CERT Responder Magazine_Vol 4 issue 1

CERT RESPONDER

The Guardian Volunteers of America

Beneficial to First Responders, EMS and Health Providers

Friend of the Farmer, Foe to the Responder

Perspective from a First Responder

Springfield, Missouri at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center

Pre-conference training

July 13th thru 15th, 2020

Main Conference

July 15th thru 18th, 2020

The 2020 �a�onal CERT Conference will bring together thousands of people who all have one goal: a Vision for the Future of CERT. Members from the public and private sector, as well as many trained volunteers will join together to renew the focus of CERT. This partnership reflects one of the most diverse, yet unified groups of dedicated public servants. �t is vital that we con�nue to grow in numbers, partnerships and knowledge. The 2020 CERT Conference will offer an open environment for personal and collabora�ve efforts, as well as increasing knowledge in available technology and networking, all in an effort to grow our vision: a Vision for the Future.

Mission:

CERT Responder Magazine is dedicated to providing CERT and first responders with information and tools to assist communities in times of crisis, as well as offering a platform for responders to share their stories.

Staff

PUBLISHERS: Bob Abrams, Fran Sherman Chris Wahoski

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Phil Amtowe, Edward M. Beirne, Damon Franklin, Teresa Greenhalgh, Dave Newcomb, Allen Roark, Mark Rosenblum, Neal Zeid

EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Fran Sherman

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING: Bob Abrams

ADVERTISE:

SUBSCRIBE

OFFICE MANAGER: Chris Wahoski

Letter from CERT Responder Magazine

Dear CERT Responder,

As always, we at CERT Responder Magazine thank you for all you do for your communities.

We are excited to make you aware of several new things that you will find in CERT Responder Magazine.

First, as you may have seen in the last issue, we started a humor section, CERT- Toon. We hope this puts a smile on your face. We also would like to encourage you to share ideas for this section.

Second, we have updated many things on our website and hope you find it helpful. Your input is important so please let us know what you think.

Have a great spring and we look forward to seeing you at the National CERT Conference 2020 in Springfield Missouri.

Keep your stories coming about your teams and what you are doing to better serve your community.

“Serving those who serve their communities” CERT Responder Magazine

CPRPillow

BY DAMON FRANKLIN

As a certified first responder police officer and fire fighter in the city of New York, I saw the need to answer the call about what was missing in safe and efficient performance of CPR and Intubation.

During the everyday functions of my patrol duties, I’ve had to take on the obligation of performing resuscitation on an ailing pedestrian in cardiac arrest. This is a task for so many who have ever been in this very nerve-racking position that can challenge even the most experienced medic. The very life you try to save can either be a great success story or a tale of an honorable loss.

When this event was imposed upon me, I was alone with help on the way, but I needed to act.

I immediately jumped into my 30 compressions to every 2 ventilations while positioning the patient in the head tilt chin lift position or (sniff position). But I noticed when it was time for me to administer my second round of compressions, as I

went back to provide ventilations, the patients head was no longer in its proper placement for delivery of successful breaths through an open airway.

So I positioned the patient in the head tilt chin lift position again, and worked back and forth until I had a second responder on the scene who could steady the sniff position as we worked as a unit.

Days later, I said to myself there has to be a better way to perform CPR on a patient without frantically trying to maintain an open airway while you work on saving their life. In these scenarios, time is of the essence, and every second lost is a second closer to hypoxia where the brain is not getting enough oxygen. This oxygen is provided in the form of proper ventilations. That’s when I had my AHHA moment.

If I could devise a tool that would stabilize the head and neck region in the head tilt chin lift position, I could easily perform compressions and ventilations on a patient without the hassle of worrying about the trachea not being open wide enough for ventilations to pass through, or trying to stabilize the sniff position while providing ventilations.

This was an idea that would benefit the patient and first responder alike.

The device needed to be soft enough to lay the patient on, but firm enough not to sink in, depending upon the weight of the patient, as well as the responder administering a BVM or pocket mask to the patient.

In my research I found that EMT’s

and medics would use rolled up towels, boots, and even their own jackets to put a patient in the head tilt chin lift position.

The device I needed to build had to be impervious to blood borne pathogens and diseases, meaning it would be non-porous, and could be washed clean with common household and hospital grade detergents and disinfectants. It also had to be flexible enough for it to be manipulated and handled without breaking. That’s when I came across a material called EVA closed cell foam, a product that provides all of the above qualities.

I moved forward with my idea and patented my invention in 2013, and a few years later, I was generating sales at my first EMS WORLD Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. I garnered very good reviews at my first showing during the convention, which gave me the motivation to push forward with my CPRPillow with the hopes of making performing CPR and Intubation easier and more efficient, and hence, helping to save lives.

