Emergency support services course calendar
Last updated on March 28, 2024These 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:
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.
- Introduction to Emergency Support Services (EMRG-1600)
- Level One ESS (EMRG-1607)
- Introduction to Reception Centres (EMRG-1610)**
- Intro to Group Lodging (EMRG-1612)**
**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.
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.
| Course name | Date | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| n/a |
If your application for the course is approved, you'll receive an email with further information. Please send questions to ess@jibc.ca.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports (EMRG-1635) *New
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:
- Understand the steps in the registration and support process
- Understand inclusive, empathetic, and evacuee-centred communication
- 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.
Sponsored courses
We sponsor a selection on online emergency management courses for registered public safety lifeline volunteers (PSLV) in the ESS community. A sponsored course means course fees are waived for ESS responders who have received local EM/ESS leadership approval to apply.
To see a list of sponsored courses and application information go to the emergency management online course calendar.
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).
|
Region |
Location |
Course name/code |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CTL |
Kamloops |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
April 12, 2024 |
|
CTL |
Kamloops |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
April 12, 2024 |
|
NWE |
Terrace |
EMRG 1617 - Applied Reception Centre |
TBD |
|
SWE |
Lillooet |
EMRG 1618 - Applied Group Lodging |
May 7, 2024 |
|
CTL |
Penticton |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
May 11, 2024 |
|
SEA |
RDEK |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
May 18, 2024 |
|
NWE |
Smithers |
EMRG 1618 - Applied Group Lodging |
May 18, 2024 |
|
SEA |
RDEK |
EMRG 1617 - Applied Reception Centre |
May 19, 2024 |
|
CTL |
Kamloops |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
May 25, 2024 |
|
NWE |
Prince George |
EMRG 1660 - PSLV |
May 30, 2024 |
|
NEA |
Taylor |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
May 30, 2024 |
|
NEA |
McLeod Lake |
EMRG 1617 - Applied Reception Centre |
May 31, 2024 |
|
VIC |
Capital Regional District |
EMRG 1624 - Resource Acquisition |
May 31, 2024 |
|
SWE |
Delta |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
June 1, 2024 |
|
VIC |
Comox Valley |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
June 10, 2024 |
|
SWE |
Rosedale |
EMRG 1618 - Applied Group Lodging |
June 10, 2024 |
|
CTL |
Okanagan Indian Band |
EMRG 1617 - Applied Reception Centre |
June 11, 2024 |
|
NWE |
Fort St James |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
June 15, 2024 |
|
SWE |
Abbotsford |
EMRG 1635 - Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports |
June 15, 2024 |
|
VIC |
Sidney |
EMRG 1618 - Applied Group Lodging |
June 16, 2024 |
|
CTL |
Vernon |
EMRG 1618 - Applied Group Lodging |
June 20, 2024 |