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Start here: Use the schedule below to find classes of interest to you.  Then, scroll down to the Class Descriptions below and click the "+" next to the title to expand the class description.  Make a note of the class you've selected for each session.  Once registered for NETCamp, use My Impact Page (MIP) to enroll in the classes you have chosen.  The class descriptions are repeated there to help you choose.

NETCamp 2025
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Class 
Schedule

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Rev 3,  July 7th, 2025
Click the plus sign (+) next to each course title to view the course description.​
SESSION 1
DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS
​COURTNEY YAN, WFR
Mark meininger, wfr
FULL NET PPE REQUIRED
In a disaster deployment, NETs may need to provide basic medical care of injured patients until they can be evacuated to an established care facility. In this class we'll walk through different models of medical operations, including Medical Treatment Areas and medical strike teams, and learn about key considerations for each such as physical set up, patient information and tracking, staff management, logistics, and the applicability of Wilderness First Aid training.​
informed response
alice busch
MULTNOMAH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
How do leaders make decisions during emergencies and disasters? This story based session is informed by extensive research combined with the voices of many incredible professionals who continue to share their wisdom with the presenter. This discussion will begin with questions participants bring regarding “decision making during response operations”. Some initial questions that will be discussed include: What informational resources are considered when setting objectives, or when triaging scarce resources? What information is needed and where might it be found? How are the communities most impacted - identified? and where can that information be found? What are some strategies for more fully integrating the voices of the most impacted communities into our collective approaches within the response priorities framework(s)?Writing incident objectives will be covered in the Response Strategies class. 

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HAZMAT AWARENESS
SHON CHRISTENSEN
portland Community safety division
​In NET Basic Training, we learn that Hazardous Materials are a STOP sign; however the simple truth is that these materials are being stored, transported and used in and around our neighborhoods.  This class will provide you with a better understanding of these materials, how to locate them within your neighborhood and assess what their presence could mean in a disaster.  Learn how to get the most from HAZMAT signage, how weather can affect a release, and how to best be prepared for this potential.  ​
knots for nets
​Ed myers, m.d. WFR
Still haven’t mastered the six basic knots? You’re not alone! In this class we will review terminology, which can be confusing. We will then go over each of the six knots and their applications. No need to bring anything but yourselves. Rope to practice with will be provided. The goal of the class is to get you signed off on this important skill set. It should also be helpful for anyone who is taking low-angle rescue.
considering amateur radio?
​​Bruce Schafer aa7pb

While FRS radios are usually enough for communication within a team, amateur radio is critical in routing messages to an Emergency Operation Center or for communicating between teams, particularly when hills get in the way.  This class provides an opportunity to more learn about the differences between FRS/GMRS radios and Amateur Radio radios and why both are needed during NET/CERT disaster response. You will get to try out handheld and other portable radios and to find out whether Amateur Radio is right for you before taking the next step. You will also learn about the supportive ARO community that will assist you with your licensing and further training.
team development arc workshop
Jeremy van keuren

PBEM COMMUNITY RESILIENCE MGR
This course explores how NET volunteer leaders can use regular team meetings as a powerful tool to build and sustain team readiness. Participants will learn strategies to foster engagement, identify and develop response capabilities, and incorporate hands-on practice into meeting agendas. Emphasis is placed on using meetings to assess team strengths and gaps, assign roles, build local knowledge, and simulate response scenarios—all within a scalable and realistic framework. By the end of the course, leaders will be equipped to turn routine gatherings into meaningful opportunities for skill-building, coordination, and community resilience. This will be a workshop in the respect that participants will develop a draft arc in class.
Prerequisites: None
Recommendations: Review this work in progress:
https://volunteerpdx.net/index.php/Team_Meeting_Activities 

SESSION 2
ACCESSIBILITY SKILLS
​COURTNEY YAN, WFR
sofia Zancock

FULL NET PPE REQUIRED
In this session, we'll discuss ways we can safely and effectively support people with disabilities, access or functional needs (DAFN) during a response. Session will include hands-on exploration of basic adaptive tools, communication and assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) skills.


​response strategies
​​ALICE BUSCH
MULTNOMAH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