There are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) annually in the U.S., nearly 90% of them fatal, according to the American Heart Association’s newly released Heart and Stroke Statistics 2019 Update. [1] According to the report, the incidence of EMS-assessed non-traumatic OHCA in people of any age is estimated to be 356,461, or nearly 1,000 people each day.

Initially the CPRP had great success with a focus on CPR performance by

providing proper alignment for compressions and ventilations. But with the update in classification from the FDA to broaden the scope and include Intubation, the product’s dual functionality can now reach a larger target market of hospitals, healthcare facilities and nursing homes, police, emergency responders, public spaces, schools, and arenas with qualified medics and trained first responders.

In some cases, endotracheal intubation is necessary when saving a life, or in surgical scenarios where the patient needs a breathing apparatus. The CPRPillow provides effective assistance under these conditions.

While exhibiting the CPRP at EMS WORLD Expo 2019 in New Orleans, I met with the folks at EA Medical, a very reputable and well established medical specialty distributor from St. Louis. I am pleased to announce that we have appointed them as our distributor for the National CERT Responder community and affiliates. EA Medical also covers Missouri and downstate Illinois for all other markets including EMS, fire, police, and various government agencies.

The CPRPillow will be on exhibit at the 2020 National CERT Responder Conference. We welcome you to stop by EA Medical’s booth and see the CPRPillow first hand. CERT

[1] ORIGINAL SOURCE: American Heart Association; Summary compiled by Mary Newman, MS, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

CASTING A WIDER “NET”

Pilot Program to assist vulnerable residents

BY TERESA GREENHALGH

On January 08, 2020 the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services launched a Pilot Program to assist vulnerable residents, in rural communities, with developing their Disaster Plan. The Pilot Program known as the “Neighborhood Evacuation Team (NET) Program” developed by the County, will pair a NET trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member with a “Neighbor.” The San Diego County Fire Authority CERT – Southern Division Program was selected to pilot the NET Program for the first six months.

and steps to take to remain safe while going out in the community. Prior to being assigned a neighbor, the CERT members must also complete watching eight Access and Functional Needs Training videos for First Responders on the ReadySanDiego.org website and pass a Live Scan background check.

The goal of the NET Program is to utilize CERT members to assist vulnerable residents, those with access and functional needs, take action by completing their personal Disaster Preparedness Plans. That action includes being ready to evacuate upon an “Early Evacuation Warning,” or sooner if their neighbor does not feel safe during an emergency. CERT members will not be evacuating residents, rather their role will be to assist their neighbors in completing their personal Disaster Preparedness Plans, specifically created for people who may need assistance and their caregivers.

The focus will be on evacuation planning and identifying several points of contact for evacuation assistance during an emergency. The plan includes calling 9-1-1 during an early evacuation warning if all points of contact are not available, and informing authorities of specific assistance needs, for example the resident is bed-ridden or has a large electric wheel chair. The NET CERT member will also help their neighbor register for AlertSanDiego, the County’s regional Alert and Warning System. The process of completing a Disaster Preparedness Plan may take a few visits, and the NET CERT member will follow up with quarterly check-ins with their neighbor. Quarterly check-ins may consist of a personal visit or a phone call to update contact information, confirm continued residency and participation in the NET Program.

The CERT Program Manager will be responsible for pairing up their NET trained CERT member with the residents in their community that have requested assistance. NET training for the CERT Program members includes: an in-person training session about the NET Program, Program Goals and Objectives, how to complete the Disaster Preparedness Plan,

Partner Agencies, such as the Autism Society, the Blind Center, and San Diego Gas & Electric (to name just a few) will promote the NET Program directly to their clients with access and functional needs, including medical baseline customers, preserving their confidentiality. Qualifying residents wanting to participate will be responsible for registering for the NET Program through the County’s ReadySanDiego.org website or by calling a designated phone number.

The SDCFA CERT – So. Division members are honored to be piloting such an important and innovative Program for their 20+ hard to reach rural communities. The Pilot NET Program is greatly expanding the role of CERT in San Diego, California while also providing an avenue for our most vulnerable neighbors to be supported. The SDCFA CERT – So. Division members are taking on this Mission Task with great care and compassion . . .Yes, CERT is casting a wider NET!

To learn more about the NET Program please visit the ReadySanDiego.org website, or the SDCFA CERT – So. Division Program website at: http://sdcfacert-sdiv.com.

RESIDENTS WITH ACCESS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS

DEFINITION: FROM CA ASSEMBLY BILL 2311:

For purposes of the NET Program, the “access and functional needs population” consists of individuals who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, chronic conditions, injuries, limited English proficiency or who are non-English speaking, older adults, children, people living in institutionalized settings, or those who are low income, homeless, or transportation disadvantaged, including, but not limited to, those who are dependent on public transit or those who are pregnant. ! CERT

• Building hammocks

• To secure a snubber to an anchor chain

• Setting up slacklines

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Loop the tag end dof the rope around the post

2. Bring it ddown from behind the post

3. Bring it up, wrapping around the post

4. Pass it between the 2 wraps

5. Pull both ends to tighten

6. The knot is complete

1 2 6 4 3 5

Teaching Young Adults the Importance of

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

BY MARK ROSENBLUM, MID AMERICA TEEN CERT DIRECTOR

How do you get adolescents interested in something other than sports, dating, online games, and Netflix? Building an educational program that will keep today’s youth interested nowadays takes patience and hard work. That’s where courses like the Mid America Teen Community Emergency Response Team program and other high-activity trainings come into play.

