Participants sought for disaster training program

An agency that would assist first responders in the event of a major disaster is seeking local participants.

The Nevada Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) provides training in life saving skills, rescuer safety and proper decision making procedures in the aftermath of a catastrophe.

Additionally, CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.

Local resident Richard Grandy gave a recent presentation to town officials.

Grandy said once trained, the CERT team serves as an extension of first responders who offer immediate assistance to victims until professional services arrive on scene.

“A few weeks ago, I attended a CERT training class and I learned so much that I want to urge others to attend a CERT class. The trainers will come back to town if at least 20 people show interest in attending it. You don’t have to be in perfect health. In my class, two people walked with canes. The age range was from high school students to people in their eighties,” he said.

Grandy also noted that the training sessions are designed to accommodate those with a tight schedule, with weekend courses running eight hours on Saturday and about four on Sunday.

“During a disaster, there’s not going to be enough first responders to help us out all at once. Initially, neighbors are going to have to help neighbors and this program trains people to do just that,” he said.

The classes go well beyond the standard lecture.

Grandy said instructors demonstrate lifesaving techniques such as applying direct pressure to stop bleeding from a deep wound.

Participants also pair off and practice on each other during the training.

“Some of us were playing victims and others were the searchers. I played a victim and had an index stating what my symptoms were and the CERT team reacted accordingly. Another victim lost his dog and kept asking for it. We were instructed that we treat people first, and then if you have time, you can respond to the animals,” he said.

The course is free and is sponsored through a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Grandy, who was inspired by what he learned recently, said he is now looking to organize another upcoming class for those interested.

Grandy needs about 15-to-20 individuals to sign on in order to hold another training session in Pahrump.

“I just want to spread the word about the program. It is run by the Las Vegas Fire Department who came here to teach the course. They said if they can get about 20 people, they will come out again and teach it,” he said.

The Community Emergency Response Team was first developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) nearly 30 years ago.

Those interested in upcoming CERT classes in Pahrump may call Grandy at 751-5242.

For information on classes In Amargosa Valley, call Gene Butler at (775) 372-1282.