CERT graduates new team members

 

Peggy McGee

Two Quail Creek residents, Bob and Cindy Granger, were among the 11 graduates who completed the Community Emergency Response Team basic training course in March. This comprehensive course prepared the graduates to conduct light search and rescue operations, perform triage and minor first aid, identify potential hazards after a natural or man-made emergency and work with paramedics when they arrive on the scene and apprising them of the situation.

After completing a written examination covering the material presented in the 20-hour course, the students participated in an exercise during which they had to assist victims of a mock natural gas explosion. The victims, all members of CERT, had a variety of wounds from lacerations, broken bones and spinal injuries to shock. The new graduates had to assess their condition and render assistance, moving the victims to a safer area without exacerbating their injuries.

After the exercise, the graduates celebrated their success at a pizza party.

The next class will be held in the fall but those interested in learning more about CERT may attend the monthly training meetings. Please visit their website at ggvcert.com for more information.