Throughout the 22+ hours of training, students learn how to handle medical emergencies, extinguish live fires, and perform extensive search and rescues. The post disaster “hot wash” portion of the training teaches the students what is normal, expected, and abnormal. Most importantly, students learn to manage stress, assist with peers and people with special and functional physical needs, and recognize signs and symptoms of disaster-related psychological issues. The class culminates with a full-scale, real-time, life-like simulated disaster exercise that will showcase the newly learned emergency skills of the students.

Scout receiving a state-issued TEEN CERT certificate of program completion, they have the opportunity to earn their Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Fire Safety, Safety, Disabilities Awareness, Search and Rescue, and Wilderness Survival merit badges. The course is open to schools, churches, businesses, and the public, and is perfect for any service group

Students, both young and older, are amazed with their abilities and newly found skills after learning the proper techniques. They experience firsthand satisfaction as they rescue their injured classmates and co-workers, bringing them safely to the treatment area. Students perform tasks they did not believe they could and have an eye-opening experience as they crawl through a dark closet or classrooms searching for their fallen peers. One of the things that makes the Mid America TEEN CERT so unique and popular, is that the standard national curriculum was enhanced to include additional disaster-related topics and hands-on exercises, such as adding requirements from several Boy Scout, Girl Scout, American Heritage Girls, 4-H, and other program merit and interest project badges. For example, in addition to a Boy

or organization, i.e. HOSA, NHS, AHG, Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H, etc. Unlike most “adult” CERT programs, Mid America TEEN CERT legitimately and properly teaches both teen and adult learners – more than one-third of the programs’ 2000+ graduates are 18 years and older. Mid America TEEN CERT teaches an average of 7-8 classes per year and currently has a 5-year backlog of programs wanting to take the course.

A major goal could be for TEEN CERT to be incorporated in the core curriculum of middle and high school lessons, teaching youth about preparedness and response, as well as CPR, AED, and other important life-saving skills. School districts from around the country are requesting the training in their schools, from as far away as Auburn, WA. As the Mid America TEEN CERT training gains popularity, the program is being requested as a permanent part of the curriculum and several education departments are currently reviewing cost and resource impacts, such as purchasing emergency backpacks and other supplies..

CERT SPOTLIGHT

Focus On

Teresa Greenhalgh

Program Manager

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A CERT COORDINATOR?

The best part of being a CERT Coordinator, or in our case CERT Manager, is developing a solid well-trained and engaged group of volunteers. We’ve been fortunate to build a “family” within our volunteers, which could be a challenge since we serve 20+ rural communities over a 600 square mile area. At the end of the day, the Team we have developed, the service and the

“family” we have created are the best parts of being a CERT Manager.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

When I became the CERT Program Manager several years ago, we were not one of the top Teams in the County. After 2-years of re-building our Program I had to start over with a new Sponsoring Agency and new Program name. Since 2016 I have learned a lot about managing volunteers and building a Team with a high standard of training, engagement and respect. My greatest accomplishment is building a Team that other Programs in the County look to for assistance, training and engagement ideas. Additionally, being a CERT Program the Sponsoring Agency uses as a force-multiplier and considers a valued asset to their Fire Authority Team is an incredible honor and accomplishment.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

CERT of course! I enjoy the challenge of what I can do to make our Team and the service we provide to our communities better each year. I LOVE creating activities that will engage our neighbors in emergency preparedness conversations in a fun way. Anyone attending the National CERT Conference in Springfield, MO can attend my presentation and learn what I do for fun.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC SAY “THANK YOU” AND MAKE YOUR WORK EASIER?

Our CERT Program already benefits from many positive partnerships with our six local Fire Safe Councils, several Community Organizations and our five County Branch Libraries. We’ve also recently received donations to cover some of our Outreach Events. Our Program is not “in it” for recognition, but rather the service we can provide to our neighbors. With that said, positive notes on social media from the public about the classes they taken, or the help they’ve recieved from the CERT Program would greatly help us to do more service work and reach more of our neighbors. That kind of help would make my work easier, as I believe I wouldn’t have to work so hard to promote our Program or the FREE training we offer.

WHAT WOULD MAKE MY WORK EASIER?

What would make my work easier is a tough question. I LOVE what I have accomplished with our CERT Program and the positive impact it has had for our service area so I don’t consider it work. It’s more of a passion, so that leaves me without an answer . . .which is unusual for me.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN CERT?

