Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis

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CERT Basic Training Class, June 2018

/ News and Alerts /

CERT Basic training consists of 20.5 hours of training including a mass casualty exercise.

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic training is to provide you with basic skills necessary to respond to your community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and respond to a disaster.

CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.

Schedule:

June 1: 6pm-9pm
June 2: 8am-5pm
June 3: 8am-3pm
June 9: 8am-1pm. Course completion and Disaster Simulation

Sign up:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aaacert-basic-training-late-spring-2018-tickets-45589869527?aff=eac2

Snacks/Lunch: On your own – suggest that you bring a bag lunch however, there are several fast food restaurants nearby.

Refunds: Last minute cancellations limit the opportunities for others to register. As such, refunds are only available 5 or more days prior to the beginning of class.

PRE-REQUISITES

The following two on-line FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses must be successfully completed prior to start of class on June 1. E-mail a PDF of the certificates or the links of the certificates to AAACERT Training. These classes are free (note: you will be required to get a Student ID (SID) which also is free). The classes are listed as 3 hours each in duration but, on the average, students complete them in a little more than half that time.

1. IS-100.B: Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100

2. IS-700.A: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

Overall Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, the participants should be able to:

1. Describe the types of hazards that are most likely to affect their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods

2. Take steps to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster

3. Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response.

4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods

5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a pan fire.

6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling excessive bleeding, and treating for shock

7. Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.

8. Perform head-to-toe patient assessments.

9. Select and set up a treatment area.

10. Employ basic treatments for various injuries and apply splints to suspected fractures and sprains.

11. Identify planning and sizeup requirements for potential search and rescue situations.

12. Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.

13. Work as a team to apply safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.

14. Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations.Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors. Describe CERT organization and documentation requirements. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Course outline:

Unit – 1 Disaster Preparedness
– Introductions and Overview
– Community Preparedness: Roles and Responsibilities
– Hazards and Their Potential Impact
– Impact on the Infrastructure
– Home and Workplace Preparedness
– Reducing the Impact of Hazards Through Mitigation
– CERT Disaster Response
– Protection for Disaster Workers
– Additional Training for CERTs
– Unit Summary

Unit – 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Fire Chemistry
– Fire and Utility Hazards
– CERT Sizeup
– Fire Sizeup Considerations
– Firefighting Resources
– Fire Suppression Safety
– Hazardous Materials
– Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires
– Unit Summary

Unit – 3 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
– Triage
– Unit Summary

Unit – 4 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 2
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Public Health Considerations
– Functions of Disaster Medical Operations
– Establishing Medical Treatment Areas
– Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments
– Treating Burns
– Wound Care
– Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
– Nasal Injuries
– Treating Cold-Related Injuries
– Treating Heat-Related Injuries
– Bites and Stings
– Unit Summary

Unit – 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
– Conducting Interior and Exterior Search Operations
– Conducting Rescue Operations
– Unit Summary

Unit – 6 CERT Organization
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– CERT Organization
– CERT Mobilization
– Documentation
– Activity: ICS Functions
– Activity: Tabletop Exercise
– Unit Summary

Unit – 7 Disaster Psychology
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Disaster Trauma
– Team Well-Being
– Working with Survivors’ Trauma
– Unit Summary

Unit – 8 Terrorism and CERT
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– What Is Terrorism?
– Terrorist Targets
– Terrorist Weapons
– CBRNE Indicators
– Preparing at Home, Work, and in Your Neighborhood
– CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
– Activity: Applying CERT Principles to a Suspected Terrorist Incident
– Unit Summary

Unit – 9 Functional Needs, Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Course Review
– Final Exam
– Disaster Simulation
Exercise Critique and Summary

Course dates/times/content subject to change. Changes will be made on this post.

You must complete all units in order to receive your Certificate of Completion.

Questions? Contact: AAACERT Training

We look forward to having you!

Be Prepared. Have a Plan.

