Session (week) One ("1"): Introduction of trainers, applicable paperwork and course expectations with overview.- Participants are reminded to read in-advance the applicable chapter(s) prior to the each classroom setting.
Session (week) Two ("2") <CERT Unit 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. As the session progresses, the instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to help their family members and neighbors, this training can help them operate in a safe and appropriate manner. The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction.
Session (week) Three ("3") <CERT Unit 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 (week) Four ("4") <CERT Unit 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 (week) Five ("5") <CERT Unit 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 (week) Six ("6") <CERT Unit V>: LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.
- Session (week) Seven ("7") <CERT Unit VI>: CERT ORGANIZATION: Addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation.
- Session (week) Eight ("8") <CERT Unit VII> : DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION: Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses the psychological impact of a disaster on rescuers and victims, and how to provide “psychological first aid.” It also covers steps one can take individually and as part of a CERT before, immediately following, and after a disaster.
- Session (week) Nine ("9") <CERT Unit VIII>: TERRORISM & CERT: Students will learn the definition of terrorism and what weapons are used by terrorists. They will also be given cues to help identify when a terrorist attack has occurred or is imminent. And, finally they will use this information to use protective action following an event.
- Session (week) Ten ("10") <CERT Unit IX>: COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION: Participants review their answers from a take home examination. Finally, they practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in a simulated disaster activity.
Rev_20091009