The CERT course is delivered in the community by a team of 1st responders who have the requisite knowledge and skills to instruct the sessions. It is suggested that the instructors complete a CERT Train-the-Trainer (TTT) conducted by their State Training Office for Emergency Management or the Emergency Management Institute in order to learn the training techniques that are used successfully by the LAFD. The CERT training for community groups is usually delivered in two and a half hour sessions, 1 evening a week over a 7 week period. The training consists of the following:

Session I, Disaster Preparedness

Addresses hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community. Materials cover actions that participants and their families take before, during, and after a disaster. As the session progresses, the instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to help their family members and neighbors, this training can help them operate in a safe and appropriate manner. The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction.

Session II, Disaster Fire Suppression

Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies. However, the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.

Session III, Disaster Medical Operations Part 1

Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.

Session IV, Disaster Medical Operations, Part 2

Covers evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic 1st aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.

Session V, Light Search & Rescue Operations

Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.

Session VI, Disaster Psychology & Team Organization

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.

Session VII, Course Review & Disaster Simulation

Participants review their answers from a take home examination. Finally, they practice the skills that they have learned during the previous 6 sessions in disaster activity.

Required Materials

During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves, goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster.