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Emergency Response Team Training

Volunteers are an integral part of any community's welfare. With the inception of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) organizations, everyday citizens have the opportunity to train and serve their town should an emergency arise. These teams receive First Aid and emergency response training in order to assist local officials in quickly and effectively responding to large-scale disasters.

  1. History

    • Before they had a name, volunteer fire departments and ambulance crewmembers dedicated their time, without pay, to help their neighbors. In 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implemented a national advisory and oversight committee for CERT teams, offering standardized training materials to local teams that chose to affiliate. Today, most teams operate under the direction of the Office of Domestic Preparedness.

    Significance

    • The impact of trained and skilled emergency volunteers raises the level of community safety and reduces the response time in an actual emergency. CERT organizations use local and federal funding in order to offer First Aid and more advanced training to volunteers.

    Features

    • In conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, State Citizen Corps Councils assist local CERT organizations with targeted training materials and programs. These training materials include general emergency preparedness, fire safety, domestic terrorism concerns, specific weather hazards and the most effective way to handle a mass emergency. These training materials and lesson plans are available for downloading from the Citizen Corps Council at no charge (see Resources below).

    Types

    • Most training for CERTs is hands-on, with local emergency agencies organizing the volunteers and offering First Aid training and certification. Some CERT members may serve with their local ambulance programs or fire departments on a regular basis. Members will learn basic search and rescue techniques, initial evaluation of victims and a pre-determined support role in case of a large-scale emergency.

    Effects

    • By training volunteers to respond in a cooperative and professional manner, communities raise their chances of survival during an emergency. CERT members take part in simulated emergency scenarios to determine the efficiency level of the team to potential threats. In addition, local CERT members may serve the community by installing fire alarms, distributing educational materials to schools and community organizations, and by volunteering their service at local sporting events in conjunction with medical emergency crews.

    Theories/Speculation

    • More victims of large-scale disasters will survive if trained emergency workers follow a designated plan in identifying the injuries and the immediate needs of the victims. When activated, CERT members will work under the direction of medical emergency personnel to locate and treat as many victims as quickly as possible.

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