I became a CERT member in early 2010. I became the Program Manager in January 2014. CERT

HOW UV-C DISINFECTION CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO FIRST RESPONDERS, EMS AND HEALTH PROVIDERS

Stopping the spread of Healthcare

Acquired

Infections is a top priority for the CDC.

BY NEAL ZEID | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINCOLN COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT

UV-C

is a natural disinfection method scientifically proven for over 100 years to reduce the spread of disease. UV-C light stops microorganisms from thriving and reproducing by disrupting their DNA and rendering them harmless. When they try to reproduce, they die.

THERE ARE NO PATHOGENS THAT CAN RESIST A LETHAL DOSE OF UV-C ….. NONE!

As reported in EMSWORLD, a total of 1,356 NAEMT members participated in a survey, jointly commissioned by NAEMT and McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, and reported that:

One in two (50%) have been exposed to an infectious disease, and One in five (21%) have contracted an illness from a patient. There are now portable UV-C lamps made specifically for EMS, Fire, and Police that offer high output in a small easy-to-use footprint that deliver high level disinfection. Because all light waves bounce off of hard surfaces, UV-C is effective in disinfecting hard-to-reach and uneven surfaces. UV-C disinfects in direct line of sight and also in recessed and shadowed areas.! CERT

“These lamps, when used regularly, will provide 99.999999 percent disinfection and kills all known bacteria, virus, mold, protozoa and yeast. When the staff uses these lamps in conjunction with topical disinfection, this technology will provide a safer environment for patients and staff. In addition to killing virus and bacteria in the ambulance, the crews will be able to use these portable UV-C lamps to disinfect living spaces like bunk rooms, where an individual may have become ill. This technology can stop the transmission of diseases that before may have caused an outbreak of colds and flu in areas such as an ambulance base that many people share 24 hours a day. The new UV-C Lamps will keep staff healthy, and it will keep the ambulances and bases clean for those who visit or tour the facilities.”

Ray Antonacci – Director, Lincoln County Ambulance District, Troy, MO

This testimonial is from Trenton, Michigan Chief of Police. The city invested in our portable EDU-435 UV-C lamp to use in all police cars and jail cells as well as their fire/ems vehicles and throughout their station.

“I recently reviewed our department personnel sick time use from before we started using our UV-C Light and after using our light in our facility/jail and patrol cars. I discovered that our officers have used less sick time since we have been using the UV-C light. I looked at the sick time use for individuals (not including family sick time, maternity, or long-term illness) and found that we have had a reduction of more than 25% in sick time. I just wanted to pass this along to you because we had discussed that the UV-C light would be beneficial to the employees as well as the inmates/suspects.”

Todd Scheffler - Chief of Police, Trenton Police Department.

UV-C is widely used in many applications for air, surface, and water disinfection. It is used at water treatment facilities to help bring us clean and safe water, and in hospitals to kill Tuberculosis, MRSA and C diff. UV-C is used by pharmaceutical manufacturing as an added measure in clean rooms and in food processing plants to kill Salmonella.

In-air-duct UV-C disinfection systems installed in buildings help deliver clean air, thus reducing airborne pathogens and in turn help reduce sick time. The national office headquarters of the CDC, FDA, EPA and NIOSH all have UV-C installed in their buildings.

For more information on UV-C disinfection contact Neal Zeid of EA Medical LLC | 314-974-5915 www.eamed.com | uvc@eamed.com

GRAIN STORAGE BINS

Friend of the Farmer, Foe to the Responder

BY DAVE NEWCOMB

In July 2010, four young men ages 14 to 21 entered a grain bin to start their second day at a summer job; at the end of the day only two of the young men were alive. The 14 and 19-year-old were dead. This incident in Mt Carroll, Illinois brought grain bin incidents to national attention. In the United States, there are an average of 35 incidents each year. In 2010 there were 52 documented incidents in the United States, of those incidents 26 were fatal.

The number of reported Grain Bin incidents vary each year, one major contributing factor is the quality of the grain from the previous year’s harvest. In 2009, there was a very wet harvest, so grain was being stored in less than ideal conditions, which lead to the record number of grain bin Incidents. By contrast, in 2013, there were less than 20 reported incidents, with less than 10 fatalities. The 2012 harvest was affected by a drought and the amount of grain that was stored was minimal. I fear that the growing season for 2019 is much like 2009, and I pray that history does not repeat itself like 2010.

As I stated above, grain quality is a major contributing factor in grain bin incidents. Another factor is the amount of grain that is stored. According to the Feed and Grain Association of Illinois more that 55% of the total grain storage capacity in the United States is on the farm. In the 60’s and 70’s bins of 18, 24 and 30 feet in diameter were common on the farm. Today the most common bin to be built is 60 ft in diameter with varying heights depending on the total capacity desired by the purchaser. For first responder, that means in 50 years we have progressed from 20,000 bushels of capacity to 250,000 bushels in a single bin. Farmers are storing and monitoring bins comparable to commercial elevators.

