Professional emergency responders are not always the ones that arrive first at the scene of tragedies. It could take hours or even days for help from a professional if access is restricted or the agency is overloaded. In this setting, non-professional individuals in the general public voluntarily offer assistance to those in need (Tancze, 2018). However, without knowledge and instruction, unplanned aid may occasionally fall short of its goals. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) initiatives encourage and focus post-disaster community energy to ensure amateur responses are as secure and efficient as possible (Cox et al., 2019). The CERT program initiatives are an asset in your neighborhood because when disasters or emergencies occur, CERT participants will be able to gather spontaneous good Samaritans, offering immediate help to victims, as well as providing first responders with crucial support.
CERT Program
The CERT programs instruct volunteers on how to be disaster-ready for potential local threats. CERT teaches volunteers fundamental disaster response techniques, including team organization, fire safety, light rescue and search, and disaster medical procedures (Boeke, 2018). Professional responders may depend on the program CERT to provide volunteer education and organization across the country, freeing them to concentrate on more challenging responsibilities (Modgil, 2020).
History of CERT
The Los Angeles Fire City Department created and introduced the CERT program in 1985. The Narrows Whittier earthquake in 1987 brought home the potential for a big disaster in the California region to affect the entire state (Cox et al., 2019). It also underlined the necessity of preparing civilians to handle their immediate requirements. In 1993, CERT was made a national initiative program. All fifty states now have CERT programs and numerous tribal US territories and nations (Modgil, 2020). Each is distinct to its neighborhood and vital to creating a culture of readiness in the US. Since the CERT program became a national plan, more than 700,000 individuals have received training through over 2,800 local CERT groups nationally (Partelow, 2021).
The connection between CERT, FEMA, & NIMS
Although FEMA, CERT, and NIMS are all involved in managing emergencies in the US, their roles and duties vary. The CERT program instructs volunteers in fundamental disaster response techniques like medical operation fire safety, light search rescue, and search. In a crisis, CERT teams, normally set up at the regional level, can be deployed to encourage small first responders and offer rapid assistance to their neighbors (Fang, 2020). The federal government’s response to catastrophes and disasters is coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA offers to fund local and state governments, private groups, and people affected by catastrophes, technical support, and other resources. FEMA aims to assist individuals and emergency personnel so that the country can manage and recuperate from all hazards (Drury et al., 2021). The National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides a comprehensive framework for handling occurrences of all sizes, from minor mishaps to major catastrophes. The formation of a leadership structure, the coordination of resources, the incorporation of many organizations and agencies, and the application of standard terminology and processes are all part of the systematic approach to disaster response provided by NIMS. NIMS is intended to enhance the capacity of rescue workers at all stages to collaborate and handle situations successfully (Modgil, 2020).
In conclusion, FEMA provides government resources and assistance to manage catastrophes. CERT trains residents to help with rescue operations. At the same time, NIMS offers a standard framework for directing occurrences and coordinating response operations. The emergency management strategy in the US includes all three as crucial elements.
CERT Based on Incident Command System (ICS)
CERT uses incident application systems to improve and maintain the safety of disaster workers, provide clear organizational and leadership structures and improve the efficiency of rescuing efforts (Sakurai, 2019). ICS is essential as it educates the CERT trainers, CERT program managers, and response team responders on the emergency roles in an emergency or disaster situation. Additionally, the Incident Command System, a standardized system of management used to plan and coordinate disaster response actions, is the foundation of CERT. Whatever the scope or intricacy of an accident, the ICS is intended to provide a uniform framework for managing it. Several institutions use it, particularly fire departments, police enforcement officers, and emergency management groups (Kumagai, 2019). CERT organizes and coordinates operations in emergency response circumstances using the ICS as a foundation framework. This makes it possible for CERT volunteers to collaborate successfully with other emergency workers and organizations who could also be utilizing the ICS. A clear hierarchy of command, joint command structure, uniform terminology, and quality standards for managing communications, resources, and documentation are just a few of the main elements of the ICS framework that are crucial for efficient emergency response. For CERT volunteers to collaborate effectively with other emergency personnel during a disaster, they get basic ICS training (Boeke, 2018). Students gain knowledge of the ICS management structure, the duties and responsibilities of every position, and the best ways to interact with others within the ICS. Ultimately, the ICS framework is used by CERT to guarantee that all rescuers are operating together to accomplish the same objective, which aids in the enhanced coordination and efficacy of emergency response actions (Pandey, 2019).
Types of CERT Programs
(CERT) programs come in various forms, each with a distinct goal and focus. Several of the most typical CERT types of programs are listed. First is basic CERT training. This is the major prevalent kind of CERT initiative and offers fundamental instruction in rescue operations, emergency planning, and community outreach. The primary goal of the entire CERT program is to train volunteers to react to various situations, including terrorist attacks and natural catastrophes. Second is Teen CERT training, which is tailored exclusively for young people between the ages of 15 and 19 (Cohen et al., 2017). Teen CERT initiative offers young people the training and education they need to help in crises and catastrophes and chances for leadership and community involvement. Third is Medical CERT initiatives. These programs concentrate on educating volunteers in healthcare and first aid procedures. Participants are frequently requested to help in medical situations and receive extra training in basic primary medical procedures, emergency first aid, and triage.
