Disaster Response Services Training Minds. Mobilizing Technology. Saving Lives.
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Credentials & Instructor Background

Credentials & Instructor Background

Training, credentials, and background for Brian Brown & DRS programs.

This page provides a snapshot of the training, certifications, and experience that inform Disaster
Response Services (DRS) programs. It is intended for partner agencies, funders, and community
organizations who need a clear picture of instructor qualifications and the foundation behind our work.

A more detailed credential and course list can be provided upon request to agencies, coalitions,
or grant reviewers.

Who this page is for

  • Grant reviewers and funding partners
  • Fire, EMS, law enforcement, and OEM partners
  • CERT coalitions and community organizations
  • Schools, youth programs, and tribal partners

Current roles

  • Executive Director & Lead Instructor, Disaster Response Services (DRS)
  • CERT Program Manager for DRS-led CERT programming
  • Designer and primary instructor for DRS training courses
  • Lead for the Applied Intelligence Division (A.I.D.) projects

Primary instruction areas

  • First Aid / CPR / AED and related lifesaving skills
  • Bleeding control & Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
  • Wilderness & remote considerations
  • CERT, disaster psychology, and community preparedness
  • Youth preparedness and family-focused education

Licensing & instructor credentials

The following summaries highlight core instructor credentials that support DRS courses.
Specific certificate numbers, expiration dates, and course lists can be provided for
agencies or grant reviewers upon request.

  • American Red Cross Instructor / Licensed Training Provider:
    Instructor credentials supporting First Aid / CPR / AED and related coursework, with experience
    in both standard and advanced training pathways.
  • Stop the Bleed Instructor:
    Trained and authorized to deliver Stop the Bleed, supporting bleeding-control education for
    responders, schools, and the public.
  • Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) Instructor:
    Approved to teach TECC-aligned material informed by the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care.
  • CERT & community preparedness instructor:
    Experience delivering CERT curriculum, neighborhood preparedness workshops, and supporting
    CERT coalitions and community-based programs.

FEMA & ICS training snapshot

Brian Brown has completed extensive FEMA Independent Study (IS) and Incident Command System (ICS/NIMS)
coursework to support planning, training, and coordination with agencies.

  • More than 60 FEMA Independent Study courses, including
    emergency management, recovery, mitigation, and community preparedness topics.
  • Over 20 ICS / NIMS courses, including common core classes
    such as ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, and IS-800 series courses.
  • Additional specialty courses focused on disaster recovery, sheltering, mass care, and
    volunteer and donations management.

These courses help ensure that DRS programs are compatible with NIMS/ICS principles and can integrate
smoothly with local emergency management and responder agencies.

Focus areas as an instructor

  • Making complex topics approachable in plain language.
  • Trauma-aware teaching that avoids unnecessary graphic detail.
  • Balancing hands-on skills with realistic expectations.
  • Centering rural, tribal, and under-resourced communities.
  • Integrating technology (A.I.D., A.I.D.E.N.) in a supportive role.

Populations & partners served

  • Neighborhood groups and CERT teams
  • Schools, youth programs, and families
  • Local and regional fire / EMS / law enforcement partners
  • Tribal communities and rural populations
  • Nonprofits, faith-based groups, and community coalitions

Instructional approach

DRS trainings are designed to be calm, honest, and practical. The goal is not to scare
people, but to give them tools and language to act more confidently when it matters.

When partnering with agencies or schools, courses can be adjusted to meet specific
policy, age, or cultural considerations.

Need a full credential or course history packet?

Agencies, funders, and partners can request a detailed credential packet including
course lists, certifications, and organizational documents. DRS is committed to
transparency and clear communication with those it serves.

Please include your organization name, role, and how the information will be used
(e.g., grant review, partnership documentation, or training approval).