The CERT Training Program

Effective May 29, 2008, the University of Washington no longer supports the UW CERT program. All CERT training, program support and disaster activations are officially discontinued as of this date. Click here for a copy of the official CERT program closure memo. All information on the UWEM CERT webpage is provided as historical and for-information-only purposes. Thank you for your support of this program during our 2003-2008 pilot process.

Training will touch on 8 subject areas and will provide basic skills needed to assist disaster victims. The courses are free and will take place over a period of only two and half days. The training will finish up with a 4 hour practical exercise designed to put all of the new CERT skills to the test. The areas are:

Individual and Family Preparedness

• Learn the types of hazards that are most likely to affect your homes and community
• Learn the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response
• Identify steps to prepare yourself and your family for a disaster

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Disaster Fire Suppression

• Learn the role of a CERT in fire suppression
• Identify and reduce potential fire risks in the home and workplace
• Conduct a basic size-up for a fire emergency
• Operate portable fire extinguishers correctly
• Understand minimum safety precautions, including safety equipment, utility control, buddy system, and back-up teams

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Disaster Medical Operations - Part I

• Identify the 3 "killers"
• Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock
• Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides
[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Disaster Medical Operations - Part II

• Perform head-to-toe patient assessments
• Select and set up a treatment area
• Employ appropriate care for wounds
• Identify appropriate measures to maintain the public health

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Light Urban Search and Rescue Operations

• Learn planning and size-up requirements for potential search and rescue operations
• Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure
• Use safe techniques for debris removal and victim extraction
• Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

C.E.R.T Organization

• Describe CERT organization
• Identify how CERTs interrelate with ICS (Incident Command Structure)
• Explain documentation requirements

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Terrorism and CERT

• Define terrorism
• Identify potential targets at the University
• Identify CERT operating procedures for a terrorist incident
• Describe the actions to take following a suspected terrorist incident

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Disaster Psychology

• Describe the post-disaster emotional environment
• Describe the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster victims

[Click here] for a copy of the CERT Training Module Powerpoint Slides

Course Review and Disaster Simulation

Apply the skills and knowledge learned in Units 1 through 8 to a simulated disaster situation. We’ll do our best to make the exercise as real-world as possible. Once it’s over, you can take pride in being a member of the UW Campus Emergency Response Team.

To find out how to get involved with the CERT program, please contact the UW CERT Program Manager at (206) 897-CERT, or disaster@u.washington.edu