CERT Hands-On Training

CERT hands-on training consists of the following lessons.

Unit 1 - Disaster Preparedness

• Addresses hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community. Materials cover actions that participants and their families take before, during, and after a disaster. As the session progresses, the instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to help their family members and neighbors, this training can help them operate in a safe and appropriate manner. The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction.

Unit 2 - Disaster Fire Suppression

•  Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies. However, the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.

Unit 3 - Disaster Medical Operations Part 1

• Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment (START) techniques.

Unit 4 - Disaster Medical Operations Part 2

• Covers evaluating patients by doing a head-to-toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic first aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.

Unit 5 - Light Search And Rescue Operations

• Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.

Unit 6 - Team Organization

• Addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation.

Unit 7 - Disaster Psychology

• Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker.

Unit 8 - Terrorism And Shelter In Place

• Participants learn terrorism awareness and response as well as Shelter in Place procedures.

Unit 9 - Course Review And Disaster Simulation

• Participants review their answers from a take-home examination. Finally, they practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster activity.

During each session, participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster.

To learn more and/or register for CERT training, click here.