CERT Basic Training Class, June 2018 Read More »

AAACERT Donations via AmazonSmile

/ News and Alerts /

The holidays are approaching and our supporters, friends and family will be busy shopping for gifts, decorations, and more. By reminding them to shop at smile.amazon.com linked to Anne Arundel County Annapolis CERT,  we can increase our AmazonSmile donation.

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to AAACERT since we’re an eligible 501(c)(3). And best of all, there is no additional cost to the purchases.

Please use the link below to ensure that AAACERT is assigned as your AmazonSmile donation recipient.

https://smile.amazon.com/ref=smi_ext_ch_47-3987874

 

 

 

AAACERT Donations via AmazonSmile Read More »

Amateur “Ham” Radio Training – Free

/ News and Alerts /

Anne Arundel Radio Club is hosting FREE training to become an amateur “ham” radio operator! The training is for the entry level license (Technician) and will be held consecutive Saturdays from 0830 to 1200, beginning 07 October and ending 11 November with testing offered after the last class. There is no age limit, there is no longer a morse code requirement and an electronics background IS NOT necessary.
The text for this class is “The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 3rd Edition” and may be purchased from Amazon (please use smile.amazon.com and register so that Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis CERT is your charity).
DIRECTIONS:
Davidsonville Family Recreation Center
3789 Queen Anne’s Bridge Road
Davidsonville, Maryland 21035
The clubhouse is about 1¼ miles from the intersection of Maryland Routes 214 and 424. From that intersection proceed ¼ mile west on MD 214, Central Avenue, then make a 45 degree left turn onto Queen Anne’s Bridge Road. After about 1 mile, you will cross Wayson Road. At this point, you will see a chain-link fence on your left. This is the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center. Proceed to the gate and turn left into the center, go straight ahead between two buildings and up the hill. At the top, you will find ample free parking. The Anne Arundel Radio Club is the last building on your right. It is near an almost 200-foot repeater tower and is clearly marked. You really can’t miss it.
Like all classes, a notebook and writing utensil will come in handy. If you purchase your text through the club, we will provide those to you along with your book at the first session. Again advance notice is the key to having such materials on hand. On the first day of class, the club will likely provide free coffee and donuts for all. Typically the club will also have sodas for sale throughout the course. If you want to bring a snack or breakfast, please feel free to do so. Our clubhouse is relatively well equipped, with heat, water, adequate restroom facilities, and a working refrigerator and microwave.
FAQ :: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there age requirements?
No ! If you pass the test, you get a license. That being said, the youngest US ham on record was 6 years old, but she had the benefit of growing up with
licensed parents and siblings. My feeling is that this course is not beyond the ability of the average teenager, and can likely be passed by those in the 10 to 12 range if they have a strong interest in the hobby. I do know a little knowledge of algebra helps.
2. Is this class going to be over my head?
No ! We try to keep everything at a level that the average person can understand. It is the instructors’ goal to teach the material using plain English with as little geek-speak as possible. Our function is to help you understand the material as best as we can. You might, however, learn a little geek-speak along the way.
3. Do I need to pre-register?
No ! But if you know you are going to take the class, we would appreciate it. This helps us know how many to expect on that first class date, how many supplies and handouts to prepare, and even helps us know how many donuts to buy. But if someone wants to come along last minute, that is great. We always plan for a few extras. We track class interest by the number of pre-registrations.
4. How does one dress for a ham radio class?
Dress comfortably. You are going to be there for several hours. Jeans and a t-shirt are just fine.
5. What do I need to bring with me?
You will need note-taking materials. If you are purchasing your book through the club, we will provide those to you at your first session. A calculator capable of doing logarithms and square roots might come in handy occasionally but is certainly not necessary. The dollar store sells one suitable for the test.
6. What if I can’t attend all the classes ?
Missing a class is not going to doom you to failure. We can provide you with the class materials, and the book should help you cover the rest. That being said, missing a number of classes may lower your chances of passing the test. Read, Study, & Ask Questions.
7. Is your class really totally ‘FREE’, with no strings attached?
Yes ! Obviously, we would love a few new members for our club, assuming that idea interests you. But if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. We are totally happy that we could help you move forward with your Amateur Radio hobby. If you complete the course and pass the test, we will give you a free membership in the AARC for the remainder of the membership year.
8. How much does the book cost?
It sounds awful to say, but it varies. The Kindle version is probably the least expensive for approximately $20, but of course, you must own the equipment to read the Kindle files. With shipping included most print versions are in the $30 range. In past years I can say that Amazon.com has been less expensive than purchasing the book either from the AARC or the ARRL, but not by much. Your decision may come down to what is most convenient for you.
9. Can you tell me about the qualifications of the instructors?
All of our instructors hold Amateur Extra class licenses. Several are Electrical Engineers and all are quite expert in the subjects they teach.
10. What if I have a question that is not listed here?
Email our Training Coordinator, Keith Miller/AE3D learn@w3vpr.org or phone 240-758-0423 and leave your name and number. He will get back to you shortly.

