CERT Team Continues Training To Serve Community
Mahaska County CERT Team members train on the equipment for a rehab trailer. The trailer will be taken to emergency situations to help keep responders healthy during extended operations. (photo by Mahaska County Emergency Management)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Lessons were learned last summer when firefighters from Fremont and Oskaloosa battled a house fire in the extreme summer heat.
Firefighters began to experience medical problems due to the heat, and two ambulances were called in to help cool off and treat those impacted.
The Mahaska County CERT team saw an opportunity where they could benefit those first responders. They were already on scene passing out cold water to first responders but saw that they could do more.
With that first thought came the idea of providing a rehabilitation trailer that could be transported to any emergency to serve first responders and others in distress. Not only could the trailer offer a cool place during the summer months, but also a warm spot during those freezing winter ones.
So, the group obtained grants from the Golden Goose Club, Pella Corporation, and Vermeer that made the trailer possible for all responders in Mahaska County and beyond.
Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson said the team and trailer now have the capability to help upwards of 20 people. The trailer also includes misting fans, cooling vests, and the ability to attach a canopy to the back of the trailer to help even more find some relief.
This past week, the Mahaska County CERT team spent the evening training on the new equipment and practiced deploying the trailer for the first time.
“It’s going to be a great tool for our responders,” said Robinson. “I know a lot of them are excited about having it.”
Community Emergency Response Team or CERT is always looking for volunteers. “Our team is growing, but we could always use volunteers,” said Robinson. “If something happens in the middle of the day, we have some retired individuals that could come out and assist. They are getting used more and more.”
During the most recent violent weather, Mahaska County CERT Team members were busy cutting up trees to help open roadways. They also blocked roads due to downed power lines, “so our fire guys can keep doing what they need to do,” explained Robinson.
CERT members allow resources such as fire and law enforcement to be freed up to do their jobs during emergency situations. Robinson said CERT is best described as emergency services support. “They are there to support the emergency responders with whatever task they need.”
CERT team members gain valuable training from first responders, which aids members in better serving their community.
If you are interested in learning more about Mahaska County CERT, you can visit them at https://www.mahaskaready.com/cert.html.
