Comments on: Another Terrible Anniversary http://www.publicsafetysignals.com/2008/09/04/another-terrible-anniversary/ A discussion of Public Safety issues and why they matter Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:06:14 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Rob Berra http://www.publicsafetysignals.com/2008/09/04/another-terrible-anniversary/comment-page-1/#comment-928 Rob Berra Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:54:46 +0000 http://www.publicsafetysignals.com/?p=96#comment-928 "We must also realize that in response there is no way for fire, emergency management and EMS to be completely prepared for every scenario. Anything can happen at anytime. We need to remember we are all part of that web, and the strength of that web is increased by better integration with other facets of public safety." That's very true, and it's why I encourage anyone who wants to be part of the solution to look into the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Googling the phrase will take you to the main website; adding your city, county, or state will help you find local resources. The training is a mix of theoretical and practical, and teaches basic first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, incident management, and many other skills. In many locations the training is free. I had the great privilege to take it with an excellent team of instructors, including firefighters and EMS personnel, and found it an eye-opening experience. Having undergone a simulated rescue from a fourth floor, I have even greater respect for firefighters than I had before. CERT team members are able to help in situations where emergency professionals may not arrive for hours or longer, and learn how to assist victims while keeping themselves, their families, and their colleagues safe. I cannot recommend the program too highly; better to be part of the solution than part of the problem. If your city or county does not offer it, encourage them to look into it. It's an invaluable skillset, and something anyone who's not planning to be an actual professional First Responder should have. “We must also realize that in response there is no way for fire, emergency management and EMS to be completely prepared for every scenario. Anything can happen at anytime. We need to remember we are all part of that web, and the strength of that web is increased by better integration with other facets of public safety.”

That’s very true, and it’s why I encourage anyone who wants to be part of the solution to look into the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Googling the phrase will take you to the main website; adding your city, county, or state will help you find local resources. The training is a mix of theoretical and practical, and teaches basic first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, incident management, and many other skills.

In many locations the training is free. I had the great privilege to take it with an excellent team of instructors, including firefighters and EMS personnel, and found it an eye-opening experience. Having undergone a simulated rescue from a fourth floor, I have even greater respect for firefighters than I had before.

CERT team members are able to help in situations where emergency professionals may not arrive for hours or longer, and learn how to assist victims while keeping themselves, their families, and their colleagues safe. I cannot recommend the program too highly; better to be part of the solution than part of the problem. If your city or county does not offer it, encourage them to look into it. It’s an invaluable skillset, and something anyone who’s not planning to be an actual professional First Responder should have.

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