People often ask why would farmers go into a grain bin?

Good Question. Let’s use this analogy if you had a million dollars in a suitcase wouldn’t you check it now and then to make sure it was in good condition. That grain could represent a whole year of income, along with collateral for future credit. It has immense value.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME TRAPPED IN A GRAIN BIN?

There are 3 situations in which you can be trapped in a grain bin:

First is Bridging. In this situation, the grain has developed a crust over the top. This can be deceiving as to how full the bin is. Also, you could be over a void which is just like being on thin ice. Your body weight breaks the surface, and you can become buried in the grain and or injured from a fall from a considerate height.

Second is Avalanching, which is a crust in the vertical position where grain is stuck to the side wall of the bin and can reach varying heights and thicknesses. This is dangerous when trying to dislodge the grain manually by being inside the bin. The grain

breaks free and you cannot react in time to escape, and you could have the weight of a vehicle hanging on the side of the bin.

Third is the Unloading Process, which is the most common time that someone can become entrapped in the grain. The unloading process begins by opening a door in the center of the bin floor and allowing the grain to flow by gravity into an unloading auger under the floor of the bin. Clumps of grain can sometimes become lodged in the opening, and stops the flow of the grain. This becomes dangerous when someone climbs into the bin with a pole or rod to dislodge the blockage which releases the grain to flow again. If the unloading system is not shut off during this process you can be pulled under the grain in as little as 12-15 seconds depending on the capacity of the unloading system.

HOW DO WE PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING?

First: don’t enter the bin, and only as a last resort

Second: LOTO (Lock Out and Tag Out) any equipment that can cause the grain to move.

Examples of this are the unloading system, and internal Sweep-augers and Stir A tors.

Third: We must change the culture on the family farm to not go into the bins alone, and have someone with you that can call for help should an incident occur.

Fourth: Use a lifeline that incorporates a harness and a rope that is designed to keep you above the surface of the grain should a situation occur.

AS A FIRST RESPONDER WHAT SHOULD I DO TO BE PREPARED?

Pre-planning is something we do for most responses; a grain bin emergency is no different in that it will involve many different agencies and personnel. Along with training in Rope Confined Space and Trench disciplines, we must evaluate our own capabilities and those of our mutual aid companies coming to assist. If a specialized team is needed, we must plan for how long it will take for them to arrive.

Familiarization with the facilities in our response area and that of our neighbors is important so that how the equipment works is understood.

Common hazards that could be present in these facilities are engulfment in the grain, mechanical entanglement, electrocution, and environmental conditions.

Training in air monitoring and Lock Out and Tag Out procedures is critical.

Along with training in Rope Confined Space and Trench disciplines, we must evaluate our own capabilities and those of our mutual aid companies coming to assist. If a specialized team is needed, we must plan for how long it will take for them to arrive.

THE INCIDENT OCCURS:

Grain bin incidents can escalate to a major operation very quickly. Most of the incidents that I am aware of required 50-100 responders, for a small rural department on a weekday, that can be quite daunting. Mutual aid and or automatic aid should be initiated. If a Technical Rescue Team is needed, call immediately. Upon arrival it is important to gather as much information from witnesses as possible. This would include where is the patient located, and is there more than one patient. If there are multiple bins on the site which bin? Begin Lock Out Tag Out procedures on the bin involved. Send a spotter to the opening of the bin roof, equipped with a harness and safety line to secure him to the bin at the opening. Take an air monitoring device to begin documenting the air quality. Look into to the bin and see if the patient is visible, if visible do not enter. Report the location to command. One method of how to describe where the patient is located is when looking from the top, think of the bin as a clock, the spotter’s location is 12 o’clock then clockwise 3 ,6 and 9 are noted. If the patient is alert and his/her hands are free, send a line down and have them place the line under their arms, then secure the patient to the roof of the bin. If possible, they may be able to self-rescue. If the patient is unable to get themselves free, then following local confined space protocols would be used to perform the rescue.

Another situation that responders are faced with is a patient totally submerged under the grain. Once again LOTO the mechanicals, determine the patient is in the bin, and start cutting operations to open the bin. When cutting there are a few rules to follow.

First: Do not cut across the seams of the bin. The bolt patterns

are the structural integrity of the bin. Cutting across the bolt pattern could cause a bin failure.

Second: Do not cut across vertical stiffeners if the bin is equipped with them. The way to determine if stiffeners are present is to look for vertical rows of bolts that start at the base of the bin and

continue to the roof. They can be internal or external.