Amateur “Ham” Radio Training – Free Read More »

CERT Basic Training Course: Summer and Fall 2017 Registration Now Open!

/ News and Alerts /

Dates for both July and September have been released and registration is open!

Schedule for Summer:

Friday, July 28: 6pm-9pm
Saturday, July 29: 8am-5pm
Sunday, July 30: 8am-3pm
Saturday, August 5: 8am-1pm (disaster simulation)

Click here to register for the summer session!

Schedule for Fall:

Friday, September 15: 6pm-9pm
Saturday, September 16: 8am-5pm
Sunday, September 17: 8am-3pm
Sunday, September, September 24: 8am-1pm (disaster simulation) (This is a change from the previously published date of Saturday, September 23). 

Click here to register for the fall session!

Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy
415 Maxwell Frye Road
Millersville, MD 21108

CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster.

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training is to provide the individuals who complete this course with the basic skills that they will need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and respond to a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.

Fee: $70.00 to cover the cost of the training manual, disposable first aid training supplies, and a CERT backpack.

Lunch: On your own – suggest that you bring a bag lunch however, there are several fast food restaurants nearby.

Attendees are required to attend all sessions to complete the class and obtain a certificate. For questions, please contact training@aaacert.org

Overall Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, the participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the types of hazards that are most likely to affect their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    2. Take steps to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster.
    3. Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response.
    4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a pan fire.
    6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling excessive bleeding, and treating for shock.
    7. Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.
    8. Perform head-to-toe patient assessments.
    9. Select and set up a treatment area.
    10.Employ basic treatments for various injuries and apply splints to suspected fractures and sprains.
    11.Identify planning and sizeup requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
    12.Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
    13.Work as a team to apply safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
    14.Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations.
    15.Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors.
    16.Describe CERT organization and documentation requirements. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Course Outline

Unit – 1 Disaster Preparedness
– Introductions and Overview
– Community Preparedness: Roles and Responsibilities
– Hazards and Their Potential Impact
– Impact on the Infrastructure
– Home and Workplace Preparedness
– Reducing the Impact of Hazards Through Mitigation
– CERT Disaster Response
– Protection for Disaster Workers
– Additional Training for CERTs
– Unit Summary

Unit – 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Fire Chemistry
– Fire and Utility Hazards
– CERT Sizeup
– Fire Sizeup Considerations
– Firefighting Resources
– Fire Suppression Safety
– Hazardous Materials
– Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires
– Unit Summary

Unit – 3 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
– Triage
– Unit Summary

Unit – 4 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 2
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Public Health Considerations
– Functions of Disaster Medical Operations
– Establishing Medical Treatment Areas
– Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments
– Treating Burns
– Wound Care
– Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
– Nasal Injuries
– Treating Cold-Related Injuries
– Treating Heat-Related Injuries
– Bites and Stings
– Unit Summary

