CERT Notes
Class Six=Team Operations and Disaster Psychology
Cert Goal: DO THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER
In a disaster situation, there must be common terminology and a consolidated action plan that uses the resources available. The plan must be flexible and provide clear leadership
Cert Organization: Determine:
Scope of incident
Determine a strategy
Deploy the teams
Document all actions
The Incident Command System (ICS) is used by fire and law enforcement agencies to manage emergency operations and utilizes a common terminology.
CERTS are part of ICS
The first person arriving at the scene is the Incident Commander (IC). Command is then broken into several levels:
Operations
Logistics
Planning
Administration
Each of these levels should have three people assigned. One person to act as a Runner to communicate with the Command Post. Two others to “buddy up” to respond to immediate needs
Note that there are three support locations needed:
Staging area
Medical treatment and triage area
Morgue, if there are fatalities.
CERT has several forms that are available when an emergency occurs that should be used to maintain consistency.
Psychological issues.
The psychological impact when a disaster occurs can be massive, as you will see and hear things that will be unpleasant.
We all must be aware that when a disaster personally affects us, we must “take breaks” to relieve stress. Try to maintain a proper sleep and eating schedule.
Allow yourself to receive emotional care as well as give care during a disaster
Be careful using phrases such as, “I understand”, “It could be worse”, “Your strong and will get thru this” as these could be considered as negative.
Provide support by listening and empathizing
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