PREREQUISITE:  ICS 100 ​
Across the United States, public agencies at every level (local, county, state, federal) use elements of the Incident Command System (ICS) to manage incidents of all sizes and complexity. This session will examine ICS resources that NET can easily integrate for a more effective response that also better supports the wellness of responders. Having a basic understanding of the tenets of the ICS will help participants fully engage in the Q & A (question and answer) format of this session. Come prepared for a robust discussion and sharing of ideas and lessons. Although questions will drive the discussion, there will be a focus on: how to build confidence and competency in the use of ICS, the importance of clear, measurable objectives and tactics, the purpose and benefits of Planning P meetings and briefings, and the review of some helpful ICS forms. If participants express an interest, scene size up, concise reporting, and the What, When & How of documenting the different stages of response can also be covered. 
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FEMA's ICS-100 is a required prerequisite for this course.
Disaster sanitation i
merilee karr. m.d.
Too often, people survive a disaster, but die of dysentery. It doesn’t have to happen. Modern sanitation infrastructure protects us from high-risk microbes. When those systems break, we are exposed — dysentery often takes more lives than the original disaster. But low-tech DIY substitutes can save many lives and prevent misery. Learn how. For more information, see my Disaster Sanitation website.
​LOW-ANGLE RESCUE
SHON CHRISTENSEN
Portland community safety division
FULL NET PPE REQUIRED
This class will focus on low-angle rescue operations and equipment, which involves the towing of a survivor up a slope of less than 30 degrees.  At higher angles, the survivor’s weight is supported predominantly by the rope, requiring greater rescuer training, ongoing practice and additional equipment.  NETs are approved for low-angle rescue training only.  All rescue equipment provided, however full NET PPE is required.
Recommendations:  Review your Basic NET Knots ​
asl for first responders
RECOGNIZING & COMMUNICATING WITH THE DEAF
barbara bennett
​This is an introductory class, that will help you to recognize a deaf or hard-of-hearing person, know the basic questions you need to ask, and get the answers demanded by an emergency situation.  Through fun demonstrations and light practice exercises, you will get insight into whether you wish to pursue proficiency in ASL.  Regardless, you will leave this class with a new understanding of how to recognize and communicate with this demographic of individuals who are at higher risk in disaster situations.Prerequisites:  None

Recommended:  Know your name is ASL.


what the heck is ics?
crystal potter

The Incident Command System is a complex, opaque-seeming monolith of a response system which forms the basis for how we, as NETs & CERTs, deploy. When you’re a boots-on-the-ground volunteer, it can be difficult to perceive the patterns in the swarm of activity above and around you. Together we will break down the ICS monolith into understandable principles and recognizable structures. Participants will leave with an awareness of the bigger-picture organizational system in which NETs and CERTs operate, as well as how it keeps us safe, aligned, and coordinated. 
No prerequisites
SESSION 3
​​PATIENT ASSESSMENT:
A LIFE-SAVING INTERVENTION

eD MYERS, MD, WFR
Learn how to size up a scene, perform a primary assessment to identify and treat any immediate life threats, and perform a hands-on systematic secondary assessment to identify any other illnesses or injuries.  We will also go over medical terminology and documentation.  Students will work in teams. Some students will act as mock patients.  If you have taken Wilderness First Aid, this class will be a refresher.  If you have not yet taken WFA, this class will give you a head start.  We will be outside so dress for the elements.
Prerequisites: none
Max 12 participants.  

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DEPLOYING TO THE EOC
AMANDA WESTERVELT

PBEM Operations Support Group Supervisor 

Ever wonder what a NET deployment to the EOC could be like? As the program manager for our City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), formerly known as the ECC, I'm working to revitalize this coordinating organization that supports Citywide incident response. Part of this program is to improve opportunities for NETs to continue to deploy to the EOC not only in supporting roles, but also in more substantive roles that reflect the high skill level NETs have. NETs doing this work helps increase Portland's resilience by improving the capabilities of our EOC. In exchange, I hope to provide NETs with another tangible way to help during emergencies, plus emergency management experience and career development opportunities in return. Come find out more about what our EOC does, when and why we activate it, how EOC coordination is different but critically integrated with the incident command structure (ICS) used to organize incident responders, and how you can deploy to the EOC to help do this critical work.
No Prerequisites
EMERGENCY FOOD & WATER: 
​Planning, acquisition, storage & use

JOHN LEGLER
Examining both "Shelter in Place" and "Bugout" scenarios, thIs course gives you hands-on exposure to water purification & storage solutions as well as short-term, no-cook, and long term food acquisition, storage  and use strategies.
moulage WORKSHOP
​courtney yan, wfr
This class will introduce Cascadia Moulage and the art of moulage. This will cover the why we use moulage and what you will find in a moulage kit from Cascadia Moulage. We will go over safety both for the artist and actors and set up of a moulage artist station. And finally, and most importantly, we will teach you how to apply a few basic injuries.​
​responder resilience
​​ALICE BUSCH

MULTNOMAH COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Responding to emergencies and disasters can provide a deep sense of purpose, they can also result in complex and challenging emotions. One commonality across all emergencies and disasters is: there is never enough resources to meet all the needs. This imbalance creates a constant requirement to triage supplies, and… responders. Those who must triage have wisdom they can share related to its impacts. This session will explore the genesis of responder wellness resources (books, trainings, positions, frameworks, and people!) that have begun to be integrated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts. The facilitator and participants will share their perspectives on the various resources available and engage in a robust conversation about local efforts and resources related to the emotional survival of emergency services workers. Participants are encouraged to visit a few of the links provided below. Your willingness to share your experiences and resources with the group will help make this session incredibly useful. Be prepared to take photos of the flip charts.
Recommended Resources:   
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), Psychological first aid (John Hopkins, World Health Organization: Overview and Field Guide), International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), Trauma Informed Oregon (TIO)
net-neighbor response
Integrating Neighbors into NET Emergency Planning & Response
Mark meininger, wfr

