Inaugural CERT class ready, willing to help
In times of crisis and emergencies, having a well-prepared and coordinated response team is crucial for the safety and well-being of a community. Helping that effort is Community Emergency Response Team. CERT is a program that trains volunteers to become an essential part of the emergency response system.
CERT teams are comprised of everyday individuals passionate about making a difference and ensuring the resilience of their neighborhood. The concept was born out of the recognition that during a major disaster, first responders might be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the situation. By having trained community members ready to assist, the burden on emergency services is lightened, and critical help can be promptly provided to those in need.
According to local CERT founder, retired Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Doug Hunter, the training is rigorous because the volunteers may be called into action at any time.
“I started this initiative before I retired from the sheriff’s office,” Hunter said. “It took a while to get the moving parts into place.”
According to Hunter, volunteers must pass a 12-hour online course administered by the University of Utah before participating in the hands-on portion of the training. Hunter recommends even private individuals take the training. He said you never know when you might be the first responder.
In addition to possibly saving a life someday, volunteers play a critical role in emergency response by taking care of minor issues while full-time first responders focus on critical issues.
“There is a shortage of first responders right now; being involved with CERT allows me to help the community in situations where first responders are needed,” Alex Angus of Green Fox Plastics said. “My role would be to help free them up so they can respond to more severe needs.”
Angus also plans to put his CERT training to use at his job if the need arises.
“We work with heavy machinery, so (accidents) could be an issue,” he said about his training. “This training is very valuable; it is a little different from what you read in the book when you perform some hands-on tasks. For example, the book doesn’t tell you to be prepared for the recoil from the fire extinguisher, but now that is committed to memory.”
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is poised to benefit from the all-volunteer squad.
“This will help take a large load off our backs,” Sheriff Travis Hutchinson said. “They are receiving training in every aspect of an emergency situation and can help with things like traffic control and medical care at the scenes. They will be a big asset to the community.”
Ready, willing and able
“The people taking part in this training become familiar with our policy, procedures and structure,” Hutchinson said. “Some are veterans, some are amateur radio operators, and they are very familiar with the hierarchy. I am very proud, and it is an honor to work with them. There are not a lot of people who volunteer anymore to help the community.”
Anyone interested in becoming CERT-qualified may email Hunter at cert@wcsohio.org for additional information.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.