Unit – 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
– Conducting Interior and Exterior Search Operations
– Conducting Rescue Operations
– Unit Summary

Unit – 6 CERT Organization
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– CERT Organization
– CERT Mobilization
– Documentation
– Activity: ICS Functions
– Activity: Tabletop Exercise
– Unit Summary

Unit – 7 Disaster Psychology
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Disaster Trauma
– Team Well-Being
– Working with Survivors’ Trauma
– Unit Summary

Unit – 8 Terrorism and CERT
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– What Is Terrorism?
– Terrorist Targets
– Terrorist Weapons
– CBRNE Indicators
– Preparing at Home, Work, and in Your Neighborhood
– CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
– Activity: Applying CERT Principles to a Suspected Terrorist Incident
– Unit Summary

Unit – 9 Functional Needs, Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Course Review
– Final Exam
– Disaster Simulation
Exercise Critique and Summary

We look forward to having you!

Course dates/times/content subject to change. Changes will be made on this blog post.

CERT Basic Training Course: Summer and Fall 2017 Registration Now Open! Read More »

National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training

/ Training Beyond Basics / ,

TRAINING DESCRIPTION: A new coordinated, multi-disciplinary training
program, developed through the national Second Strategic Highway
Research Program (SHRP2), is being offered for all emergency
responders and those supporting Traffic Incident Management operations
– police, firefighters, EMS, state and local departments of
transportation, towing, and other incident responders.

The purpose is to promote a shared understanding of the requirements
for achieving the safety of responders and motorists, quick response,
and effective communications at traffic incident scenes, leading to a
safer, faster, integrated responder team and reduce secondary crashes.

DATE:  Saturday, 13 May 2017
TIME: 0800 – 1200
Location: Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy, 415 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville, MD

Register by using the link to the right.

National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training Read More »

SWAT Exercise: Need for Volunteers

/ News and Alerts / ,

The 2017 NCR SWAT FSE, which is scheduled for April 26, 2017, is one (1) of two (2) exercises in the 2016-2017 NCR SWAT Exercise Series focused on exercising the NCR Coordinated Tactical Response Plan. Six (6) venues will host and support exercise play. Multiple SWAT teams will stage at and respond to a simulated complex coordinated attack at each of the six (6) different host venues. 

All volunteers must be 18 years of age in order to participate in the exercise. Volunteers will be expected to act out the part of a victim to a terrorist attack at a location to be determined by your preference in this registration and the need for volunteers at each location. Refreshments will be provided to volunteers at all locations. Emergency responders and other entities will test their ability to respond to and manage the scenario at each location. All volunteers will be given a safety briefing prior to the start of the exercise and instructed to follow all first responder commands.  Prior to the exercise, you will receive an email with a location assignment and other logistical information pertinent to that location. You must bring a government issued ID to your assigned location in order to participate in the exercise. 

For more information regarding the exercise and to register as a role player, please visit the following link: https://ncrswatvolunteerreg.eventbrite.com

SWAT Exercise: Need for Volunteers Read More »

Special Thanks to Ray and Sharon Wingo

/ News and Alerts /

On February 15, 2017, Ray and Sharon Wingo were recognized at the monthly Anne Arundel County – Annapolis (AAA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) monthly training session for outstanding service to the team and broader community. For years, Ray and Sharon have been teaching the importance of fire safety, preparedness, and suppression for CERT and the local community members. At every CERT Basic class, they pull up the mobile unit and demonstrate first-hand how to suppress small fires.

At the conclusion of the February training session, which happened to be pertaining to fire safety, Mr. Paul Bowling, AAA CERT President, presented Ray and Sharon with a plaque and card.

 

Special Thanks to Ray and Sharon Wingo Read More »

American Heart Association First Aid / CPR / AED

/ News and Alerts /

The Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED course is designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Heartsaver courses are intended for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting.

