Community Emergency Response Team Training
for Lay Responders
About the Trainer – Kristine Michelle Van Pelt©
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YouTube training video playlists here.
This Training Program maintains NIMS through the objectives defined by FEMA.gov:
Our training program is designed to educate volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills. At the end of CERT training, teams should be able to:
- Take steps to prepare themselves, their families, and their communities for a disaster.
- Describe the function and organization of a CERT program and the role CERTs serve in immediate disaster response.
- Recognize life-threatening conditions and apply appropriate life-saving techniques, conduct patient head-to-toe assessments, employ basic treatment for injuries, and understand disaster medical operations.
- Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that volunteers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors.
- Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods and perform basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures.
- Describe the most common techniques associated with light search and rescue operations including identifying planning and size-up requirements, searching a structure, debris removal, survivor extrication, and rescuer safety.
- Explain current terrorism trends and measures CERT volunteers can take to increase preparedness before and safety during a terrorism incident.
In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.
Common CERT Roles
The CERT Program incorporates hands-on roles that allow teams to gain practical experience in the event of an emergency. Some CERT procedures may include:
- Assist emergency services personnel when requested in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) developed by the sponsoring agency and by area of training.
- Prepare families and communities prior to emergencies and assist neighbors during an emergency when first responders are not immediately available.
Check out the CERT Basic Training Participant Manual for more.
Other ways to get involved
Community Preparedness doesn’t stop here. FEMA provides other interactive opportunities for you to volunteer. Visit Ready.gov/Volunteer for more!