CERT - Frequently Asked Questions
Who teaches the CERT program? - The training will be conducted by personnel from both the Police and Fire Departments.
How much does the training cost? - The program is provided free of charge to anyone 18 or over who would like to commit to a 21 hour program.
How many classes are there? - There are 7 sessions. The following is an overview of the program.
• Session One: Disaster Preparedness - 3 hours
Examines what actions participants take before, during, and after a disaster. It will explore the expanded response role for civilians to assist as disaster workers and to help family members and neighbors. It will and provides training on how to perform in a safe and appropriate manner.• Session Two: Disaster Fire Suppression - 3 hours
Involves the basics of fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies. However, the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.• Session Three: Disaster Medical Operations I - 3 hours
Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.• Session Four: Disaster Medical Operations II - 3 hours
Covers evaluating patients by doing a head-to-toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic first aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.• Session Five: Light Search and Rescue Operations - 3 hours
Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.• Session Six: Disaster Psychology and Team Organization - 3 hours
Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker.• Session Seven: Course Overview - 3 hours
Participants take and review a written examination. They practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster scenario stations.
What do I need to bring? - You will be provided a training manual so you only need to bring something to write with. Since classroom environments fluctuate, you may want to bring a sweater or jacket.
What physical condition do I need to be in? - The training is mostly in a classroom setting, however, there are some hands-on exercises. There is no heavy lifting, but some walking, standing and kneeling is involved.
After completion of the training program, participants may select their type of involvement:
Type 6
Provides the participant the basic training and awareness to prepare and assist themselves and their family during an emergency by attending the initial CERT seven week course.Type 1-5
The individuals at this level of participation are provided the initial CERT training course, yearly continuing education opportunities, and a yearly simulated training exercise. This increased knowledge and information may enable these citizens to provide for themselves, their family and the opportunity of being voluntarily activated by the Town of Gilbert to assist with emergencies that affect our community or disasters impacting other areas as requested by the state or Federal Government.
All participants who finish the program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Individuals who select to become a CERT type 1-5 would also need to begin the credentialing process to become a Gilbert Fire Department Volunteer.
Class space is limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in the CERT program, you can send a CERT Program Interest Form on-line. If you want further information about CERT, please call us at (480) 503-6142 or e-mail our CERT representative.