority has been placed on the development and delivery of a vaccine. But what exactly is the science behind vaccines and how they work? This interactive online course will provide you with practical guidance from the CDC to help you understand the science behind vaccines.

Mental Health for Emergency Responders

This course will discuss the reality of life as an EMS provider. We'll look at some of the beliefs and stereotypes that surround EMS providers and make it difficult for them to get the support they need. We'll also look at how to change or reframe some of these beliefs. Additionally, you'll learn the signs and symptoms of the EMS provider who is having difficulty dealing with the stress of the job. Finally, this course provides resources to help a co-worker in need, or yourself, when dealing with the stressors of this career.

Bottom Line

The American Rescue Plan will have a significant impact on local governments. It is essential for first responders to get the support they need to be better prepared during this challenging time. Public safety agencies must work with their local governments to see if and what funding is available to help them meet their needs and how it can be spent. With relevant, mission-critical continuing education, certification, and recertification courses, Vector LMS may qualify for government funding dollars for your agency.

Learn more about how Vector Solutions can help your agency better prepare and protect your most important assets—your workforce.

Additional Resources

Want to Know More?

Reach out and a Vector Solutions representative will respond back to help answer any questions you might have.

Contact Us