AWR 209 is a DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour, tuition-free course designed to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly adopt the role of public information officer (PIO) if/when needed and to communicate with the public through the media. Many rural first responder organizations do not have a full or part-time PIO on staff. Therefore, in the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO, whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand how the media works and how to work with the available media outlets.