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

  • list the priorities, roles, and responsibilities of the first aid rescuer
  • describe the key steps in first aid
  • describe the assessment of and first aid actions for the following life-threatening conditions: heart attack, difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding, shock, and stroke
  • use an epinephrine pen
  • control bleeding
  • recognize elements of common injuries and illnesses
  • recognize the legal questions that apply to first aid rescuers
  • describe how high-quality CPR improves survival
  • explain the concepts of the Chain of Survival
  • recognize when someone needs CPR
  • perform high-quality CPR for an adult alone or as a team member during multi-rescuer CPR (child and infant CPR modules are optional)
  • give effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or a barrier device for all age groups
  • demonstrate how to use an AED on an adult (child and infant AED modules are optional)
  • describe when and how to help a choking adult or child (infant choking module is optional).

Upon successful completion of the course, including a first aid skills demonstration and a CPR and AED skills test, students receive a Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course completion card that is valid for two years.

Each student will receive:
– AHA HeartSaver CPR/AED First Aid Training Manual
– First Aid training material
– Certification (upon successful completion)

This course is normally $125.00 but is being offered to CERT MEMBERS ONLY for $31.00 plus fees.

American Heart Association First Aid / CPR / AED Read More »

CERT Basic Training Course, March 2017 Registration Open!

/ News and Alerts /

Dates have been released and registration is open!

Schedule:

Friday, March 31: 6pm-9pm
Saturday, April 1: 8am-5pm
Sunday, April 2: 8am-3pm
Saturday, April 8: 8am-12pm (disaster simulation)

Additional optional classes known as Basic + (Plus) including CPR/AED, First Aid, and Radio Communications will be offered following this class. More details to follow.

Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy
415 Maxwell Frye Road
Millersville, MD 21108

Register here

CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster.

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training is to provide the individuals who complete this course with the basic skills that they will need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and respond to a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.

Fee: $60.00 to cover the cost of the training manual, disposable first aid training supplies, and a CERT backpack.

Lunch: On your own – suggest that you bring a bag lunch however, there are several fast food restaurants nearby.

Attendees are required to attend all sessions to complete the class and obtain a certificate. For questions, please contact training@aaacert.org

Overall Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, the participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the types of hazards that are most likely to affect their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    2. Take steps to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster.
    3. Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response.
    4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a pan fire.
    6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling excessive bleeding, and treating for shock.
    7. Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.
    8. Perform head-to-toe patient assessments.
    9. Select and set up a treatment area.
    10.Employ basic treatments for various injuries and apply splints to suspected fractures and sprains.
    11.Identify planning and sizeup requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
    12.Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
    13.Work as a team to apply safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
    14.Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations.
    15.Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors.
    16.Describe CERT organization and documentation requirements. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Course Outline

Unit – 1 Disaster Preparedness
– Introductions and Overview
– Community Preparedness: Roles and Responsibilities
– Hazards and Their Potential Impact
– Impact on the Infrastructure
– Home and Workplace Preparedness
– Reducing the Impact of Hazards Through Mitigation
– CERT Disaster Response
– Protection for Disaster Workers
– Additional Training for CERTs
– Unit Summary

Unit – 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Fire Chemistry
– Fire and Utility Hazards
– CERT Sizeup
– Fire Sizeup Considerations
– Firefighting Resources
– Fire Suppression Safety
– Hazardous Materials
– Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires
– Unit Summary

Unit – 3 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
– Triage
– Unit Summary

Unit – 4 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 2
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Public Health Considerations
– Functions of Disaster Medical Operations
– Establishing Medical Treatment Areas
– Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments
– Treating Burns
– Wound Care
– Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
– Nasal Injuries
– Treating Cold-Related Injuries
– Treating Heat-Related Injuries
– Bites and Stings
– Unit Summary

Unit – 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
– Conducting Interior and Exterior Search Operations
– Conducting Rescue Operations
– Unit Summary

