Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to participate in a free, 8-session Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

Worcester County Emergency Services (WCES) invites the public to participate in a free, 8-session Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course.

The training takes place at the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station, on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. from October 8 - November 8, 2014, with Cardiopulmonary Response (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training to take place during class on October 22.

CERT is an extremely informative, hands-on, educational program packed with information to equip residents, who have no prior emergency medical training, to support their families and communities during a disaster. Participants will gain the decision-making and practical skills necessary to offer immediate assistance to those in need following an emergency until further help can arrive. 
"CERT helps you prepare yourself, your family, your community to face a wide variety of emergencies," WCES Emergency Planner Tom Kane said. "CERT just makes you safer."

Participants will learn basic lifesaving skills, such as CPR/AED, First Aid and fire suppression. They will also learn to recognize both natural and manmade hazards. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to create disaster plans and supply kits and aid in responding to hazardous material emergencies.

Those who successfully complete the training will receive CPR and First Aid certification thorough the American Heart Association.

During the course, instructors will provide information on hazards typical to Worcester County, hazardous materials in the home and the National Incident Management System. Instruction is geared to help residents better prepare and survive during the first 36 to 72 hours after a catastrophic event when local first responder resources are stretched to their limits.

CERT is made possible through a grant from Atlantic General Hospital, thereby allowing WCES to offer this valuable training at no cost to all interested residents. 
**Space is limited to 20 individuals and is available on a first come, first served basis. For more info or to register, contact Tom Kane at 410-632-3080 or tkane@co.worcester.md.us.