You’ve been around this NET/CERT arena for awhile and have been meeting with your team, discussing procedures and getting trained in areas in which you have interest and capabilities.  So, what’s eating you?  Perhaps, like me, you are realizing that our notions of disaster response are largely aspirational, if not fictional. Your Ops Plan probably specifies that in a large earthquake your NET team, with maybe a dozen or so NET volunteers, will converge to engage the needs of the 8,000+ people in your neighborhood.
This is a discussion and brainstorming session, not a training.   We will “wrestle with the devil” and ask ourselves how we NETs can make our neighborhoods more resilient and better prepared to respond to emergencies.
Prerequisite: 
A nagging sense that we could do more to prepare. 

Read: 
NETWiki article on 2023-2024 NET Program Realignment

SESSION 4
EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF SEVERE ALLERGIC  REACTIONS and  OPIOID OVERDOSE
ED MYERS, M.D., WFR
Learn how to recognize and treat these life-threatening medical emergencies. We will cover administration of epinephrine by auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen or Adrenoclick) for anaphylaxis, and Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray for opioid overdose. Upon successful completion of this class, you will receive a certificate authorizing you to administer epinephrine (no certificate needed for naloxone).
Prerequisite: none
​Max 17 participants.

radio communication basics
Paul Lefevre
Effective radio communications during a neighborhood NET deployment are essential to NET operations, such as Search & Rescue, Evacuation or Reunification. While communication with ECC and other agencies will be handled by ARO’s, NET tactical communications will be done largely through FRS/GMRS communications. This class will refresh your Basic Training radio skills, enhance your knowledge, skills, and confidence; and provide an opportunity for hands-on practice of what you have learned. Please bring an FRS or GMRS radio if you have one. If not, one will be provided for you.

​DC Power solutions
​
ED KRAUS, M.E.
Don’t know where to get started with emergency power? Want to know how to get started without spending a fortune? Focusing on 12 volt, DC solutions, this course will give you enough information to begin figuring it out. How much power do you need and how do you make more when your batteries run out? We will talk about Volts, Watts, Amps, Wires, Connectors, Meters, Batteries, Solar Panels, Generators...  how it all hooks together and how you make it work.  Watching these videos before NETCamp will allow us to go deeper:
NET Zoom Session 1:  
https://vimeo.com/685350271
NET Zoom Session 2:  https://vimeo.com/685496328
rescue skills
john legler
FULL NET PPE REQUIRED
This is an opportunity to refresh your search & rescue skills, from search markings to extrication to carries. The skills to be reviewed are based upon observations of Scenario Village and past NET exercises; however, your input will help drive the directions we go.
improvisational leadership
​
amanda westervelt
PBEM
Operations Support Group Supervisor 
As emergency response teams, we make plans: home fire escape plans, family reunification plans, communication plans, and, yes, NET Operations Plans. You know your plans. You know your place on the team. You train to your plans. But guess what? Incidents don’t follow plans. How do we handle the unexpected? How do we move beyond our plans to respond to what’s actually happening with the resources we actually have? Maybe only two NETs deploy. Maybe your cache is locked and the person with the key can’t get to you. The goal of improvisational leadership is to bring us to a place where we can stop, survey our disappointment and discomfort, let go of the parts of the old plans that don’t fit, and work together in the chaos of an emergency to improvise successfully. No prerequisites.
Disaster sanitation ii workshop
merilee karr, md
laura rodgers, PhD
How do you get your community ready for safe sanitation in a disaster? You build, and you teach.
You build alternative sanitation equipment in bulk, and you teach people why they need it and how to use it.
This advanced Disaster Sanitation workshop will cover two related areas. You can do either, or both. If focusing on just one area, you will observe the other activity.
1. Building.
We will use power drills to turn buckets into handwashing stations.
2. Teaching. Students will prepare a short presentation on a subtopic of Disaster
Sanitation before NET Camp, and present it to the class for practice and critique.
The Teaching track includes consultation with the instructor before Camp. 
If you would like to participate in the Teaching track, please email the instructor at
[email protected] after your enrollment in the Workshop is confirmed.
Prerequisite:
Basic Disaster Sanitation I course at NETCamp in 2024 or 2025 or the June 2025 NET Briefing:
Part I: https://vimeo.com/1096480428 
Part II: https://vimeo.com/1096480561
Maximum attendees: 10
Required equipment for the Building track: Eye protection, gloves, long pants and sleeves.



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