For CERT Instructors

If you are a CERT instructor/trainer, or interested in becoming a CERT instructor/trainer, here is some helpful information:

All CERT instruction in Santa Cruz County is done by volunteer instructors who have completed both CERT Basic and FEMA’s Train the Trainer course. It is expected that all instructors assist with class instruction on a regular basis. CERTs who would like to become instructors are welcome to assist with class instruction until the FEMA Train the Trainer class is completed successfully. We are few and far between and need all our instructors to help out.

Note: CERT Basic Training is currently a fully in-person training. See the CERT Respiratory Virus Policy

CERT Basic Instruction

Our usual course schedule will be four evenings (usually 6 – 9:30) and one weekend day. Our current yard work location is at Central Fire’s Live Oak yard next to the administration building at 930 – 17th St, Santa Cruz (Live Oak).

  • Session 1: Unit 1 (Disaster Prep) and Unit 2 (CERT Organization)
  • Session 2: Unit 3 (Disaster Medicine Part 1 plus triage with some modifications)
  • Session 3: Units 4 (Disaster Medicine Part 2) and Unit 5 (Disaster Psych)
  • Session 4: Units 6 (Fire and Utilities) and Unit 8 (Terrorism)
  • Session 5: Full day. Unit 7 (Simple Search and Rescue) in am and Unit 9 (Practical and test) in pm

Upcoming CERT Basic courses are scheduled for:

  • September in Watsonville — Sundays, September 13, 20, and 27. This class is being offered for those who prefer to complete the class in fewer (but longer) class days. The class will consist of three 8-hr classes which combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on skills practice.
    • Sunday, September 13, 9 am to 5 pm – at Watsonville Fire Station 2, 370 Airport Blvd, Watsonville
      Topics: AM – Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization. PM- Disaster Medical Operations (part 1)
    • Sunday, September 20, 9 am to 5 pm – at Watsonville Fire Station 2, 370 Airport Blvd, Watsonville
      Topics: AM – Disaster Medical Operations (part 2), Disaster Psychology. PM – Fire Safety and Utility Controls, Terrorism
    • Sunday, September 27, 9 am to 4:30 pm – at (NOTE different location) Central Fire District Administration building, 930 – 17th Ave, Live Oak/Santa Cruz
      Topics: AM – Light Search and Rescue, CERT Teams and DSWs. PM – Skills practice of extinguishing a fire, cribbing, search and rescue, graduation.

    Sign up to instruct or assist at the Watsonville class

Questions? Please contact Joyce Smith.
 

Resource Materials for Teams and Trainers

Basic CERT Training

  • PowerPoint slides for training units may be downloaded here

 

Additional links to resources for instructors can be found on the Resources page.

CERT Basic Training Instructor Expectations and Responsibilities