Community emergency response training launched in east
The purpose of the programme is to train and organise community members to be a response asset in an emergency or disaster.
Tshwane emergency services department (ESD) has launched a community emergency response team (CERT) training pilot programme in region 6.
The programme was launched at the Mamelodi council chambers on Monday. Region 6 includes Mamelodi, Nellmapius and Eersterust.
Community safety MMC Karen Meyer said the CERT programme was aimed at educating volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their community. It also trains them in basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organisation and disaster medical operations.
“It also assists in reducing the adverse impacts of the identified hazards and risks within the community. By engaging community members in the early phases of disaster preparation and response, communities can be better prepared for when disaster strikes,” said Meyer.
“The purpose of the programme is to train and organise community members to be a response asset in an emergency or disaster and to be an extension of first-responder services until professional responders arrive.
“The intention of this training is to capacitate CERT members to work within the boundaries of their training skills, through which they can help themselves, their family, neighbours and the community at large.”
Tshwane emergency services department in conjunction with insurance company Santam and the Fire Protection Association of South Africa, identified and agreed on the minimum training and induction required by a CERT member to effectively respond to emergencies.
The following minimum training requirements have been identified:
– Disaster preparedness
– Fire safety and utility controls
– Disaster medical operations (first aid)
– Light search and rescue operations
– CERT organisations
– Course review
– Final exam and disaster simulation on completion of the training, all successful members will be recognised as CERT members and will be issued with a certificate indicating the training completed.
This certificate will be issued by the fire protection association, which has been appointed together with Santam, to present the training in Tshwane as a pilot project.
“This pilot project in region 6 will be conducted by the emergency services department disaster risk management section and fire and rescue operations division and fire protection association,” said Meyer.
“The initiative to establish CERT teams will allow the community to effectively identify and respond to emergencies. It also illustrates the critical role of meaningful partnerships in pursuing a safe and secure Tshwane, where all residents are safe and feel safe.
“While communities often only encounter ESD personnel in times of emergency, crisis, or disaster, they are not helpless spectators and should be partners in their own safety, security and well-being,” Meyer said.
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