Coronavirus Update
CERT Basic Training is currently following a hybrid model which includes a hands-on training for fully vaccinated students only. CERT instructors must be fully vaccinated as well.
See the CERT COVID-19 Policy
If you are a CERT instructor/trainer, here is some helpful information:
In the Spring of 2022 it is our goal to have two tracks for CERT Basic — a hybrid version combining a 12- to 15-hour online training (Phase 1) with an evening classroom session (Phase 2) and a hands-on skills-check session (Phase 3) similar to the old Saturday session but with the addition of medical skills. All instructors and students must be able to show proof of full vaccination status for the safety of all. We are also planning to have a full in-person class twice this year. This will be similar to the old class model but with the new FEMA 2019 curriculum.
Hybrid CERT Basic Instruction
Phase 1 is a 12- to 15-hour FEMA-developed online course of instruction and a 2-hour California CERT-developed online triage unit. The online training is broken into 9 units that may be taken in any order and at the student’s own pace and convenience. This training is available here.
Phase 2 is a 2.5- to 3-hour in-person evening class with team building (Build a Tower), as well as going over local info such as Code Red, local DSW info, and our teams. We also review medical topics that are not “hands-on.” There is a discussion as part of Disaster Psych. In reality, this is what we were doing over Zoom last fall, but we get to do it in person with vaxed/boosted instructors and students (and still wearing masks inside). These will be held in the classroom at the Live Oak Fire Station. Sign up for Phase 2 instruction here.
Phase 3 will be held at the Aptos Fire Station in the yard. Similar to the old Saturday final session with some changes. Since we are also doing medical during this day (bandaging, splinting, H2T), we have 2 instructors each doing 3 stations for 1-1/4 hours per station. One is medical, one combines fire extinguishers and cribbing, and the third is search and rescue (including turning off power and gas) and then extracting the survivors (lifts and carries). Sign up for Phase 3 instruction here.
CERT Basic Instruction – Traditional Delivery
Questions? Please contact Joyce Smith.
Additional links to resources for instructors can be found on the Resources page.
CERT Basic Training Instructor Expectations and Responsibilities