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Emergency support services course calendar

Last updated on November 12, 2024

These provincially sponsored courses are for members of the emergency support services (ESS) community. A sponsored course means there are no fees for ESS responders. You must have approval from your local emergency management or emergency support services leader to apply. The Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) will review your application.

On this page:

Correspondence courses

Correspondence courses are available year-round and are delivered in a manual format. Inside the manual are all of the course readings, some activities, and student information sheets. The student information sheets must be completed so JIBC can create profiles for individuals who do not already have JIBC accounts. To receive credit for these courses, a student has to send back the required paperwork – instructions are provided in the back of the manual.

Courses Available: EMRG-1600, EMRG-1607 (EMRG 1610 & EMRG 1612 will be available at a future date)

Manuals: The manuals can be requested by ESS Directors, Emergency Program Coordinators, or other authorized people by emailing ess@jibc.ca. Maximum 24 manuals per request.

Delivery:

  • Communities are allowed to use these correspondence manuals in whatever way works best for them
  • Participants can work through the quizzes together, or individually. Instructors can also facilitate the quiz in a full group and have the group provide responses
  • Everyone has to complete their quiz in their own JIBC account. Or if using correspondence manuals, everyone has to complete their own paper version of these courses

If you have any questions about correspondence courses contact ess@jibc.ca

ESS virtual course descriptions and dates

Introductory online courses

These online courses are available year-round through the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). Click on the course links below to register directly with JIBC.

**Prerequisite: EMRG-1600

Virtual classes for ESS responders

These classes are organized by us in partnership with JIBC. Check the dates below and use the links to apply.

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ESS director course (EMRG-1681)

Course prerequisites: EMRG–1100 Introduction to EM // EMRG-1600 Introduction to ESS // EMRG-1610 Introduction to Reception Centres // EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals
Delivery: Online, instructor-led course combining self-directed work and scheduled virtual classroom sessions for 7 hours per week over 3 weeks (equivalent to in-person course)

Students will:

  • Engage with other director candidates in activities, discussions, and live virtual sessions, and
  • Spend about 7 hours a week on course activities and live virtual classroom sessions

Please note: Students must be able to attend live virtual sessions on Saturday mornings for up to 2.5 hours.

Check the application link for available dates. If your application for the course is approved, you'll receive an email with further information. Please send questions to ess@jibc.ca.

Director course application

 

Registration and referrals (EMRG-1615)

The Registration and Referrals (R&R) course has transitioned to include a hybrid online/virtual course facilitated by JIBC instructors.

This course is essential for all ESS workers and volunteers who will be processing digital and/or paper-based registration and referrals. During the course, students will learn foundational policy and procedures of the registration and referral functions; and engage in interactive learning opportunities for applied individual and group practice.

Click below to register directly with JIBC.

Registration and referrals course dates

 

Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) training

Training for the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool is available year-round through the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). Click the course links below to register directly with JIBC. All responders using ERA must complete the required training before access is provided.

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ERA Tool for Responders (EMRG-1620)

Course prerequisites: EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals

This course is for ESS responder (tier 1) users of British Columbia's Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool. Participants will learn the evacuee search and registration features of the tool. The course will provide technical training through software simulations, allowing for training to occur before receiving user access to ERA.

Course registration

 

ERA Tool for Management (EMRG-1622)

Course prerequisites: EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals

This course is for ESS supervisor (tier 2), manager/director (tier 3), and local emergency program administrator (tier 4) users of British Columbia's Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool. Participants will learn the management features of the tool including responder management, supplier management, community management, and generating reports. This course includes all components of ERA for Responders (EMRG-1620) training.

Course registration

 

Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports (EMRG-1635)

Course prerequisites: none.

In this course, Emergency Support Services (ESS) responders will learn about registering and supporting evacuees using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. Learn the basics of ESS, how to interact with evacuees, and practice using ERA. These concepts will be taught through direct instruction, discussions, roleplays, and scenarios.

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Understand the steps in the registration and support process
  2. Understand inclusive, empathetic, and evacuee-centred communication
  3. Register and provide supports to evacuees in the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool with the help of job aids

See the in-person training schedule below for course availability.

Course registration

 

Sponsored courses

We sponsor a selection of introductory emergency management courses for registered public safety lifeline volunteers (PSLV) in the ESS community. A sponsored course means fees are waived for ESS responders who have received local emergency management (EM)/ESS leadership approval to request enrollment. 

These courses are delivered through a self-study manual, with credit given through completion of a paper based written exam. Contact the EMCR Training Team by email at EMCR_EMTraining@gov.bc.ca for a manual, and include approval by your EM/ESS leadership and a mailing address.

Introductory courses include:

  • EMRG 1100 – Introduction to Emergency Management in British Columbia
  • EMRG 1200 – Incident Command System 100

In-person ESS training schedule

If you're interested in attending one of these courses, you must contact your local ESS team. These courses are managed and facilitated locally. View the region map (PDF).

*Check back for future dates.