New CERT classes starting Oct. 18

Classes for those who want join a special program that helps citizens to be trained and prepared to meet their own needs and those of others in the event of an emergency are starting up in Green Valley on Oct. 18.

The program is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), part of a nationwide effort to train citizens to meet a community’s own immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs.

Following a disaster, such as a train wreck, hazardous materials spill or other event, factors such as the number of victims, communications failures and road blockages may prevent people from accessing emergency services they’ve come to expect through 9-1-1.

That’s where CERT comes in, explains Bill Kerr, a retired Army sergeant who is president and coordinator of the GVCERT Chapter, which has trained 217 volunteers since its inception in 2003.

The training involves completing a 20-hour course. Classes are free, open to the public and last about two and a half hours per session. Classes are held Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for eight weeks at the Green Valley Fire District Administration Building, 1285 W. Camino Encanto.

Classes are taught by Green Valley Fire District captains, some firefighters and some CERT volunteers.

Topics covered over the eight-week period include emergency preparedness, fire safety, emergency medical operations, light search and rescue, CERT organization, disaster psychology, terrorism and a disaster simulation exercise, Kerr said.

“There are no tests involved and our members are not placed in hazardous situations,” he explained.

“No matter what they do, it’s a training experience. We say there’s no such thing as doing something wrong. The only thing you can do wrong in an emergency is do nothing,” Kerr said.

“Most of what we provide is hands-on instruction, such as first aid splinting, using a fire extinguisher, setting up rehabilitation shelters for rehydration and rest, evacuating neighborhoods and helping victims deal with stress,” he explained.

In February, the GVCERT chapter received a $9,400, 14-foot emergency trailer, paid for by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of eight such vehicles to be placed throughout Pima County.

The trailer’s primary function is to transport medication and medical supplies in the event of a bioterrorism attack or disease outbreak.

The trailer is also outfitted with emergency equipment and supplies that can be used by CERT to assist first responder agencies in any disaster or emergency in Pima County, such as a flood or fire.

The federal government mandated that the CERT program be established nationwide after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Kerr said the GVCERT is the only one in the state which is incorporated as a non-profit organization and the only one which is self-guided and self-funded.

There is no charge for the classes, but those interested need to register. To do so and to get more information, call Kerr at 399-1234.