Outside Links and Materials

FEMA Independent Study Courses


ICS 100.c - An Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)

ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

IS-200.c Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

IS200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.

IS-700.b An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

This course provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The National Incident Management System defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community - all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector - to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. The course provides learners with a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.

IS-800.d National Response Framework (NRF), An Introduction

The goal of the IS-0800.d, National Response Framework, An Introduction, is to provide guidance for the whole community. Within this broad audience, the National Response Framework focuses especially on those who are involved in delivering and applying the response core capabilities,

National Park Service (NPS) - Department of the Interior


National Park Service Search and Rescue Reference Manual, 2011

"The NPS [National Park Service] ability to respond to search and rescue incidents is essential to the safety of all who enter NPS areas, and is implemented in this policy. NPS manages a wide variety of areas across the United States and its territories, with diverse physical environments and a diverse visiting public, where varying levels of search and rescue (SAR) services may be required. This document provides guidance for NPS SAR providers in an effort to (the extent appropriate) standardize services and documentation."

National Park Service Technical Rescue Handbook

This handbook is intended to provide a comprehensive instruction manual as well as point of reference for National Park Service (NPS) personnel involved in technical rope rescue. The techniques provided in the text reflect the consensus of acceptable practices for use with the NPS as established by subject-matter experts both internally and outside the agency.



National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG)


PMS-475 Basic Land Navigation (pdf)

Basic Land Navigation is pre-course work for several courses in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) wildland fire curriculum. It is primarily designed for students to complete in a non- classroom environment; however, it is often used as a student workbook for navigation courses. The 2007 version was developed by an interagency group of experts with direction and guidance from the Training and Development Program under authority of the NWCG. Minor revisions were made to this 2016 version.