CERT Notes

                                                                  Class Five---Light Search and Rescue

REMEMBER: Rescuer Safety is number one concern and CERTs are restricted to LIGHT search and rescue

Before Rescue attempts always:

                        Size up situation

                        Note Gas, water and electrical hazards (shut all off if possible)

                        Have proper safety equipment (heavy gloves, goggles, proper footwear)

                        Have a buddy to take notes and keep watch for safety

ALWAYS have an escape route planned

Find “VOIDS” (tables, chairs to hide under) if debris starts to fall).

                        Safest place is by wall

Pre 1933 houses are always suspect and require more size-up (that includes all of our houses in Spaulding and Sunset Square)

CERT Goal: Rescue greatest # of people in shortest amount of time

                                    Therefore: Rescue lightly trapped people first

There is a GOLDEN 24 HOURS where 80% of victims rescued survive, if rescued within 24 hours, after that, survival declines sharply

Useful rescue tools: Car jack (to lift heavy objects), crow bar, chain saw, electrical generator

SEARCH OPERATIONS

                        Before entering ALWAYS make a perimeter search

                        Call out “We are rescuers, follow my voice and leave building”

                        In single story home, follow walls to survey for victims

                        Call out “Make a noise” and listen for tapping or sounds

We were also taught:

                        How to mark buildings as search progresses using colored chalk or spray paint (DOCUMENT actions)

                        Proper lifting techniques to remove victims (dragging, carrying in chair, backboards, and hand carry)

                        Debris removal (bucket brigade)

Refer to CERT manual at www.CERT-LA.com for these techniques.

            REMEMBER: KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS before attempting rescue. 

Next week’s class: CERT organization and Disaster Psychology

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND BE PREPARED.  YOU MAY SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE, THE LIVES OF LOVED ONES AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

  Prepared and edited by Lynn Lustig and Bruce Remick