Public Safety Pathway
Recommended Public Safety (PS) Pathway
The courses below are recommended by our Board and network of industry experts.
Each course link will lead to a page with lesson plans, national standards, and resources.
For more information, feel free to email info@laspen.org
This is a national exemplar. Each state makes decisions on how to best serve their industry and school programs. Always refer to state and local guidelines for implementation.
Introduction Course Option1 – Introduction to Public Safety Service (IPSS)
Being designed
Introduction Course Option 2 – Introduction to Law and Public Safety (ILPS)
It is recommended that a PS pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. PS professionals are a key part of the larger law and public system, so a critical starting point for the pathway is an exploration of the larger ecosystem the PS lives in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway in PS not become so specific to PS exclusively that participants are not exposed to other elements in LPS. The broader approach helps with marketing to encourage students to enroll.
Visit our Introduction to Law and Public Safety course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Core Course – Emergency Medical Services 1 (EMS1)
Emergency Medical Services 1 (EMS1)prepares students to work in a fast-growing career field in LPS. Once students complete this course they will be fully prepared for entry-level work in the field. This course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions in emergency medical services. Participants will learn about basic anatomy, medical assessment, emergency response procedures, and patient care. It is recommended students test for Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) at the end of the course.
Visit our Emergency Medical Services 1 course page – Click Here (page is under development)
F1 is another great option as it is both marketable and industry is demanding broad public safety skills for career candidates. This course aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for entry-level positions in firefighting and related emergency services. Participants will learn about fire prevention, basic firefighting techniques, equipment operation, and emergency response procedures.
Visit our Firefighting 1 course page – Click Here (page is under development)
Advanced Course Options
Note – we are in the middle of major updates. We hope to have everything ready by the end of winter.
LAPSEN recommends pathways have flexibility for local systems to adjust to local needs. It is also recommended that a “deeper dive” into DC -related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The DC course covers secondary educational needs adequately. To maximize student career preparation, engagement, and marketing it is suggested to offer courses similar to those listed below to complete the pathway.
Option 1 – Emergency Communications & Dispatch (ECD)
The “Emergency Communications & Dispatch” course is a comprehensive program designed for high school students as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. This course is structured to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective emergency communication and dispatch operations. Participants will learn about the critical role of emergency dispatchers in facilitating prompt and efficient responses to various emergencies.
Visit our Emergency Communications & Dispatch course page – Click Here (under development)
Option 2 – Drones for Law and Public Safety (DLPS)
Bring some excitement to your pathway! This course prepares students for certifications to operate drones in the law and public safety environment. Drones are increasingly used in DC areas. First, students will complete the necessary training to be prepared to pass the FAA 107 Pilot test. Students will then train in remote sensing and photogrammetry. Students will learn how to prepare and plan for law and public safety drone operations. A significant portion of the course time will be dedicated to developing flight skills and performing maneuvers necessary for such operations. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology national standard performance test for unmanned aerial vehicles, students will train for real world applications.
Visit our Drones for Law and Public Safety course page – Click Here (under development)
Other Options
There are many options that local systems can review that may fit more appropriately.
Visit our overall course page – Click Here
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the PS Pathway
National Basic 9-1-1 Dispatch Certification
This 40-hour 9-1-1 Basic Communications course provides students with the basic knowledge, skills, and experience to understand the functional operation of an emergency communications system, and their role and responsibilities within the emergency communications system. The high school model can be implemented in 20-40 hours of class time. At courses end, students will be able to take the industry certification test.
To learn more about course materials, student testing, and classroom implementation: Click Here
Learn more about this IRC – Click Here or email holly@lapsen.org
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Emergency Medical Responders provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical oversight, Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with minimal equipment.
To learn more – Click Here
Training
Instructors in the PS pathway need to have industry experience or training. If you have a specific training need email info@lapsen.org
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule
Be the Best
IADLEST – the national organization of state police certification agencies – together with LAPSEN have established a certification to identify the best in America working with youth interested in LPS careers.
Click Here to learn more.
Competitions
The LE pathway national CTSO is SkillsUSA. There are serveral ways for LE program students to participate in SkillsUSA
For more information visit www.skillsusa.org/competitions or reach out to info@lapsen.org
Firefighting
A student demonstrates basic firefighting skills such as hose operation, search and rescue, knots, and equipment demonstrations.
EMT
Student teams of two demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to be EMTs. There is a knowledge test and several skill demonstrations plus emergency medical scenarios.
Criminal Justice
This competition is a single competitor preparing to be officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice.
First Aid - CPR
Basic SPS skill for a single competitor. Evaluates a competitor’s ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR first aid medical emergencies. There is also a written exam.
Career Pathways - Human Services
Student teams use their course of study as the basis of a project that will benefit their class, school, community or industry.
Commercial sUAS Drone
This competition for a team of 2 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in the safe and efficient use of drone technology
Job Skill Demonstration - 3 Contests
Competitors demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. “A” refers to skills taught in the pathway. “Open” is usually a skill learned in WBL or similar that is outside the pathway. “Action Skills” is for students with IEPs. In all cases, the skill should be hands on as it is a “demonstration.”
Robotics - Urban Search and Rescue
A student team designs and operates a robot that simulate equipment used in rescue operations.
There are dozens more that cover everything from speeches to specifc skill sets.
TTAG Team – Support
The Training & Technical Assistance Group (TTAG) is here to help you! From emails and phone calls to onsite visits, these fellow educators are here to help! See the bottom of the page for TTAG members in LE.
Click Here to learn more.
Student Recognition
Your students can be members of the National Technical Honors Society PLUS a special endorsement for achievement in law and public safety! Don’t have an NTHS – they are super easy to start and no extra work.
Click Here to learn more.
Programs of Excellence
The national Industry Credentialed Program of Excellence (ICPE) is designed to make the best better. Applicant programs must demonstrate competencies across several standards. LAPSEN specialists assist applicant programs throughout the process with training, guides and mentorship.
Click Here to learn more. Do YOU have the BEST program?
National Program Directory
The National Census of Youth Law Enforcement Programs was funded by the DOJ COPS grant program.
Search the directory for programs near you – Click Here
Is your program is in the directory? If not: Click Here
Links & Resources
E-Fire Academy – Tons of stuff, plus training pages. Helped me in my first year of Fire! Click Here
International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) – Textbook is great. Support materials are solid. Click Here
Applications of Firefighting Lesson Plans – From Georgia around 2014. Complete lessons: Click Here
Career Posters
Click Here to go to download folder
Support
We have numerous educators and industry specialists that have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
LAPSEN National Public Safety Specialist Bob DiPietro
Learn more about Bob – Click Here for his Linkedin
Email Bob – Click Here
Bob is our representative in Fire Science instruction.
TAGG Team Members
Click Here to learn more about TTAG
Joel Davis
Learn more about Joel – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email his – Click Here
Joel has extensive experience in emergency services and fire fighting. He started the academy at Alamance Burlington School System.