Delivery of material
The CERT course is delivered on the University of North Alabama East Campus by a team of first responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions.
The CERT training is usually delivered in 2 hour sessions, one evening a week over a 10 week period. Make-up courses are done as permitted as a result of course rescheduling due to weather or to accommodate those students who miss classes. In order to receive a completion certificate, students must complete all sessions. The training consists of the following:
Session I, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Addresses various hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community and state. 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 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 in a controlled burn environment using a propane powered fire pan in an outdoor environment. Participants will extinguish the fire under the supervision of CERT instructors and local fire safety personnel.
Session III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I: Participants examine treating airway obstructions, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.
Session 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. This portion of the course involves some hands-on, classroom practice of skills discussed in the Medical Operations modules.
Session 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 VI, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION: Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for proper documentation.
Session VII, COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION: Participants review during the final course session to prepare to take an exam as a review of material. Then, students take the final exam before participating in a hands-on simulation exercise to practice the skills they have learned during previous sessions.