CERT: Do the Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

While working as a journalist on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, I noticed very quickly how long it took for emergency responders to arrive on the scene of a house fire or vehicle accident – really any emergency. This had nothing to do with the first responders, but the lack of resources in such a vast state. So, when I wrote a news story about a program that was launched where community members could train to assist and respond in these types of situations I jumped at the chance. I mean it made sense since I was usually on the scene anyway as a reporter.  

Fast forward to now and learning that the Corvallis Fire Department offered the same program here, I had to write about it. I spoke with Dave Busby, the Emergency Planning Manager for the Corvallis Fire Department about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training they offer community members.  

CERT educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. 

“The CERT concept started after several disasters demonstrated the need for community members to be trained with basic skills to get through a disaster (in the mid 80’S). When something bad happens, people want to help – that happens in every disaster,” said Busby. “The CERT motto is Do the greatest good for the greatest number and we are working to support all members of the community.” 

CERT Training 

The CERT Basic Training course that FEMA developed covers the skills that community members need to help while being safe. The concept is that CERT members first help themselves. Once they are safe, then help their neighbors, and then check in with their Ward CERT Team to see which Wards have been asked to help. All of this while keeping themselves safe with the equipment and skills CERT trains with and provides, according to Busby.  

“The basic training is for the worst case scenario event, but CERT is extremely valuable in helping the entire community become more resilient,” said Busby. “At no point are they ever expected to be professional first responders, just be the help until help arrives.” 

Busby said that here locally, CERT has been involved in the pandemic response coordinating things like PPE collection and distribution, staffing a phone bank, and staffing the vaccination clinics. During the wildfires the year before last, CERT members helped with the shelter at the Benton County Fairgrounds.  

“There is an initial on-line training of about 12 hours that the volunteer completes on their own time. Once that is completed, they email me the certificate and we coordinate a seat at the next skills check course,” said Busby. “The skills check are the hands on experience that allows the volunteers to get comfortable with things like providing basic first aid or using a fire extinguisher. Very safe, non-stress training that should give them the confidence to do that skill – it’s actually a lot of fun.” 

Registration is always open, anyone interested can go to the Corvallis City website and register. All courses are free. 

By: Jennifer Williams  

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