HSEM hosts first CERT training since Yutu

The Community Emergency Response Team of the CNMI Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, under the HSEM Division of Training & Exercise, hosted a citizen responder certification training last Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a First Aid & CPR training on Friday, May 24.

This training marked the first instructional session for the Office of HSEM since Super Typhoon Yutu devastated the islands in October.

This session’s participants included staff and management of the Kensington Hotel and employees of the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation program under the Office of the Governor.

After a two-day in-class instructional period and response simulation, participants went through training for First Aid & CPR administered by Priority Care.

Upon completion, participants were awarded their certification cards, training certificates and individual backpacks equipped for basic response, including a basic First Aid kit, safety vest and hard hat.

HSEM thanks Antonio S. Kapileo and ASK Consulting/Training, Elaine C. Dela Cruz with Karidat, the staff and management of Priority Care, and the management of Kensington Hotel for their partnership and participation in enhancing first responder skills within the community.

The CERT program was designed as a grassroots initiative and was specifically structured so that local program managers would have flexibility to form programs in a way that best suits the CNMI community. The program’s curriculum covers basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly and effectively to emergency situations, but are also trained to have support capabilities in our community during non-emergency events. This provides assistance to actual first responders by being “the help before help arrives” while allowing the professional responders to complete more complex tasks while the certified CERT citizen tends to the less injured. Through CERT, capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters are built and enhanced. Since the program’s inception, more than 500 citizens have been trained under HSEM. CERT is a free program that also offers First Aid & CPR training for participants.

If you and/or your organization are interested in participating in the CNMI CERT program, contact CERT program manager Patrick M. Cepeda at (670) 287-8452 or via email at patrick.cepeda@cnmihsem.gov.mp.

For the latest training information, visit the ]CNMI EOC State Warning Point Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnmieocswp/.

HSEM also encourages residents to download HSEM’s ReadyCNMI App available for free in the Apple Store or Google PlayStore to receive the latest weather updates and notifications directly to your mobile phone. (PR)