CERT in Action!
MD CERT Member Assists in Hit and Run
On the evening of March 8, 2009, David Cohen, a two-year Northern Park Heights, MD, CERT member, witnessed a hit-and-run pedestrian accident on a local road. Immediately after the impact, he noticed that oncoming traffic, including a city bus, was quickly heading toward the victim. She was lying in the middle of the road and appeared to be seriously injured. Cohen pulled his car through four lanes of traffic and blocked the lanes near where the woman lay, thus preventing further injury. He put on his CERT reflective vest and dialed 9-1-1. When Cohen reached the victim, he realized that her injuries were severe and beyond the scope of his training. However, he stayed with her until fire department personnel arrived to tend to her.
Cohen credits CERT for his quick reaction during the incident. "Because of my CERT training, I had the ability to think clearly and give detailed information to the police to ensure all of the pertinent information was documented," he said. "I was able to assess the situation and assist in a way that was helpful until professional help arrived."
For more information, please contact David Cohen at cohenner@gmail.com