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H.E.A.R.T. is a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as defined by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). Our 100-plus members are trained to support the Hoodland Fire Department and other emergency-services providers
by providing first aid, evacuations, traffic control, and search and rescue operations during large-scale events such as floods,
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and wildfires.
HEART members range from young (middle- and high-school students) to retired folks, and come from all walks of life and
experience.
Introduction
Following a major disaster, first responders who provide
fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication
failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's
notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life
sustaining needs.
One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors
will spontaneously try to help each other. This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous
volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others. This is a high price to
pay and is preventable through training.
If we can predict that emergency services will not meet
immediate needs following a major disaster, especially if there is no warning as in an earthquake, and people will spontaneously
volunteer, what can government do to prepare citizens for this eventuality?
First, present citizens the facts about what to expect
following a major disaster in terms of immediate services. Second, give the message about their responsibility for mitigation
and preparedness. Third, train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety,
and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Fourth, organize teams so that they are an extension of first responder
services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive.
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There are many CERT teams in Oregon:
- Clackamas County
- Grants Pass
- Hillsboro
- Lake Oswego (including some surrounding unincorporated areas of Clackamas and Multnomah Counties)
- Multnomah County
- Oregon City
- Portland
- Woodburn
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