Responders Resource Center

In-Person Training

Practical, hands-on training for current and aspiring chaplains, crisis responders, and disaster relief volunteers. We are a premier provider of chaplaincy, CISM, and disaster relief training in Vancouver, Washington.

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Chaplaincy Training

We offer training to chaplains of many fields. Completion of our training, as with any form of chaplain training, does not mean all chaplaincy groups will recognize your training, as training requirements vary between agencies.

CISM Training

We currently offers four courses from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, taught by certified instructors.  These courses include: Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Group Crisis Intervention, Grief Following Trauma and Advanced Group Crisis Intervention.

Disaster Relief Training

Hands-on training for churches and volunteers who want to help communities recover after hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Disaster areas are always in need of trained volunteers. Classes are held in Vancouver, Washington.

Students and an instructor in a Responders Resource Center classroom

Welcome to Responders Resource Center

We are an in-person training center for chaplaincy and CISM training. We will meet all your psychological trauma intervention needs with practical and useful training. We are a premier provider of psychological trauma intervention training. Come check out our chaplaincy and CISM courses (2026 | 2027), all taught at our Vancouver, Washington training center.

An instructor leads a small-group discussion during a CISM class

Disaster Relief Training Series

Responders Resource Center offers a full Disaster Relief Training (DRT) series. This hands-on training program equips volunteers with practical, real-world skills for disaster response — from foundational knowledge to specialized field techniques. Whether you’re new to disaster relief work or looking to sharpen specific skills, this series offers something for every stage of readiness. See the 2027 Disaster Relief Training schedule and register.

Courses in the series include:

  • Stages of Disaster Relief
  • Trip Scouting
  • Team Care
  • Safety Gear
  • Clothing and Gear
  • Communication
  • Disaster First Aid
  • Chainsaw Safety and Basics
  • Downed Tree Cutting
  • Tree Felling Basics
  • Level 1 & Level 2 Rigging
  • Field Cooking
  • Power and Fuels
  • Sorting and FEMA Contracted Removal
  • Cleaning and Sanitation
  • Mold, Contamination Handling, and Cleanup
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Water Purification

Full List of Chaplaincy/CISM Courses

  • Domestic Violence
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Sexual Assault Basics
  • Legal Concepts in Chaplaincy
  • Biblical Counseling Basics
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Emergency Service Worker Profile
  • Chaplaincy Equipment
  • Performing an Intake
  • Incident Scene Protocols
  • Caring for Grieving Children
  • Ministry of Presence
  • How to Deliver Death Notifications
  • Compassion Fatigue
  • Duties and Boundaries
  • Understanding Depression
  • Suicidology
  • PTSD Basics
  • God’s Hope for the Hurting
  • Assisting Individuals in Crisis – CISM
  • Group Crisis Intervention – CISM
  • Grief Following Trauma – CISM*
  • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention – CISM*

*Not part of the chaplaincy training program