MCI Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Mark Codling working with CERT member

On Saturday, 2 November 2024, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) and the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) hosted a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Activity Day at Prospect Primary School. The event brought together 27 CERT members for a full day of practical training, team-building exercises, and skill enhancement.

HMCI Manager for Logistics and Operations, Leslie Vernon showing CERT members necessary tools and supplies.

Participants rotated through six interactive stations, each hosted by emergency response agencies, offering hands-on training in essential disaster response techniques:

Regiment Officer explaining team building task to CERT members.

• Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI): Radio communications and damage assessments using an online app.
• Cayman Islands Red Cross: First aid skills, including CPR and bandaging.
• Cayman Islands Regiment: Engaging team-building activities.
• Cayman Islands Fire Service: Light search and rescue operations, focusing on safe lifting and casualty transport.
• Cayman Islands Coastguard: Practical ropework, including knot-tying and line management.

 Coast Guard Officer demonstrating ropework

The event featured both indoor and outdoor activities, offering realistic training scenarios that challenged participants physically and mentally. The collaborative spirit of the day helped build strong teamwork and reinforced critical disaster response skills.

CERT members practicing their rope work with a member of the Cayman Islands Fire Service.