Disaster Simulation Photos
Salt Lake City Fire Department supports Session VII (Disaster Simulation) of CERT Training by opening the doors of their training center to the classes. Session VII gives the CERT trainees another opportunity to apply the skills learned in other sessions.
Each section has a brief explanation of what the teams are doing and photos showing the teams in action.
Moulage
One can use cards on victims describing their symptoms when conducting the triage station. This works fine. However, moulaging victims add realism to the exercise. Victims shown in these photos were volunteers from a local high school drama club and CERT graduates. The students receive credit from their school for community service and learn about CERT. Using CERT graduates reinforces their training and allows them to give feedback to the new CERT members.
Fire Suppression
Propane gas is used to create the fire. This is environmentally safe with no gasoline or diesel residue . This system allows you to shut off the fire immediately if needed.
Equipment used for the burn pan. There were two lessons learned when building this system.
- Use a regulator to create a burn big enough to be interesting yet safe and
- The "U" joint at the connection of the pipe and the hose keeps water from backing into the hose.
A CERT member and buddy approaching and extinguishing the fire.
An instructor monitors them and makes sure they use the proper procedures as instructed in the class.
Another instructor is on stand-by with an extinguisher acting as safety officer.
Cribbing
These photos show the participants practicing levering and cribbing. Participants gain confidence in their ability to lift objects in order to extract victims. An instructor coaches the participants in proper techniques and safety.
Triage and Search and Rescue
Victims position themselves for the triage exercise.
Team leader instructs the team about search and safety procedures before they enter the room. Team leader keeps track of team members and monitors the team's progress.
Team checks the door for heat and enters the room. They do a voice triage and then a room search. In a darkened room, searchers need to check all voids for victims.
When a victim is located, the team performs simple triage and rapid treatment.
Team must carefully remove debris before triaging some victims.
During size up, the building was considered lightly damaged. Victims are treated in place after triage.