Unit – 6 CERT Organization
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– CERT Organization
– CERT Mobilization
– Documentation
– Activity: ICS Functions
– Activity: Tabletop Exercise
– Unit Summary

Unit – 7 Disaster Psychology
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Disaster Trauma
– Team Well-Being
– Working with Survivors’ Trauma
– Unit Summary

Unit – 8 Terrorism and CERT
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– What Is Terrorism?
– Terrorist Targets
– Terrorist Weapons
– CBRNE Indicators
– Preparing at Home, Work, and in Your Neighborhood
– CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
– Activity: Applying CERT Principles to a Suspected Terrorist Incident
– Unit Summary

Unit – 9 Functional Needs, Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Course Review
– Final Exam
– Disaster Simulation
Exercise Critique and Summary

We look forward to having you!

Course dates/times/content subject to change. Changes will be made on this blog post.

CERT Basic Training Course, March 2017 Registration Open! Read More »

New Online Course: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster

/ News and Alerts / ,

FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is offering a new self-paced, independent study course, Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster.

This course explores how religious and cultural communities are engaged during disasters, how religious and cultural diversity and practice is protected by law, and how religious and cultural diversity can strengthen emergency management capabilities.  It provides emergency management professionals and faith and community leaders active in disaster with literacy and competency tools to engage religious and cultural groups both pre- and post-disaster.

The course was developed to support partnerships between the first responders and faith-based and community organizations to more effectively serve disaster survivors in their time of need.
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-505

New Online Course: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster Read More »

National Weather Service (NWS) Sterling Open House

/ News and Alerts /

The Sterling Virginia office of the National Weather Service (NWS) will be holding an open hose Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. This will be an opportunity to see the operations of the local NWS office.
– Learn how Warnings & Forecasts are Made
– Hourly Weather Balloon Launch
-Child Friendly Weather Experiments
– Tours of the NWS office (an exceptional opportunity since this is usually secured)
– Learn about setting up your own Weather Station
– Various presentations on weather threats
– BASIC Skywarn Spotter class will be offered

AND MUCH MORE …..

Visit http://www.weather.gov/lwx/openhouse to learn more

 

National Weather Service (NWS) Sterling Open House Read More »

CERT Basic Training Class for the Police Explorers

/ News and Alerts /

From April 1-3, the Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT trained Police Explorers at the Fire Training Academy.13 students were taught lessons such as disaster preparedness, medical operations, basic search and rescue, and light fire suppression. Several exercises were conducted including basic triaging and victim carries.

This was all in preparation for the final disaster simulation which will take place on Saturday, May 21st. The simulation will be an authentic exercise to test the Explorers’ skills as well as other community members who take the May Basic Training Class.

As a community member, you can still register for Basic Training here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cert-basic-class-spring-2016-tickets-21978729973

Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERT is also looking for volunteers to serve as “victims” for the disaster simulation exercise from 080000-1200 on Saturday, May 21. For more details, please contact training@aaacert.org

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AAA CERT to train the Police Explorers

/ News and Alerts / ,

The Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT will be training the Police Explorers April 1-9 at the expFire Training Academy. The Anne Arundel County Police Explorer Program was created to introduce high school-aged youths to the various careers in law enforcement. Police Explorers are uniformed, non-paid members of the department which meet once a week. During the meetings, Explorers learn good moral character, responsibility and team work. They also receive police associated training which shows them what is like to be a recruit officer in training.

CERT is looking for volunteers to serve as “victims” for the disaster simulation exercise from 0900-1200 on Saturday, April 9th. For more details, please contact training@aaacert.org

This will be CERT’s first Basic training course of the year. CERT will also be hosting a Teen CERT course in the fall.

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Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) Training

/ Training Beyond Basics /

Registration is now open for a Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) training being conducted specifically for Medical Reserve Corps members in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

The class will be held on March 31, 2016 at the Prince George’s County Fire Service Building at 6820 Webster Street in Landover Hills, from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Lunch will be provided.

