They also learn the principles of triage and how to conduct triage evaluations. 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. Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-iup, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety. Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for documentation.
Participants review their answers to a take home examination.
Finally, they practice the skills they have learned during the previous six sessions in a realistic disaster simulation. By requiring this for each session, participants begin building a disaster kit they will need in case of a disaster. Information is also provided on where commercial kits are available for purchase. CERT is about people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the most good for the greatest number following a disaster.