In a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for services in every neighborhood that may be affected. Factors such as the number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services that they have come to expect at a moment’s notice through 911.

People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life-saving and life-sustaining needs. One also expects that under conditions like these, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.

CERT BROCHURE

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a national program by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that trains individuals in disaster preparedness and emergency response. The training is for anyone interested in helping others in times of emergency or disaster. 

Basic CERT class facts:

  • Classes are open to Adults and Teens (age 15+).
  • Classes are typically held twice a year, once in the fall (Sept/Oct) and in the spring (Mar/Apr/May)
  • Class size is limited to 20 students per session.
  • Classes take place one night a week for a total of 7 weeks.
  • The first 6 weeks are class instruction with a simulated exercise on week 7. Each evening session runs from 6:00-9:00 pm.
  • Residents in neighboring counties (Custer, Lawrence, Meade, Fall River) are welcome to the training.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches:

  • Emergency Preparedness 
  • Fire Safety
  • Medical Triage & Disaster First Aid (includes Stop The Bleed)
  • Light Search and Rescue
  • Situational Awareness
  • Disaster Psychology
Complete the CERT Interest Form to be notified when the next class registration opens or to volunteer as a victim for a future CERT exercise.

CERT Interest Form




CERT Volunteer Victim

Each CERT class includes a Disaster Simulation where volunteers play victims and have fake injuries applied to provide realism for the class participants during the exercise. Can you help by playing a victim?

Next Opportunity:

To Be Determined

Location:

Pennington County Administration Bldg
130 Kansas City Street, Rapid City

Clothing:

Victims should wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty, stained, or ripped.

victim5

Waiver:

Please complete the following WAIVER and bring it with you to the simulation
*A light dinner is provided for those who play victims

Fill out the CERT interest form here if interested.