Register soon, as space is limited. Please let Ms. Molineaux know if you have any questions.

ceecee.molineaux@maryland.gov

Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) Training Read More »

CERT Basic Training Class, May 2016

/ News and Alerts /

Friday, 6 May, 19:00 – 22:00
Saturday, 7 May, 08:00 – 16:00
Sunday, 8 May, 08:00 – 13:30
Saturday, 21 May, 10:00 – 13:00 (final exercise)

Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy
415 Maxwell Frye Road
Millersville, MD 21108

Register here

CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster.

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This could be you! A happy (and well educated) CERT graduate.

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training is to provide the individuals who complete this course with the basic skills that they will need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and respond to a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.

Fee: $35.00 to cover the cost of the training manual, disposable first aid training supplies, and a CERT backpack.

Lunch: On your own – suggest that you bring a bag lunch however, there are several fast food restaurants nearby.

Attendees are required to attend all sessions to complete the class and obtain a certificate. For questions, please contact training@aaacert.org

Overall Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, the participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the types of hazards that are most likely to affect their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    2. Take steps to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster.
    3. Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response.
    4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a pan fire.
    6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling excessive bleeding, and treating for shock.
    7. Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.
    8. Perform head-to-toe patient assessments.
    9. Select and set up a treatment area.
    10.Employ basic treatments for various injuries and apply splints to suspected fractures and sprains.
    11.Identify planning and sizeup requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
    12.Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
    13.Work as a team to apply safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
    14.Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations.
    15.Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors.
    16.Describe CERT organization and documentation requirements. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Course Outline

Unit – 1 Disaster Preparedness
– Introductions and Overview
– Community Preparedness: Roles and Responsibilities
– Hazards and Their Potential Impact
– Impact on the Infrastructure
– Home and Workplace Preparedness
– Reducing the Impact of Hazards Through Mitigation
– CERT Disaster Response
– Protection for Disaster Workers
– Additional Training for CERTs
– Unit Summary

Unit – 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Fire Chemistry
– Fire and Utility Hazards
– CERT Sizeup
– Fire Sizeup Considerations
– Firefighting Resources
– Fire Suppression Safety
– Hazardous Materials
– Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires
– Unit Summary

Unit – 3 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
– Triage
– Unit Summary

Unit – 4 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 2
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Public Health Considerations
– Functions of Disaster Medical Operations
– Establishing Medical Treatment Areas
– Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments
– Treating Burns
– Wound Care
– Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
– Nasal Injuries
– Treating Cold-Related Injuries
– Treating Heat-Related Injuries
– Bites and Stings
– Unit Summary

Unit – 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
– Conducting Interior and Exterior Search Operations
– Conducting Rescue Operations
– Unit Summary

Unit – 6 CERT Organization
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– CERT Organization
– CERT Mobilization
– Documentation
– Activity: ICS Functions
– Activity: Tabletop Exercise
– Unit Summary

Unit – 7 Disaster Psychology
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Disaster Trauma
– Team Well-Being
– Working with Survivors’ Trauma
– Unit Summary

Unit – 8 Terrorism and CERT
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– What Is Terrorism?
– Terrorist Targets
– Terrorist Weapons
– CBRNE Indicators
– Preparing at Home, Work, and in Your Neighborhood
– CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
– Activity: Applying CERT Principles to a Suspected Terrorist Incident
– Unit Summary

Unit – 9 Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Course Review
– Final Exam
– Disaster Simulation
Exercise Critique and Summary

We look forward to having you!

Course dates/times/content subject to change. Changes will be made on this blog post.

CERT Basic Training Class, May 2016 Read More »

CERT Acting Opportunity

/ News and Alerts / ,

IIF Data Solutions Inc. is currently seeking 100 participants who will be acting as “victims” who will be “rescued “ as part of the National Guards Training for Emergency Preparedness. They do these Training Exercises all across the US and have had many CERT members in the past really enjoy the experience.

