The CERT training is usually delivered over 3 consecutive days. The class time commitment is a total of 20 hours. The training consists of the following:
Module I, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Addresses hazards to which people are vulnerable in their community. Materials cover actions that participants and their families take before, during, and after a disaster.
Module II, DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION: Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies; the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.
Module III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I: Participants practice diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.
Module IV, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART II: Covers evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area, performing basic first aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.
Module V, LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.
Module VI, CERT ORGANIZATION: Explains how CERT is organized into a manageable structure. Introduces the Incident Command System (ICS).
Module VII, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY: Covers signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. Discusses techniques to manage stress during disaster response.
Module VIII, TERRORISM: Participants learn signs of a possible terrorist attack and are given basic instruction on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Module IX, COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION: Participants review and practice the skills that they have learned during the previous six modules.