Third: Cut opposing holes in the bin simultaneously. Using the clock theory if you cut the bin at 3 o’clock you should cut at 9 o’clock at the same time, allowing for the bin to be emptied evenly. Once the patient is exposed, confined space procedures would be used to finish the rescue. This can be a dangerous time on the scene. Personnel working around the bin to remove the grain along with machinery takes coordination and what I call situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Incident command plays a major role in these responses. Accountability of personnel is one of the major challenges on the scene with so many operations happening, and with multiple agencies involved. It is also important to consider the family of the patient. These incidents can take hours and be very stressful. When available, assign someone to the family to explain what is being done and why.

In this article I have tried to provide a snapshot of the dangers of grain bin incidents. What factors cause them to happen, and how first responders need to start preparations to handle these situations. I tried to follow one focus. EVERYONE GOES HOME.

CERT

CERT AND THE MCI:

Perspective from a First Responder

BY EDWARD M. BEIRNE MS, EFO CFO NEMAA, DEPUTY CHIEF, OPERATIONS & TRAINING METRO WEST FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

One of the greatest challenges of operating in the first responder realm is the uncertainty of the situations we are presented with. Each day, we see a myriad of injuries, sickness, and human distress. We rely on empathy, training, and a sixth sense, acquired from years of practicing our trade to bring some semblance of order. In some instances, we operate in an auto-pilot mode; others, we must apply a deep matrix of algorithmic decisions that lead us to the appropriate treatment.

One of the aspects of our job that has never changed is the presence of those wishing to help prior to, or immediately after, our arrival on scene. In the fast-paced, high-stress world of pre-hospital emergency medical treatment, we often forget to consider the value that a well-trained member of the public can provide during certain scenarios. Let’s explore one of these in relationship to the CERT mission.

A mass casualty incident (MCI) is simply any request for service where the emergency medical service resources are overwhelmed by the number and

severity of casualties. There is not a hard and fast equation to apply to determine when an incident becomes an MCI. In very small systems with limited equipment and personnel, this could be a simple 3 vehicle accident with moderate injuries present. Larger systems are more robust, but rest assured, ANY system can become overwhelmed quickly. It is this type of situation I’d like to offer some perspective from over 40 years in the field.

Upon arrival at the scene, many first responders perform a very quick scene assessment to determine if it’s safe to process. Once that is completed, the vital work of triage begins. From the French term trier, to separate or sort out based on quality, triage has developed through military battlefield practices to define the process of classifying injuries and severity based on the threat to life. In other words, triage determines who gets transported first. This process is easy with just one or two patients but imagine arriving on scene to find at least 20 people injured. Triage helps us to classify the most severe. This process is very similar to what you received in your initial training.

So, how does a CERT member fit into the equation on an MCI? First and foremost, remember that the first responders are making lightning fast judgments based on experience and training and may not be in a position to engage with you to discuss needs. In many instances, there is no time to delay the treatment processes. Furthermore, from an incident commander’s (IC) perspective, the issues of undocumented or spontaneous volunteers add chaos to an already difficult situation. Whenever I am asked about this topic, I reflect on my deployed time in Joplin, MO during the tornado aftermath and wonder how I was able to track everyone that just showed up. Use you powers of observation and diplomacy and offer help.

In my area, all of our CERT members are known and because we were

involved with the initial and ongoing refresher training, we are knowledgeable of their capabilities. Just because you show up “dressed for the party” doesn’t mean you’ll be put to work. There is a relationship that is developed through training and refresher offerings that builds the confidence for the IC to assign you within the system. Once you get this assignment, you must only perform within your level of training, knowledge, and authority granted by the IC.

As a single CERT member showing up to assist, it may be difficult to access the IC to offer help, or perhaps convince the first arriving medics that you have performed triage and are reporting said injuries. Offer your services in any capacity, and I guarantee if you’re needed, you’ll get a job.

The greatest opportunity for a combined team to interface within an MCI is through a planned event, such as a festival or a concert. This type of event always needs staffing, and this is a great time, during the planning phases, to offer CERT as a component of the medical branch. Ideal assignments would be center on being present and offering services within the triage and treatment groups. The offer should be made in conjunction with documented training and perhaps a refresher exercise to sharpen skills. Communication is the key for success in this endeavor.

Regardless of how you choose to interact with the first responder community, either through a planned event or at the emergency scene, be cognizant of the stress that is present and be diplomatic in your approach. Take every opportunity to obtain refresher classes and sharpen your skill set. If you are not familiar with your local responders, take the time to introduce yourself prior to arriving on scene. If they are familiar with CERT, offer to assist with any trainings. Above all else, remember that we are all part of the same team with the same goal: to serve others in need. Stay Safe CERT

CIVIL AIR PATROL

The Volunteer Guardians of

America

HOW AND WHERE DID WE BEGIN?

The origins of Civil Air Patrol date to 1936, when Gill Robb Wilson, World War I aviator and New Jersey director of aeronautics, returned from Germany convinced of impending war. Wilson envisioned mobilizing America’s civilian aviators for national defense, an idea shared by others.

