What is CERT
CERT stands for the Community Emergency Response Team, and as the name implies, it's a nationwide program that aims to get regular citizens to be able to combat disasters in their area. The goal with CERT is to have as many people prepared for disasters so that when human resources start to become scarce there's a lot of people who can help out with smaller tasks. For example, in the event of an earthquake there just isn't going to be enough responders to take care of someone's broken arm, so if a CERT volunteer is able to create a splint or triangle bandage then first responders can focus on the most pressing issues. That's why one of the mottos in CERT is you are the help until help arrives, because the people on the scene of a disaster are the ones who are able to help out the fastest if they have the training. Another example of that would be in a school shooting. A first responder is not going to be able to be on the scene as fast as a student in the classroom. As part of my cert training, I completed a stop the bleed course and in the event of a shooting I would know how to assist with a bullet wound which could be the difference between life and death in that situation. Another motto in CERT is doing the greatest good for the greatest number, which refers to that idea of being able to help out with smaller tasks so that professionals can focus on larger issues.
How CERT Started
The concept of CERT was started up by the Los Angeles City Fire Department back in 1985. They realized that local governments become overwhelmed during disasters, and in order for a community to be truly prepared, individuals need to be trained on disaster preparedness. After an earthquake in California in 1987, it was obvious that civilians needed to be trained to accommodate for the immediate needs of victims. since 1993, CERT has been a national program in all 50 states which includes tribal nations and territories. Different CERT programs go through the same training but are unique in the sense that the training is specific to each community. For example, there's cert training specific for counties in each state, so it's a great way to learn about dealing with local hazards.
What Do You Do?
The great thing about CERT is that it's reasonable. It's not like you're learning how to completely manage an entire full scale disaster, but more learning about how to protect yourself and your family as well as the people around you during a disaster. There's 9 units in the course, and typically community courses last 20 hours. Some cool units were the disaster simulation and the medical operations. The simulation is so realistic and it's a culmination of everything you've learned in a classroom in a real setting.