The Event will take place on February 22 , 23 ,24 and 25th  2016 at the DC Fire And EMS Training Academy and the RFK Stadium.

Role Players will be paid $14.77/ hr. Orientation is from 1 pm to 4 pm on February 22. Role players will be provided a lunch on the full days that they work.

All Role Players will be paid for all hours including Orientation on the last day that they work. Participants must be 18 years of age and older unless accompanying an adult then they can be 16 years of age.

To apply you simply go to www.iifdata.com Go to RPSS . Click on blue tab labeled additional exercise information. Scroll to the state of interest . An application will then pop up . Complete all the fields and submit.

Questions can be sent to: grace.zimmerman@iifdata.com

If you attend, please let us know how it went via the comments below!

Thank you  for all your support.

IIF Data Solutions Inc. is contracted by the government to support National Guard Training For Emergency Preparedness and their Role Player Support.

CERT Acting Opportunity Read More »

Workplace Violence / Active shooter VIRTUAL EXERCISE

/ News and Alerts / ,

On FEBRUARY 8TH, 2 – 4 PM EST get ready to STRESS-Test your Plans

Workplace violence fear is an increasing concern nationally. Do you know what to look for before violence comes to work?  How do your plans reduce these risks and tNewFirestormLogoWebhreats?

Join Firestorm and key national partners for an expanded 120-minute, no-fee, virtual workplace violence crisis exercise. Test your plans, identify any gaps, and benchmark your response before a real crisis occurs. Don’t wait for violence; experience what needs to be done before, during, and after a workplace violence event.

Firestorm celebrates more than 10 years of service empowering people to manage risk and crises. In 2015, more than one thousand companies participated in live Firestorm interactive, virtual exercises.  Firestorm has expanded the virtual exercise format to provide more time for each team to participate and make critical decisions. Join us:

Monday, February 8th 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST

Register here

Led by Jim Satterfield, Firestorm President and Chief Operating Officer, these exercises will be interactive, illustrating the various phases of an escalating violence incident: how to respond, what to communicate, and response to the unexpected and unknown.

Preparedness requires comprehensive planning and staff training to identify potential workplace violence issues, develop protocols to address situations, and respond to events that threaten the safety of everyone in your facility.

·         What do you know?

·         What do you do?

·         How do you monitor?

·         What do you communicate and with whom?

What Happens Once a Warning is Triggered?

·         What is the protocol in your organization for reporting an observed threat or behavior of concern?

·         Do you know?

·         Do your employees know?

·         Does the report go through your security team? Or maybe HR? Does it depend on the type of threat?

·         Has the process been tested?

Your plans will be tested in 2016. Will this be before a crisis or in a crisis?

Agenda:

·         Crisis/consequence management overview

·         Exercise structure, objectives and assumptions

·         WPV crisis scenario: series of escalations

·         Hot wash self-review and crisis management maturity model analysis

·         Warning signs and indicators

·         Next steps and resources

Who Should Attend? Anyone who wants to ensure their business is prepared for an incident of violence:

·         Senior crisis team members

·         Business continuity team members

·         Crisis communication team members

·         Senior leadership

·         Operations

·         Human resources

·         Security professionals

Workplace Violence / Active shooter VIRTUAL EXERCISE Read More »

CERT Basic Training, Upcoming Classes in Greenbelt, February 2016

/ News and Alerts / ,
Interesting in volunteering in your community? CERT personnel train to prepare for disasters or an overwhelming event by identifying and mitigating potential hazards in the home, school and workplace. Check out these exciting training opportunities hosted by Greenbelt:
 
2) Spanish only CERT Training – April 2nd/3rd, 9a-4p: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pgc-and-iacl-basic-cert-training-002-tickets-20283693072
 
 
Please review the attachments (links below) as well.
 
Thank you,
Greenbelt CERT Leadership
 

CERT Basic Training, Upcoming Classes in Greenbelt, February 2016 Read More »