The CERT Program Details

Through 8 modules delivered over three Saturdays, you will be trained in basic self-help and mutual-aid emergency functions. Following is a brief description of each module:

1st Saturday

Disaster Preparedness

§  Introduction to disasters

§  Impact on infrastructure

§  Building structures and nonstructural items

§  Role of CERTs in disaster response

§  Disaster Fire Suppression

Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards

§  Basic fire suppression strategy

§  Firefighting resources

§  Firefighting techniques

2nd Saturday

Light Search and Rescue Operations

§  Search and rescue priorities and resources

§  Techniques for situation size-up and search

§  Lifting, cribbing, and victim removal

§  Rescuer safety

Disaster Psychology and Team Organization

§  The post-disaster emotional environment

§  CERT organization

§  CERT decision-making and documentation

Terrorism and CERT

§  Define terrorism

§  Possible terrorism targets within your community

§  Biological, Nuclear, Incendiary, Chemical, and Explosive (B-NICE) weapons

§  Characteristics of B-NICE weapons Actions to take following a suspected terrorism event

3rd Saturday

Disaster Medical Operations--Part 1

§  Treatment strategies for life-threatening conditions

§  Principles of triage

Disaster Medical Operations--Part 2

      • Medical operations conducted within treatment areas to which victims are sent from triage, including:
      • Head-to-toe patient assessment
      • Treatments for various injuries
      • Public health considerations