The CERT Academy consists of FEMA developed training that is provided nationally by local CERT Programs. This consistent base of training and information helps to bring people across the nation (and around the world) to a common understanding of what they can do in an emergency or disaster.
The CERT Academy is delivered locally by West Orange County CERT. We pull together a team of first responders and experienced CERT Members who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. This training course is where all members of West County CERT start as it is fundamental to the nationwide CERT Program. The training consists of the following:
- SESSION I: 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.
- SESSION II: 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.
- SESSION III: DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS (PART I):
Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.
- SESSION IV: DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS (PART II):
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.
- SESSION V: LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS:
Participants learn about search rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.
- SESSION VI: DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION:
Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation.
- SESSION VII: COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION:
Participants practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster activity.
The course is usually put on on two consecutive Friday evenings and Saturdays to meet the required 24 hours of training. The course is open to all individuals 18 years or older; 16+ with parent or guardian permission; 14+ with parent or guardian participation. There is no cost to attend the training sessions.
Get more information on our next CERT Basic Training here.