What is CERT:
In 1994 the Federal Government began promoting the nationwide use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT concept was based on a model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Since 1994 CERT’s have been established in hundreds of communities.
CERT training promotes a partnering effort between local emergency services and the people that they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for our area.
If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s professional response teams, CERT members can assist others by applying the basic response, and organizational skills that they have learned during training. These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until help arrives. CERT skills also apply to daily emergencies.
CERT members maintain and refine their skills by participating in exercises and activities. They can attend supplemental training opportunities offered y the sponsoring agency and others that further their skills base. Finally, CERT members can volunteer for projects that improve community emergency preparedness.
Who Would Benefit From CERT Training:
Neighborhoods
Businesses
Communities of Faith
Scouting Organizations
School Staff/Students
Clubs/Organizations
Amateur Radio/Emergency Radio Services
How Long Is The Training:
The program consists of 16 hours of training. The training is usually held in four (4), four (4) hour sessions. Different topics are covered during each session. You must be able to attend all four scheduled sessions to complete the training.
What Information will be covered during training:
Disaster Preparedness
Fire Safety
Disaster Medical Operations-Triage and Treating Life Threatening Injuries
Disaster Medical Operations; Assessment, Treatment, and Hygiene
Light Search and Rescue
Team Organization
Disaster Psychology
Terrorism and CERT
What Will CERT Training Teach Participants?
The types of hazards most likely to affect local homes and communities
The function of CERT members and their role in immediate emergency response.
Steps to prepare oneself for a disaster.
How to identify and reduce potential fire hazards in homes and workplaces.
How to work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a burning liquid.
Applying techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating shock.
Conducting medical triage under simulated conditions.
Performing head-to-toe medical assessments.
Select and setting up a treatment area.
Employing basic treatments for various wounds.
Identifying planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
Using safe techniques for debris removal and victim extraction.
Describing ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue.
If you would like to become a CERT volunteer, or if you would like to attend the CERT training class, please fill out the CERT Training Class Application linked to this page.
If you would like more information about the CERT program in Hocking County please contact us.