Fourth is fire CERT programs. These CERT programs are for volunteers who desire to help their neighborhood fire departments with emergency response activities. Participants in the Fire CERT program also receive training in rescue and search operations, fire safety, and firefighting. Sixth is Campus CERT initiatives teach students, instructors, and staff to handle emergencies on university and college campuses by providing them with tools and resources (Drury et al., 2021). Lastly is the neighborhood CERT program: This program concentrates on emergency preparedness for specific neighborhoods. Volunteers undergo training in community organization, first aid basics, and disaster preparedness. They also collaborate to create emergency procedures and response techniques unique to their community. All CERT initiatives aim to enhance community resilience and readiness in emergencies and catastrophes. Every type of CERT project program is created to specifically address the needs of a given community (Fang, 2020).
CERT training and responsibilities
The Community Emergency Response Team teach participants in response basic disaster skills, including light rescue and search, disaster medical operations, team organization, fire safety, and educating volunteers on emergency preparedness for the threats that may affect their community (Partelow, 2021). Professional responders may rely on CERT to provide volunteer organization and training across the country, freeing them to concentrate on more challenging responsibilities. Trained personnel may qualify to join the CERT team by showcasing their expertise in a few specified areas and acquiring new, campus-specific content. The training takes over several sessions and lasts around 20 hours (Kumagai, 2019). CERT-trained personnel will be responsible for participating in the CERT squad and will be better able to prepare for emergencies at their homes, in their neighborhoods, and school after completing the training course (Aruru, 2021).
CERT limitations
While the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides valuable training and resources for communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies, several limitations exist. First is limited training. CERT volunteers receive basic training in disaster response, which may not be sufficient for all emergencies. They may not have the advanced training or experience necessary to handle more complex or dangerous situations.
The second is limited resources. CERT teams may not have access to the same level of resources and equipment as professional first responders (Kumagai, 2019). This can limit their ability to provide effective support in certain situations. Third, is limited authority. CERT volunteers are not authorized to perform certain tasks or functions reserved for trained professionals, such as law enforcement or medical personnel. This can limit their effectiveness in certain situations. Fourth is limited availability. CERT teams may not be available or able to respond to emergencies at all times. Volunteers may have other commitments or may be unable to respond due to their safety concerns or the severity of the emergency (Partelow, 2021). Fifth is limited coordination. CERT teams may not be well integrated or coordinated with other emergency responders in their area. This can lead to communication and coordination challenges during response efforts (Fang, 2020).
CERT liability
Although CERT programs vary in certain respects, they all can provide their sponsoring corporations, communities, and participants with significant advantages. Nevertheless, there is a danger with any action (Aruru, 2021). The CERT participants, leaders, trainers, and affiliates may suffer negative effects from physical hurt, sickness, damage to property, and other unpleasant events, even if they are uncommon in CERT program operations. Direct repercussions include lawsuits, agreements, and the provision of compensation to wounded CERT members, court costs, legal fees, and civil and criminal and civil fines following state legislation (Fang ET., 2020). Others are indirect, such as strained interpersonal ties, reputational harm, and higher insurance premiums.
CERT and Volunteer Management
The CERT program depends significantly on the involvement of community volunteers to react to disasters and support their communities. Hence management of volunteers is an essential component of the program. The efficient and smooth operation of the CERT initiative can be ensured with effective volunteer management. The following are some crucial factors for managing CERT volunteers. First is recruitment. CERT initiatives must have an ongoing recruitment process to draw in prospective volunteers. This process entails community engagement and advertising, identifying prospective volunteers, and creating a group of individuals with various backgrounds, abilities, and experiences (Tanczer, 2018). The second is development and training. CERT volunteers need continual development and training to have the abilities, information, and self-assurance to handle situations properly. This entails providing frequent training reviews, skill-building workshops, and scenario-based training activities. Third is appreciation and retention. CERT organizations must make an effort to keep volunteers by offering worthwhile employment possibilities, appreciation, and acknowledgment (Tanczer, 2018). Maintaining and growing volunteers’ enthusiasm and commitment requires regular verification, team-building exercises, and acknowledging their achievements. Fourth is Communication. Effective dialogue between CERT administrators and volunteers is key to successfully managing volunteers. It is crucial to provide volunteers with regular updates about CERT events, activities, and skills training and a secure environment where they can voice any comments or concerns. Lastly is safety. In a disaster, ensuring volunteers’ safety comes first. To safeguard the security of volunteers during crisis response, CERT initiatives should have explicit policies and procedures (Drury et al., 2021). CERT programs may build a strong workforce of committed volunteers who are better equipped to respond to emergencies and serve their neighborhoods in times of dire need of help by prioritizing good volunteer management.
CERT Case Study
One of the CERT case studies is the recent response case against covid 19 pandemic. Following the collection of essential considerations and findings for communities and jurisdictions regarding the recent pandemic of covid 19, CERT responded by setting up various teams, including food banks teams and volunteer management groups, considering individuals with disabilities groups and setting up response emergency teams (Sakurai, 2019). These teams were tasked with offering assistance towards covid 19 cases, such as distributing food to the less privileged (Aruru, 2021).
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