Community Emergency Response Team, also known as CERT, is a wonderful program. If you are looking for a community volunteer opportunity, CERT is a great program to research.
CERT is the backup to the first responders. In a disaster, first responders will not be able to handle the massive needs of a community. CERT members are trained in basic first aid, triage, basic search and rescue, fire safety, and team organization. I can’t name all the benefits you may obtain by being a member of a team but I know I grew personally and am very happy I am a part of CERT.
Here is the outline of a very brief PowerPoint presentation I put together to introduce CERT to our neighborhood. I can send the actual PowerPoint to you upon your request if you would like to use and or edit it for your neighborhood.
CERT – COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
Introduction
n CERT is a disaster preparedness program
n CERT is a proactive program that trains and organizes citizens to offer services to the community until professional help arrives
Demand for Services
n First responders will not be able to meet the demand
n Communication failures
n Road blockages
n Lack of access to emergency services
Importance of Training
n Neighbors wills spontaneously try to help each other
n In the Mexico City Earthquake 800 lives were saved by volunteers but 100 people lost their lives in the rescue efforts
n High price to pay when it is preventable by having some training
Background
n CERT concept was implemented by the LAFD after the Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987
n This earthquake confirmed the need for training civilians to meet immediate community needs
CERT IMPLEMENTATION
n We need volunteers willing to be trained for CERT
n Volunteers will need to get together for emergency drills and to stay abreast of the changing needs of the community in case of a disaster
CERT TEAM POSITIONS
n Team Leader (command center)
u Organizes CERT teams
u Assigns resources
u Documents situation status
u Assign untrained volunteers to specific jobs
n Fire Suppression
u Fights small fires
u Shuts off utilities
u Isolates hazmats
n Medical
u Triage
u Treatment
u Transportation
u Treatment Area
n Search and Rescue
u Search for victims
u Rescue victims
u Evacuation
n Logistics
u Communication System
u Staffing
u Equipment/supplies
u Food/Water
Training
n Training is in YOUR DATE
n Held WHERE
n Training on Disaster Preparedness, Fire suppression, medical, light search and rescue, psychology and team organization, course review and a disaster simulation
Why Volunteer?
n You will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster
n You will be better prepared to help the people you care about even if you never experience a disaster
Conclusion
n CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens can make a difference.
That’s my two cents on CERT. Please feel free to comment or subscribe to my blog. Thanks for reading!
March 30th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
This is a great opportunity to learn how to be prepared in your Community should disaster strike. I have been through the program and highly recommend others to do the same.