In Ohio, Milton Knight, a pilot and businessman, organized and incorporated the Civilian Air Reserve (CAR) in 1938. Other military-styled civilian aviation units emerged nationwide, training for homeland defense.

In 1941, Wilson launched his perfected program: the Civil Air Defense Services (CADS). That summer, tasked by Fiorello H. LaGuardia (New York mayor and director of the federal Office of Civilian Defense and also a World War I aviator), Wilson, publisher Thomas H. Beck and newspaperman Guy P. Gannett proposed Wilson’s CADS program as a model for organizing the nation’s civilian aviation resources. Their proposal for a Civil Air Patrol was approved by the Commerce, Navy, and War departments in November, and

CAP national headquarters opened its doors on Dec. 1, under the direction of national commander Maj. Gen. John F. Curry. Existing CADS, CAR and other flying units soon merged under the CAP banner. Public announcement of CAP and national recruiting commenced on Dec. 8.

ORIGINAL HOMELAND SECURITY

When it comes to the battles of World War II most people will immediately think of conflicts against the Axis Powers in Europe, the Pacific Theater of War against the Japanese and on the off chance the confrontations in Africa. Not many people know that the United States of America was also a battleground for the War and we suffered several attacks from the Germans and were almost invaded.

In 1942 German U-boats stationed outside the waters of New York City were responsible for sinking over 50 American ships per month. The news gave no coverage of these attacks to ensure that citizens felt safe at home. Soon those same citizens would take action against the U-boats as a

BY 1ST LT ALLEN ROARK PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER CAP, ASCENSION PARISH COMPOSITE SQUADRON LA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEN ROARK

group of pilots known as The Civil Air Patrol.

In an interview with historian Roger Theil, we took a deeper look into the pilots who kept our coastal waters safe from enemy attack.

“They were sworn into an organization with semi-military identity and they did fly out with a certain amount of perimeter of the United States but they were hybridized, they were joint civilian-military. It was essentially as if you had a bunch of private pilots of the day who decided they would bolt bombs underneath civilian light planes and fly out to do an armed action on behalf of the United States Government and they did.”

– Roger Theil, Author of “America’s Homefront Air War,” Civil Air Patrol Against German Submarines

From the period of March 1942 until September 1942 the Civil Air Patrol had reduced submarine attacks on merchant ships from over 50 per month to zero. The volunteer pilots of the CAP numbered almost 1,700 members and completely drove off the Kriegsmarine from American waters.

Today, the Civil Air Patrol serves three primary functions - emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.

Emergency Services: Whenever an aircraft is reported down or a disaster strikes our state, the Civil Air Patrol is called into action. Our missions come directly from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) in Langley, VA. Members and cadets alike put long hours of training and sacrifice to use as they mobilize to find people in distress. With aircraft in the sky and ground teams on ground, the squadron uses everything from sophisticated radio and navigation equipment to the naked eye to plain common sense to complete its mission. Often the emergency is a distress beacon in an aircraft accidentally activated in a rough landing. But sometimes the emergency is more dire - a missing person, a missing aircraft, or both. Squadron flight crews and ground teams also operate during statewide natural or manmade disasters such

as floods or earthquakes. All squadrons have several highly trained and highly professional crews ready to serve in whatever capacity necessary to ensure the safety of others.

The Cadet Program: The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program began in Oct 1942 and is one of the best youth programs in the United States, if not the world, today. With over 50 years of experience in turning young people into leaders, the Cadet Program uses military drill, aerospace education, and the Emergency Services program to teach leadership and management skills to teenagers. Cadets can join as early as age 12. Through various activities and exercises, they progress through a series of 15 Achievements, each more rigorous than the last. The United States military services recognizes the value of CAP Cadet Training. Cadets who achieve the grade of C/2d Lt are promoted to the grade of E-3 when enlisting in the Army or Air Force.

Aerospace Education: Surely no single advance has changed our world more, or promises to make greater changes, than the advent of flight. The Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to the increased education of the general public regarding this vital aspect of America’s current wealth and future stability. The Civil Air Patrol not only trains young people through the Cadet Program, but it reaches out to all citizens of any age to make the world of aerospace more accessible through demonstrations, classes, and publications.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 66,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. CAP also plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to 24,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. CERT

PROVING YOUR TEAM

BY PHIL AMTOWER DIRECTOR, CHRISTIAN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

January 1st, 2003, I started this job as Director of Emergency Management. I had been around Emergency Management for a while, had been a volunteer Fire Fighter for over 10 years, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I needed to do and what needed to happen. Then, 3 months later we had a F3 tornado go thru the west side of the county. Boy, did I have a rude awakening!!

There was so much to do, so much to take care of. There were requests for services from the residents, the State EMA wanted damage assessment numbers, every elected official was calling wanting info, people were wanting to help, there was donations coming in. It was truly overwhelming. I was the only one in the office and I needed HELP!

