We are a nonprofit organization and thus always looking for donations. Monetary donations help us in our extensive training classes. We train in first aid for pets, ropes course, swift water, large animal rescue, first aid, CPR, bloodborne pathogens, bird handling, and many more areas. These training classes help us when we respond to national and local disasters and of course the many heart wrenching hoarding cases. Besides training there are personal suppies and immunizations that our members must collect and undergo. As a group we are always looking for supplies either donated or to purchase. These supplies help us when we respond to local situations. We just responded recently to the Dishman-Mica fire and was able to set up a local shelter so that families could spend the night in the Red Cross shelter and not worry about their pets.
Attend one of the meetings held every third Wednesday of the month at 6pm. Locations will be announced though our e-mail list so join today! There are required classes that must be complete before you are allowed to deploy both nationally and locally. Most of these courses can be completed on-line. Those that cannot are taught on a revolving schedule throughout the year. A fit test is also required for deployment. If you wish to volunteer and never deploy- even locally- then a fit test is not required. There are three levels; all deployable members must have at least completed the Light fitness requirements. For some deployments, depending on the situation higher fitness requirements will established.
I. Arduous: involves performing field work calling for above-average enduarnce and superior conditioning. Requirements: Perform a 3-mile hike with a 45 pound pack in 45 mins.
II. Moderate: involves performing field work requiring complete control of physical faculties and may include considerable walking, standing, and lifting 25-50 pounds. Requirements: Perform a 2-mile hike with a 25 pound pack in 30 mins.
III. Light: involves mainly office-type work with occassional field activity. Requirments: Perform a 1-mile hike with no pack in 16 mins.
Fill this paper out and bring it to the next meeting if you are interested in joining.
Most of these requirements can be completed on-line by going to FEMA Click on the Independent Study link and then sign-up for classes. Listed below are the classes that HEART involvement requires. You can take as many classes as you wish- only those listed are required for membership.
Heart Volunteer Class Requirements
Course Titles
These classes are offered at FEMA.gov
IS 1.5A An Introduction to Hazardous Materials
IS 10 Animals in Disaster Module A: Awareness and
Preparedness
IS 11 Animals in Disaster Module B: Community
Planning
IS 22 Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen
Preparedness
IS 100 Basic Incident Command System
IS 111 Livestock in Disaster
IS 200 Basis ICS for Federal Disaster Workers
IS 244 Developing and Managing Volunteers
IS 700 National Incident Management System, An
Introduction
IS 800 National Response Plan, An Introduction
SPECIAL CLASSES (only one of these is needed)
AES Animal Emergency Services AHA
DART Disaster Animal Response Training HSUS
EARS Emergency Animal Response Services UAN
ALSO NEEDED
First Aid/CPR/Blood Borne Pathogen
Helicopter Safety arranged by HEART
Background check (Done by Spokane County Sheriff)
These classes will be arranged by HEART
LAR Large Animal Rescue AHA
WRCA Water Rescue for Companion Animals AHA
RRCA Rope Rescue for Companion Animals AHA
TAR2 Technical Animal Rescue Advance AHA
It is the responsibility of the individual to make copies of the completed course certificate and turn these into the training officer.
To be eligible to receive a HEART shirt:
Complete IS-10, IS-11, IS-22, IS-100 and attend a sheltering class (AES, DART or EARS).
Uniform Information
Emergency Services volunteers must provide their own BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) Pants or Shorts and Black Boots.
AHA will provide field shirts and caps upon arrival to disaster scene.
BDU Information- tactical style cargo pants worn by police, military, animal control, etc. Minimum of two pair pants and two pair shorts is recommended. Khaki or navy blue (for HEART team black or navy blue). Pants should be worn during field work or when working directly with animals. Shorts are acceptable when working at critical resource centers or intake areas.
