Prepared for the worst
By Julian J. Ramos/Staff WriterSanta Maria Times
Posted: Saturday, May 15, 2010 1:15 am
Each night as she heads to bed and turns out the lights, Marina Garcia takes comfort in the knowledge she has learned in a Hancock College class.
In case of a disaster — either an act of nature or manmade — everyday citizens such as Garcia, who have specialized emergency training through the college, will be an invaluable asset to the community.
"I can honestly say that I sleep better at night, because I have the training. I have the knowledge. I know what to do, I know when to do it and how to do it," Garcia said.
"It is a huge power, and it is a great sense of true security. I am ready to take on whatever comes our way, in a safe, organized and efficient manner. I am thankful for this training," she added.
Garcia, 31, of Santa Maria is enrolled in EMS (emergency medical services) 102 First Aid and Safety, which includes intensive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training with Santa Maria Fire Department (SMFD) personnel at city fire stations and American Red Cross CPR and first-aid training in the classroom.
She believes CERT and Red Cross training should be mandatory at some point of the curriculum at all schools and colleges.
"CERT training is the only option that can assure we will not only survive the disaster, but will be able to manage the days after: taking care of our own families and of our neighbors" for a community such as Santa Maria in case of an emergency where public safety resources will be stretched thin, she said in an e-mail.
Beginning this year, a partnership between Hancock and the city fire force has begun training the next generation of citizen responders for catastrophic events.
The first nine weeks of the 16-week program focus on American Red Cross CPR and first-aid training, with the remainder of the course centered around hands-on CERT training with the Fire Department.
Activities include search-and-rescue operations such as clearing a simulated burning building and lifting a heavy object off a dummy by using wooden blocks, levers and fulcrums.
Firefighters are paid for their time by the college.
More than a year ago, Hancock sought to become a federally recognized CERT training site while Fire Department budget cuts didn't allow firefighters to continue CERT classes for the public, said Mike Messina, EMS program coordinator/instructor at Hancock.
After a meeting of Hancock and Fire Department officials, the joint venture came together.
One of the primary lessons after the Sept. 11 attacks and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina is Americans are woefully ill prepared for emergencies, and first responders such as public safety personnel may not reach some areas for days as they deal with other priorities.
That's where CERT-trained local responders fill in the gap, said Messina, founder of the college's two-year associate degree EMS program.
"We are teaching people things that save lives and can make a difference in your life," said Messina, a retired firefighter/paramedic.
EMS 102 teaches students life skills not typically learned in other classrooms, Messina said.
Among the vital abilities are how to work under pressure, teamwork, communication, making due with what resources you have, and how to make a difference in the community when disaster strikes.
Larry Comerford, the city's fire investigator/inspector who is a CERT instructor, echoed Messina's comments.
"You just don't get this stuff in your regular everyday class," he said
With just four fire stations in the city to cover more than 23 square miles and over 93,000 residents, it will be critical to have trained and knowledgeable people in the community able to help themselves, families and neighbors when a major disaster strikes, Comerford said.
The reaction from students to the class has been overwhelmingly positive, Messina said, and he expects class sizes for the open enrollment, 3-unit course to grow.
Classes had usually been smaller — about 10 to 12 students. However, between 25 to 30 students has been the norm per section this semester.
Those who successfully complete the program receive a CERT certificate on top of a Red Cross CPR card.
Most of the pupils are college-age students, and are eager to soak up learning and ask many questions, Messina said.
"These students are sponges," he said.
There is no prerequisite to enroll, and credits are transferable to the University of California and California State University systems.
Three sections are held in Santa Maria with one in Lompoc without the CERT component.
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