The original concept of CERT was to train volunteers to respond during large scale disasters, natural or man-made, and provide first aid and support to the citizens of the affected communities. Based on the needs of the communities being served, modifications have been made over the years to the CERT concept. We are preparing ourselves to respond to a large-scale disaster in The Villages and, if necessary, the surrounding communities. Most of our time in serving the community is done by our CERT teams providing the personnel, equipment, and medical supplies at major events in The Villages at the town squares, veterans’ park and the polo field. We never work alone. We always work with 2 or more in a group.

There is one other disaster that we also train for. It is what we call the “individual disaster”. For instance, finding a neighbor, friend or loved one in a situation that requires you to keep them alive for 5 minutes until the EMS/Rescue personnel arrive. If it is a cardiac, hemorrhaging, airway or shock related event, five minutes could feel like forever if you are working alone. In order to become proficient, and to maintain proficiency in life saving skills, a minimum of 18 hours a year of continuing education, training and volunteering at events are required. Once you graduate from CERT basic training, we provide the continuing education that you will need through regularly scheduled classes.