CERT Course

When:  Saturday, March 3rd AND Saturday, March 10th, 2012.  The final exercise is April 14th at the University of Portland.  Students must register for this exercise.

From: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both training days

Where:  Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030

Register at http://CERT.doattend.com

What is CERT?  Community Emergency Response Team

CERT training focuses on increasing the lefel of safety for those individuals who will be stepping forward to assist after a disaster.  CERT promotes a partnership between emergency services and the community members they serve.  

In the wake of a disaster, emergency personnel and their resources may be overwhelmed by the response needs in the community.  CERT training gives individuals a glimpse into the "System" designed to save lives in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Class Session Topics

Disaster Preparedness: The impact of disasters on buildings, non-structural elements, infrastructure and social systems.  An overview of local hazards and basic preparedness.

Disaster Fire Suppression: Fire chemistry and behavior, reducting potential fire hazards, and basic fire suppression techniques.

Disaster Medical Operations: Treatment for life-threatening conditions; principles of triage; how to lift and carry for patient movement; head-to-toe assessments; basic first aid treatments, and establishing treatment areas.

Search & Rescue (SAR) and Disaster Psychology: Techniques for situation size-up & rescuer safety, recognizing rescuer limitations, victim extrication, and disaster psychology.

Team Organization and Decision Making: Volunteer management, documentation, & resource allocation.

AND Terrorism, Hazardous Materials and Disaster Psychology

All students are required to participate in a final exercise before being considered "CERT Certified."  The final exercise for this class is April 14th at the University of Portland.  Students must register for this exercise.

If students wish to purchase a book, they may do so for $20.  However, we recommend the CERT All Weather Field Operations Guide as a better choice.  It is weather resistant and fits into a back pack.  These guides can be found online and range in price from $11 to $15.  

Please arrive well rested, dressed for the weather and ready to interact with your fellow students.  Bring your own coffee, snacks and lunch.