The Grand Palm CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) recently participated in a comprehensive training program covering essential emergency response skills. The program included hands-on instruction in basic skills, fire extinguisher use, cribbing, physical assessment and spinal stabilization, wound care, bandaging and tourniquet application, splinting, lifting and carrying techniques, damage reporting, and search and rescue operations. 

Prior to their hands-on training, participants were required to complete an online training course provided by the University of Utah. Then in early October, Sarasota County Emergency Management, hosted a weekend of training and certification session held at Grand Palm. This session brought together CERT members from Grand Palm and various nearby communities. Six members from the Grand Palm CERT team successfully completed the certification process. 

CERT is a national, FEMA-supported volunteer program active across the United States, designed to prepare citizens to assist in emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available. Through programs like these, CERT volunteers gain critical skills to support their communities during disasters and emergencies, enhancing local preparedness and resilience.