Lesson #1

To compound the problem, I was only one of several damaged areas in SW Missouri at the time. There was a whole town that was wiped out as well as several other areas that were completed devastated. Not too many people

knew that we had a tornado. All of the resources were going to the other areas. I’ve been teaching these citizens to be self sufficient for 3 days, we needed to do the same thing as a county and not have to rely on others. Lesson #2

Luckily, I had a few Amateur Radio guys that were weather spotters and offered to help. We managed to get thru it and got everyone taken care of. In the grand scheme of things, this wasn’t that large of an event. If this had happened in a more heavily populated area, I was in trouble!! There was no budget to add personnel, so I was going to have to rely heavily on volunteers.

A couple of months later, the State EMA had sent an email about a grant opportunity. It had to do with starting a CERT Team. I did some research, and thought this might be my answer. I applied, got some money to purchase the training supplies, and in October that same year we had our first CERT Class.

From 2003 to 2006, we had about 10 CERT classes. I elicited the help from a couple fire fighters, a couple EMT’s to help teach the class and talked my wife and kids into be victims for the class. We were moving right along! But we were not really considered a part of the “core response” community yet. No one called

us for help. We hadn’t proved ourselves yet. The response community is pretty close, not letting just anyone in. You have to prove that you are a valuable, reliable and competent asset first. This would take time!

Then it happened! That tornado I dreaded. An F3 thru some heavily populated areas. This one was 10 times as worse. But this time, I was prepared…I had HELP! Within 3 days, with help from lots of folks, CERT members, volunteers from the community we were able to set up a volunteer reception center as well as a service center for disaster victims. We had also set up a call center that people could call in to offer assistance as well as seek assistance. When victims came to the center, they could find all sorts of agencies that were there to assist them and while they were there, they could sign up to receive some volunteer help. I was truly amazed at what we had created. MOST of what transpired was because we started the CERT program. Having trained volunteers ahead of time, truly made the difference. The response to the tornado went very well. The citizens were happy, the elected officials were happy...CERT was on its way to proving itself!

In the coming years we had CERT class after CERT class. It’s amazing how having disasters can motivate people! It was in those years that I remembered Lesson #2…we need to be self-sufficient! So, we diversified.

We trained in Red Cross sheltering: what if I’m not the only disaster again, and Red Cross can’t come open shelters for me? What if AmeriCorps can’t come help me set up a Volunteer Reception Center?

We used that same mentality in other response areas: Damage Assessment, Wide Area Searches, SNS POD Operations, MARC’s…all these things volunteers can do. Why not train them and not rely on someone else? Self Sufficient. Lesson #2

In the coming years, we had a few smaller disasters that CERT helped out on, but we still weren’t being called by the other public safety agencies in the

county like I wanted to. It was hard to “break in”. Then, with some changes in law enforcement leaders, a new sheriff, I was able to convince them into calling us next time they had a missing person search. And they did call. The first time, I told them I’d get a few people out to help and we’ll see how it works out.

I have always stressed to our people to “under promise-over deliver”. First times out, that is exactly what we did. When that asked to come help search, we brought out response trailer, set up tents for shelter, set up a tent for food; had coffee, water and snacks and ordered pizza for lunch. We handled check in, set up a tent for the commander that had a table and maps. Our folks came with backpacks, dressed appropriately, we had vests for everyone…. We Over Delivered!!!

From then on, the Sheriff’s department called on us for searches! We had proved ourselves!

It took a lot of years to get “entrenched” into the whole emergency and public safety system. Proving ourselves by little steps along the way. Some of the things that I think helped:

• The “under promise-over deliver” mentality. Don’t promise things that you cannot deliver. This will ruin you right off the bat. This irritates everyone!!

• “Adapt and Overcome”. Always be willing to do things a little different. Once, we looked for some evidence from a domestic assault. A person ran from the house and dropped a crow bar somewhere. That’s not really a CERT thing, but we went and helped, saved countless man hours of paid law enforcement personnel. Now, we have Evidence Preservation class!

• “Under the Radar”. This can be a double edge sword. You want to praise your volunteers and tell everyone what they did. Sometimes, it’s best to get in, get the job done and not worry who gets the credit. Ronald Reagan once said “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit”. There’s a difference in praising your volunteers and bragging. No one likes the loud-mouthed braggart. Take care of business and help the people! CERT

SPRING EVENTS

MARCH

MARCH 1

World Civil Defence Day

MARCH 4

National Safety Day

MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day

APRIL APRIL (CONTINUED)

APRIL 1

April Fool’s Day

APRIL 24

Arbor Day

National Autism Awareness. Stress Awareness Month.

National Donate Life Month

MAY

FIRST FULL WEEK Nurse’s Week

FOURTH FULL WEEK Emergency Medical Services Week

MAY 8

World Red Cross Day / World Red Crescent Day

MAY 27 Memorial Day