Continuing education has been found to be lacking in most programs.  Whether it is because of lack of training dollars, instructors, lack of time in setting up the program, or just lack of interest on both parts, continuing education / training suffers.  In Boca Raton Fire Rescue CERT program training has become the number 1 priority.  Last year Boca Raton Fire Rescue offered over 25 continuing education classes to its members.  Interest perked and over 500 students took advantage of what was offered.

Although many different classes jockeyed for the number 1 position, the one class that always is a favorite is Search and Rescue.  Some may argue that is the “same ole’ thing”.  But all will agree that it is needed and a must in any training program.    

As the person in charge of continuing education for CERT, I have been searching for the ultimate class to give our members.  No w matter what I think of, I always fall back to “S&R”.  I have been to quite a few S&R drills, and I have seen many different CERT’s in operation.  All look good, and they seem to have a handle on what they need to do.  But when it comes right down to it, they lack in this area.

At the state conference the drill was very impressive.  Great instructors and eager teams wanting to go out and show their stuff.  Everyone looked good; some had the latest equipment and fancy looking CERT uniforms too. At the end of the Drill, a few CERT members were injured.  And few even finished up dead!  (not really).  This shows how easily it can happen.

These drills inspired me to increase the level of difficulty in our S&R drills thus increasing the level of awareness to our members.  Our drill on April 27, 2004 was a real eye opener.  At he end of the drill we had the same outcome.  So what did we learn?  

Expect the unexpected, ask questions, think out of the box, don’t just look…. observe the surroundings, and most of all work as a team.  Communicate.   I’m not saying with radios but talk to each other.  Listen to what the other person is saying.  A good listener will then process the information and can then make the right decisions.  And most of all, training.

Taking the time to train, and train correctly will only benefit you, the team, and the whole program.  Team leaders should take note that when called upon to help, your team is going to look to you for your help and guidance when they are faced with a challenge. Be ready!  The fire service trains everyday and so do athletes and both use their skills on a regular basis.  It all comes down to muscle memory.  Repetitive training, over and over again until you can do it with your eyes closed.  Since CERT members don’t use their skill on a regular basis, it comes down to training, as much as you can, when you can, to keep sharp and ready to perform at the best of your ability when your needed.  If you haven’t taken a continuing education class, try to find the time to sit in on one.  If your department or organization doesn’t have continuing education, try to get it started or look to other organizations that are doing it and see if they have room for you.  You owe it to yourself, your family and your community.

Photos are from Boca Raton fire rescue services CERT search & rescue drill, April 27, 2004.

Special thanks to Boca Raton fire and police explores.

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