CERT Initial and Continuing Training
CERT trains citizens to provide initial assistance to their families, neighbors, and community during medical emergencies and disasters until professional emergency personnel arrive. Any Villages resident may become a volunteer member regardless of previous back, training, or experience. The training, is funded by Homeland Security and developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). CERT’s training consists of initial training of 36 hours and continuing training requiring approximately 18 hours per year
Initial Training
CERT’s initial training course is 36Â hours of classroom and practical hands on training. In the CERT initial training you learn:
- How to keep a friend, neighbor or loved one alive until professional emergency personnel arrive
- How to Provide a safe environment for yourself and others before disasters
- How to survive and cope during an overwhelming or catastrophic incident
- How to recognize potential hazards and reduce injury or damage to persons or property
- How to assume a leadership role with those who are not trained to deal with injuries or disasters
- How to identify and assist those who are traumatized from disasters or injuries.
Continuing Training
Because CERT is a volunteer organization dealing with emergency situations, you are required to keep your response skills properly maintained. Meeting these requirements results in approximately 18 hours per year. If you feel attending continuing education classes is too much of a demand on your schedule, CERT may not be for you. Please think about this before you commit.
