@Photo credit:George Vetter/For Cannon Beach Gazette
@Photo caption:Jim Vetter (left) and Ben Vetter tend a “victim” in the Nov. 13-15 CERT training at Camp Kiwanilong.

The first county-wide training exercise for the Community Emergency Response Team program was held Nov. 13-15 at Camp Kiwanilong.

The exercise trained participants in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

CERT trains and organizes teams of volunteers who provide assistance to their communities before, during and after disasters. CERT volunteers help others following disasters when professional responders are not immediately available to help, and supplement and support responders on their arrival. Volunteers also support emergency response agencies by organizing and participating in local preparedness projects and initiatives.

There are currently six active CERT teams in Clatsop County.

Twenty-five people completed the training, which was conducted by six instructors from six different agencies. While some trainees are members of or plan to join local CERT teams, others said they took part simply to gain useful skills to improve their own personal level of preparedness and to be able to assist family and neighbors in a disaster.

The training was a collaborative effort by staff and volunteers from Clatsop County Emergency Management and CERT teams of Astoria, Lewis and Clark, Cannon Beach, Elsie-Vinemaple, Warrenton and Seaside High School, as well as the Lewis and Clark Fire Department. Camp Kiwanilong donated facilities for the three-day event.

The weekend also saw a separate training event Saturday in which several members of local CERT teams joined the Clatsop County Search and Rescue Team for a mock search.