Ricky Rescue Training Academy’s “ATPC2706 Public Information Officer” course is a self-paced, online fire course with continuous enrollment.

The FFP2706, BFST2706, ATPC2706 Public Information Officer (PIO) course complies with the Job Performance Requirements established by NFPA 1035. The course will familiarize students with the roles and responsibilities of the organizational spokesperson according to current public relations practices. Specific examples from the fire service are used for illustration purposes, in particular case studies from crisis communications that demonstrate the PIO’s role in the incident command system.

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

• Understand the news media and the various roles, functions, and key terms used by the media industry
• Recognize the ethics and laws that apply to the media industry
• Discuss news events and identify the different types of news events
• Recognize the various categories of media and the specific requirements of each
• Understand media policies and know what needs to be included in an effective media policy
• Understand why the phrase ‘no comment’ is not an appropriate response
• Comprehend the problems and issues commonly associated with public speaking
• Understand the elements of an interview and recognize areas of concern
• Identify potential traps and pitfalls for PIOs
• Understand how proactive media events work, their benefits, and the role of the media in disaster and emergency situations
• Understand the role of the PIO in high-profile events

In addition to enrolling in this course, you must have:

• Media Relations for Public Safety Professionals; Jones & Bartlett (2004) ISBN: 978-0763731670
• NOTE: This book is not supplied with your purchase of the course but is available through technical bookstores and online vendors.
• A high-speed internet connection