Area emergency responders benefited from specialized training this week, teaching first responders new skills in complex situations.

The two-day course - "Responding Effectively to Complex Incidents," is designed for incident commanders, law enforcement leaders, fire service personnel, and other first responders to equip them with tools to manage large-scale and rapidly evolving incidents that require a multi-agency response, such as an active shooter, train derailment, or chemical spill.

"Talking about how different agencies can come together when encountering low-frequency, high-risk incidents. And work effectively together to resolve the incident and provide the best service to the community," explained George Glenn, training manager.

The course includes representations from multiple cities and counties in the mid-Missouri area, including Cole County EMS, Audrain County Emergency Management, Boone County Emergency Management, and many others.

"I think in Boone County, we have a tight, close relationship, but really, what brings us to the table is that we have surrounding counties and cities that we don't have relationships with. And so having those relationships starting to build through this training is just excellent," explained Chris Kelly, Boone County Director of Emergency Management.

The course was created in January, is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and is delivered by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.

The course was offered free to the attending agencies.