cpr instructors, first aid, parade marshals, traffic management, and more
Additional Member Training
WHAT CAN MEMBERS DO?
Active members are welcome and encouraged to partake in additional training beyond what is taught in CERT Basic. Anne Arundel County OEM and the City of Annapolis OEM often requests AAACERT provide members to assist in events and, in some cases, after a natural disaster. Corporate, non-profit, and private organizations also request AAACERT help during events. These requests require specialized training that is offered to active members for free or at deep discounts such as for CPR and Advanced First Aid. Below are a list of our functional teams and the training that is offered.
with membes of the AACO Food Bank.
Traffic Management
Traffic management is one of the most dangerous things AAACERT members can do. While the vast majority of our requests are on parking lots and private roads, we can be asked to support the police on major roadways. Training is performed by a member DJ Haslbeck who also volunteers as an Anne Arundel County Reserve Officer.
Members can decide how comfortable they are with the tasks and can volunteer for slower, more casual events and or locations. No traffic trained person is sent out on their own. They must shadow someone until they feel comfortable.
Upon completion of traffic training, members can join the Traffic Team.
CPR / AED (adult, child, and infant)
Unfortunately, CPR is not offered in the FEMA CERT Basic course. There just is not enough time and the cost are prohibitive. However, AAACERT members are offered certified CPR & AED training at a significant discount. The certification is through HSI and good for two years. The certification is not just for adults but also teaches and certifies you in child and infant CPR techniques. This class is offered many times throughout the year.
This training is required to join a number of functional teams including the First Aid Support Team (FAST) and CPR Instructor.
Parade Marshals
This is not the person at the front waving a baton or riding in a convertible. Parade marshals are responsible for organizing and lining up the parade participants; inspecting vehicles, trailers, and floats; watching for possible threats during the parade; and holding parade participants to a set of standards.
Most parades are held in the City of Annapolis and CERT is activated to support these events. Parade marshals must renew their training every year.
Upon completion of parade marshal training, members are part of the Parade Marshals team.
CERT Basic Instructor
The instructors for the CERT Basic class are all volunteers. Most go through the FEMA CERT Basic Train-the-Trainer class and become an official CERT Basic Trainer. Others may elect to teach a select unit as a Subject Matter Expert. AAACERT holds three CERT Basic classes per year and require a combined 100+ volunteer hours each course.
CPR Instructor
The instructors for the CERT Basic class are all volunteers. Most go through the FEMA CERT Basic Train-the-Trainer class and become an official CERT Basic Trainer. Others may elect to teach a select unit as a Subject Matter Expert. AAACERT holds three CERT Basic classes per year and require a combined 100+ volunteer hours each course.
Upon completion of the CPR Instructor course, members join the Learn to Save Lives team.
Emergency Operations Center Call Taker
Both Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis maintain Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). The Office of Emergency Management Director or local government officials may, at their discretion, partially or fully activate these EOCs. AAACERT members receive training to serve as EOC Call Takers, answering questions from members of the public, and connecting community members to local government agencies that can facilitate solutions. Some AAACERT members are also certified to act as Call Taker Supervisors.
EOC training takes place multiple times per year and certificates must be renewed yearly.
First Aid (adult, child, and infant)
Basic first aid is taught in CERT Basic. However, AAACERT members can also take an official Basic First Aid course with their CPR & AED training at a significant discount. There is also an Advanced First Aid certification available which includes an additional 15+ hours of advanced first aid knowledge and techniques. This class is offered once every two years. Members are also taught life saving skills in Stop the Bleed and Overdose Awareness.
This training is required to join a number of functional teams including the First Aid Support Team (FAST) and CPR Instructor.
Community Outreach
Community outreach is one of AAACERT’s main pillars. We try to have an information booth present at as many events around the county as we can. We are also more then eager to support other groups, such as the American Red Cross, doing things like handing out / installing smoke detectors in under served neighborhoods.