If disaster strikes, Bruins could be ready.
Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a 30-year program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) meant to train both high school students and adults in all the necessary tactics of first response. CERT members could respond to any calls within their county, in other states and even on the international scale, thus giving first responders, such as firefighters or paramedics, an edge. To be officially CERT qualified, members undergo a 20-hour training course, regardless of if you’re an adult or teenage member. The training teaches a number of skills important to anyone responsible for managing a crisis situation.
Officials said that two years ago this was a program accessible to any Bruins with an interest in being a first responder. Chris Espedal, who’s been responsible for the Nevada County’s training for over a decade, discussed the possibility of the program returning to our school.
“We could find a teacher who would head it up but everything we need is already here,” said Ms. Espedal. “Anyone can come, they just have to be serious.”
Ms. Espedal explained why the CERT program was a valuable resource.
“Let’s say there’s a fire in Santa Cruz area and they need to evacuate,” said Ms. Espedal, the School Safety and Climate Coordinator in the Nevada County school district. “We’re trained in disaster response, fire safety, medical assessment, triage (patient care), and light search and rescue.”
Vice Principal Cathy Peterson said that she was open to the idea of CERT returning to Bear River.
“We haven’t put it out there yet,” Ms. Peterson said. “If we could get students interested and a willing adviser (it would work.)”
On top of being an opportunity to give back to the community, the CERT program also has potential for anyone interesting in the first response or paramedics field. It is also a chance for students to distinguish themselves in the job market.
“There’s a lot of possibilities when students finish training,” said Ms. Espedal. “It’s federally recognized on college applications and resumes.”
