CERT Training

The CERT program educates area residents about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their community and trains them in basic disaster response skills.

The training includes the following 6 modules and 1 disaster simulation.

Disaster Preparation:

Covers area-specific hazards like earthquakes, windstorms and chemical releases that could affect the Skyway area.

The class focuses on what actions CERT members and their families should take before, during and after an emergency.

It also covers the local laws and regulations governing disaster volunteers.

• Medical Operations Part 1: This unit will cover triage and rapid treatment of bleeding and airway injuries. Students will learn how to use household materials to stop bleeding and care for patients.

• Medical Operations Part 2: This unit completes the first aid portion of the training including head to toe exam and how to establish medical treatment areas.

• Fire Suppression: This module covers the chemistry of fire and the safe use of fire extinguishers. All participants will be given the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher on a real fire.

• Light Search and Rescue: this module covered how to decide on which buildings are safe to enter and perform a rescue. CERT members also learn how to search buildings and perform basic rescue and victim removal.

• Psychology and Team Organization: Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and workers, and addresses CERT organization and management.

• Course Review and Disaster Simulation: Participants review and practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in a disaster activity.