HOSA CERT Skills (Basic)

What is the main goal of CERT?

To prepare communities to respond effectively when professional responders are unavailable.

What are the two main types of disasters?

Natural and human-caused.

What are the three steps to personal preparedness?

Make a plan, build a kit, stay informed.

How much water per person per day should you store?

1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days.

What is CERT’s guiding principle?

Do the greatest good for the greatest number.

When should CERT members deploy?

Only after ensuring personal safety and when officially activated.

What system does CERT use to manage incidents?

The Incident Command System (ICS).

What is the ideal span of control in ICS?

3–7 people per leader (5 is ideal).

Who ensures team safety?

The Safety Officer.

Name four main CERT command roles.

Incident Commander, Operations, Logistics, Planning.

What does SALT stand for?

Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, Treatment/Transport.

What are the triage categories and colors?

Immediate (Red), Delayed (Yellow), Minor (Green), Expectant/Dead (Black).

What is the first step in SALT triage?

Sort — call out for walking wounded to move to a safe area.

What are common lifesaving interventions?

Open airway, control bleeding, position recovery, apply tourniquet.

What does the '30-2-Can Do' rule mean?

30 breaths/min = Red; >2 sec cap refill = Red; can’t follow commands = Red.

How do you control severe bleeding?

Direct pressure → elevation → tourniquet if needed.

What is the goal of CERT medical operations?

Stabilize victims until professional help arrives.

What does DCAP-BTLS stand for?

Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, Swelling.

What are signs of shock?

Pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid pulse; restlessness.

How do you treat shock?

Maintain airway, control bleeding, keep warm, elevate legs (if safe).

What four areas make up a treatment site?

Immediate, Delayed, Minor, Morgue.

When should you not move a victim?

When a spinal injury is suspected, unless in danger.

What are the stress reaction categories?

Physical, cognitive, emotional.

What are the five phases after a disaster?

Impact, Heroic, Honeymoon, Disillusionment, Reconstruction.

What technique helps manage responder stress?

Use the buddy system, take breaks, rotate tasks.

What is CISD?

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing — happens after the event.

What is the CERT motto for mental health?

You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself.

What are the three parts of the fire triangle?

Heat, fuel, oxygen.

What is the PASS technique?

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

When should CERT members fight a fire?

Only small fires (wastebasket size) with a safe exit.

What should you always do before fighting a fire?

Ensure an escape route and correct extinguisher type.

What direction should you stay relative to a fire?

Keep yourself between the fire and your exit.

What is the goal of light search and rescue?

Locate, access, and extricate victims safely.

What are the 9 steps of size-up?

Gather facts, assess damage, identify hazards, determine resources, establish priorities, develop plan, take action, evaluate, revise.

What do the building markings mean?

/ = in progress, X = complete (time/date, hazards, team ID, victims).

How do you classify building damage?

Light (safe), Moderate (enter cautiously), Heavy (do not enter).

What method helps ensure you search every area?

Right-hand or left-hand search pattern.

What does CBRNE stand for?

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive.

What is CERT’s role in a terrorist incident?

Observe and report — do not investigate.

What are possible indicators of terrorism?

Unusual odors, vapor clouds, mass illness, dead animals.

What direction should you move after a suspected chemical release?

Uphill and upwind.

Should CERT members handle suspicious items?

No — report to authorities immediately.