CERT

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Team Training is a necessary tool in saving lives.  Corporate Life Safety (CERT) is the first phase of any business recovery. 

In every major disaster volunteers emerge to do the initial search, rescue, fire suppression, and first aid.  Since such volunteering inevitably takes place, it makes good sense to maximize the results of these efforts through formal training.  The CERT Team program can be an effective first-response to emergencies.

An Emergency Response Team training program was developed to begin preparing individuals, groups, commercial, institutional, and governmental bodies for the overall demands resulting from a major disaster.  The topics covered in the course include the following: 

Module I  begins with an overview of a catastrophic disasters.  Personal and family preparedness are given special emphasis because individuals must feel comfortable about the safety of their family and loved ones if they are forced to function away from home during an emergency. 

Module II outlines basic fire suppression techniques to include size-up, fire chemistry, fire extinguisher types and usage, and utility control.  This module also discusses light search and rescue operations, including search techniques, evacuation and rescue methods, principles of mechanical advantage, and basic cribbing techniques.  Heavy emphasis is placed on recognizing rescue limitations and safety by discussing the dangers of various building constructions. 

Module III is disaster medical operations with recognition and treatment of life threatening emergencies.  Students learn the principles of triage, transportation, and treatment area management.  Head-to-toe patient evaluation is taught, along with recognition and treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  Cervical collar use and back boarding is demonstrated.  Disaster psychology is also discussed to help the rescuer cope with the emotional environment they will be confronted with. 

Module IV will introduce the Incident Command System stressing the need for teamwork, organization and logistical planning.  Each team’s role will be outlined and the chain of command for communications will be emphasized.  Team members will learn the components of and how to use the hand held radio.  Proper documentation and tracking of findings will also be taught. 

Module V will be a skill labs and a simulated disaster exercise.  Extinguishing real fires will test fire extinguisher skills.  Search & Rescue skills will be demonstrated by locating a victim in a densely fogged room and rescuing a trapped victim using mechanical advantage lifting as well as the use of cribbing.  Triaging moulaged victims demonstrate disaster medical skills.  In a simulated disaster exercise using the Incident Command System, participants will be required to apply the individual principles they have learned to the overall demands of a simulated disaster.  This class will dramatize the multi-functional training approach, as well as promote team reliance.  Teams are established and sent out to search, triage, treat and transport victims to medical treatment areas.  Fire teams will take care of utilities and simulated fire problems.  An Emergency Director will maintain communication and safety of his teams.

The modules can be tailored to meet your needs and schedules.   The complete training is 24 hours.

Additionally, training can include CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens certification.

Obviously, training cannot be a one-time job.  Awareness, commitment, and skills must be repeatedly practiced to maintain the edge necessary for the greatest level of response.  Aside from the Emergency Response Team members, all employees should be oriented to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Program, which should include disaster drills.  Every 6 months, an 8-hour refresher drill is highly recommended.

Attempts are made to custom fit each program to the needs of the group receiving the training.  For example: when teaching companies who work in high-rise buildings, there will be an emphasis on alarm and standpipe systems, stairwell access, and evacuation techniques.

Safety equipment and basic tools will be needed to execute the program.  All instructors are skilled fire and medical professionals in their area of instruction.

Training costs are directly related to size and location of group including the intensity of training desired.  Modules and information are constantly reviewed and updated for the latest teachings in these techniques.

This training is not meant to take the place of a professional.  However, when professionals arrive and learn of your training they most likely will have you assist away from danger zones.  In the event they don’t arrive, you will have the training that will mean the difference between lives saved or lives gone.