An emergency response simulation was held at Ft. Travis Seashore Park on Saturday, as 27 members of the Galveston County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) put into practice all they learned during the 20 hour course designed to train a civilian emergency workforce. This is a voluntary group that assist state, county and local municipalities in large public events, natural disasters and other areas where demand outstrips available personnel.
The CERT Program is funded by FEMA and taught through the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management. Training sessions cover disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism awareness. Graduates of course can enroll to become CERT members.
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This training event was designed to simulate a real disaster – a tornado funnel cloud came through the park causing damage to buildings and injury to a number of persons. The CERT group first set up a command center, then assigned teams were sent throughout the park to assess damage and assist the injured. Obstacles such as fires and heavy debris were encountered along the way. A triage and first aid center was established to take care of hurt and injured until emergency medical personnel arrived. “Everything is real”, stated Michael Lambert, Public Information Officer for GCOEM.
After completion of the exercise, participants were awarded a Certificate of Completion and issued a CERT identification badge. “The program gives people with no experience training to approach a real emergency”, said Linda Roberts, CERT graduate and a member of Galveston Citizens on Patrol.
The next CERT class will be held in Galveston beginning in August. For more information, go to the GCOEM website.
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