El Cerrito-Kensington C.E.R.T.

As a grand finale to the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) curriculum and as a refresher for current team members, the El Cerrito Fire, Richmond Fire, and San Pablo Police departments host a biannual «Hands on Disaster Drill» for CERT students. Although I was excited to practice the fire suppression, cribbing/​lifting, disaster medical/​triage, light search and rescue, and neighborhood team skills I learned in the small El Cerrito-​Kensington CERT program, I wasn’t sure what to expect two weeks ago when I attended the 2009 drill.
However, as a multi-​city effort, the drill at El Cerrito City Hall thoroughly re-​enacted a real emergency allowing CERT volunteers to interact while practice life-​saving techniques. I particularly enjoyed acting as a member of a triage team to administer basic first aid to volunteer victims. I also enjoyed additional training provided by the American Red Cross regarding disaster preparedness and emergency shelters.
I am still floored by what could happen if a disaster hit West Contra Costa County. I am glad the local cities are partnering to increase awareness and I will be back at future drills to maintain my newly acquired skill set and perhaps volunteer to «doll up» with severed limbs and be in shock so others might be able to help me in a real emergency.