FEMA NIMS IS-317

A CERT member finds herself near a possible terrorist incident and sees what she suspects is an explosive device. What should she do? 

• Stay at the incident site to prevent unauthorized access
• Leave the area and report information to 911 using a land line
• Use a cellular phone to report a suspected explosive device as quickly as possible
• Investigate thoroughly to determine the likely type of weapon

The CERT Leader manages CERT operations until: 

• The Emergency Operations Plan is activated
• The Operations Section Chief reports for duty
• The Incident Command Post is established
•  The first professional responder arrives

Triage is the process of sorting survivors according to the severity of their injuries. The triage process is especially effective in situations where: 

• All of the above
• Time is critical
• There are limited resources
• There are more injured people than rescuers

Sandy, a CERT member who is assisting with disaster medical operations, finds a person who appears to be in shock. Which of the following is NOT a sign that the person may be in shock? 

• Convulsions
• Failure to respond
• Rapid breathing
• Slow capillary refill

During a disaster, survivors and helpers may experience disaster-related stress. Measures that CERT members can take to protect themselves from vicarious trauma include recognizing signs of trauma in themselves and taking breaks. Which of the following is another measure that CERT members can take to prevent vicarious trauma? 

• Don't respond to disasters that you have personally endured
• Don't over-identify with the survivors of the incident
• Don't speak with survivors about their feelings of loss 
• Don't remain at the scene for longer than 30 minutes

CERT member Gina is treating a burn survivor. Particles of the person's clothing have adhered to the burn. What should Gina do? 

• Leave the adhered particles of clothing in place
• Gently pull the adhered particles of clothing away from the burn
• Apply an antiseptic ointment on top of the adhered particles of clothing 
• Irrigate the burn with potable water to loosen the adhered particles of clothing

Which of the following describes what CERT members should do periodically as they search for survivors inside a damaged building? 

• Verify that they still have visual contact with the Team Leader
• Stop all movement and listen for sounds of trapped survivors
• Synchronize their watches
• Switch positions with their buddies

CERTs play a critical role in their communities by preparing for hazards and learning response skills to help themselves and others. Following a major disaster, CERTs may activate according to their standard operating procedures to: 

•  Respond to incidents in their neighborhoods or workplace
• Suppress major fires that may cause infrastructure damage
• Coordinate the response to a mass-casualty incident 
• Assume lead responsibility in a hazardous materials incident

How does assessment of structural damage during sizeup affect search and rescue operations? 

• Depending on the type of damage, emergency medical personnel may have to accompany a CERT when the team goes inside the structure
• CERT members need to use additional protective equipment before entering a heavily damaged structure
• The CERT mission changes, depending on whether the damage is light, moderate, or heavy
• CERTs are not allowed to enter either moderately or heavily damaged structures

Two ways that CERT members prepare themselves and their families for disasters and emergencies are by identifying and reducing potential hazards in the home and workplace and by developing a family disaster plan. Which of the following is another way that CERT members prepare for disasters? 

• Restricting access to hazardous areas
• Notifying authorities about known hazards
• Ensuring evacuation routes are clear
• Assembling disaster supply kits