This section includes the eight downloadable CERT Training Videos for the CERT basic training and the CERT Train-the-Trainer courses, as well as the CERT in Action Video. All videos include closed captioning, and transcripts are available for each. This section also includes links to the Teen CERT videos.
CERT in Action (19:13)
Description
In CERT in Action, a fierce storm has struck the local community. CERT members activate in their neighborhood, set up an Incident Command Post and assess damage throughout the area. They use their CERT skills to respond to damage and injured victims in the local community center, managing the situation until professional responders are able to arrive. This video provides a useful introduction to the CERT concept for new program participants and others who may be interested in the program. This video will also support the material presented in the CERT Basic Training course Unit 6: CERT Organization. CERT trainers will be able to use the video to start a dialogue about CERTs use of ICS and other critical features of successful team operations.
CERT Training: Safety in the After-Disaster Environment (31:44)
Description
CERT members can prepare to work in a post-disaster area by understanding more about the potential hazards, by preparing their own safety kit and by wearing the right gear. The purpose of this training video is to prepare the CERT members for the kinds of hazards they may experience after a disaster and to help them stay safe as they work in the disaster area. This video will support the materials presented in the CERT Basic Training course Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations. CERT trainers will be able to use the materials presented in this video to start a dialogue about the potential challenges CERT members may face.
CERT Triage: Handling Mass Casualty Situations (22:44)
Description
Medical triage is the key to doing the most good for the most people whenever there are more victims than rescuers, resources are limited and time is critical. This training video provides an overview of the medical triage process and portrays the steps that CERT members need to follow to provide victims the most effective lifesaving support available until professional responders arrive on scene. This video will support the materials presented in the CERT Basic Training course Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations Part 1. CERT trainers will be able to use the material presented in the video to start a dialogue about the potential challenges CERT members may face.
Fire Safety: The CERT Member's Role (18:29)
Description
This training video covers the basics of fire size up, use of extinguishers and fire safety. Fires are dangerous and can change quickly. As in all CERT operations, the CERT members safety is always the number one priority. Safety measures presented in the video include use of protective gear and the proper equipment to extinguish small fires, working with a buddy and a team, planning for safe entry and exit, maintaining a safe distance and position from a fire and using the P.A.S.S. procedure to operate fire extinguishers. This video will support the materials presented in the CERT Basic Training course Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls.
Demonstrating Victim Carries (06:26)
Description
Lt. Gregg Karl of the Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department demonstrates three different types of victim carries to a class of CERT trainees. This video is recommended for use in the CERT Train-the-Trainer course to demonstrate effective instructional techniques for teaching victim carries.
Demonstrating Head-to-Toe Assessment (05:43)
Description
Lt. Byron Dixon of the Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department demonstrates a head-to-toe assessment for a class of CERT trainees. This video is recommended for use in the CERT Train-the-Trainer course to demonstrate effective instructional techniques for teaching head-to-toe assessments.
Coaching Hands-On Practice - Victim Extrication (04:26)
Description
Lt. Gregg Karl of the Arlington County, Virginia, Fire Department walks a group of CERT trainees through a cribbing and leveraging exercise. This video is recommended for use in the CERT Train-the-Trainer course to demonstrate effective instructional techniques for teaching victim extrication.
CERT Training: Disaster Psychology (43:18)
Description
CERT participants, trained to support the first responders during a disaster, will be challenged in many ways during and after response operations. However, if CERT members are prepared for the stress, they will be more successful and helpful during the event and more able to rebound when the crisis is over. This training video provides an overview of stress reactions and strategies for dealing with people under stress during a disaster, including the needs of disaster workers themselves.
Teen CERT PSA (01:30)
Description
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training includes emergency preparedness and disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. High school students receive the CERT training including classroom instruction, hands-on activities and exercises to learn new life skills, serve their school and community and experience the value of teamwork.
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Teen CERT Video Links
Description
The below links are from various communities involved in Teen CERT. Note that FEMA does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the facts presented on these links. FEMA does not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or on this site.