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| RBCERTAA |
Contact Us
RBCERTAA@aol.com
RBCERTAA
P.O.
Box 1894
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Hotline
310-217-7682
About RBCERTAA
RBCERTAA is a
non-profit organization created to organize and maintain the skill
levels of CERT graduates. We accomplish this by supporting and
attending ongoing emergency response training. Members are
encouraged to achieve a high level of preparedness and provide
volunteer support to the Redondo Beach Fire Department when a major
disaster strikes, or when activated by the RBFD in the event of an
emergency.
RBCERTAA Board
Members:
Marcelle
McCullough (Pres.)
Mike Grady
(V.P.)
Montgomery L. Ruth (Treas.)
Rochelle Kelley
(Sec.)
Jeff Adam
Jennifer Adam
Bob Applegate
Lily Gonzalez
Bob
Kumler
Sandy
Marchese
Newsletter Editor: Bob
Applegate
Photos
©2008 Bob Applegate
Newsletter ©2008 RBCERTAA
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| RBCERT
Team Nails Tsunami Drill |
 By Bob
Applegate
Operation Higher Ground was held in
Redondo Beach a few weeks ago. This tsunami drill was designed to
test the readiness of the emergency services teams in Redondo Beach
and the surrounding communities.
By all accounts the RBCERT
team did an exemplary job, impressing a number of onlookers. The key
to our success was a clear understanding of what had to be
accomplished as soon as we arrived on scene. The team was able to
learn some valuable lessons regarding
deployment. |
RBCERTAA
President's Corner: Lessons
Learned
|
 By Marcelle McCullough
Just
yesterday I received a letter in the mail. It was from a friend in
Florida. Well actually it was from a friend's daughter, Jessilyn.
The letter began by explaining the two checks that were attached and
stated that Jessilyn had decided to take her monthly allowance and
make a donation to a charity that is close to my heart. She did it
gladly and hoped that her efforts would make a difference.
Well as I sat down to write a piece for this newsletter
Jessilyn's letter made me think. How does a child learn to be so
giving? How do we inspire others to care, to give, to participate?
These thoughts brought me back to the letter attached to the
checks from Jessilyn's parents. It stated that as a way of
acknowledging their daughter's selfless efforts they matched her
donation. And I thought... it starts at home and is set by
example.
Jessilyn was certainly inspired to make a
difference, her parents by her actions and I was inspired by a
family that has instilled the lessons in life that will make the
world a better place.
Listening to the introductions of CERT
Academy class 37, when asked what made them decide to join CERT, the
responses vary. Many want to protect family, some want to help the
community and some the desire to become a firefighter. All meant to
make the community we live in a better place.
Making our
community or the world a better place is paramount in all of us. How
we do that when life gets busy, interests change and days seem short
can be a mystery.
In Redondo Beach the CERT organization is
one of the best in the country. Taking advantage of the
opportunities to train, to get to know your neighbors and to become
more familiar with a city department (RBFD) that is committed to you
is one solution to that mystery. It's also a privilege that I hope
does not get lost in the day to day minutiae.
So whether it's
an extra hour a week or several hours a month, getting more involved
in a program that strives to make a safer home, save a life, create
a better community or set an example to children, family and friends
is an excellent first step.
As you look for ways to
participate you will see that it begins to inspire others just as
Jessilyn inspired me. |
| Earthquake Preparedness Link |
From Redondo
Beach Fire Chief Hyink....
During our hectic daily lives we
tend to forget about what to do during an emergency. This link
is a reminder of what to do during an earthquake for you and your
family.
On behalf of the Fire Department,
Citizen Corp Council and our Emergency Preparedness Committee we
encourage everyone to be prepared and to remember the
basics.
Take care, be prepared.
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| La Mirada Earthquake Drill |
By Bob Applegate
Editor's Note:
This article didn't fit into last month's issue, so we're including
it in this month's.
There was a moment or two when I felt we
were getting overwhelmed. I was checking a patient's vitals (off the
card they had around their neck), the Search and Rescue teams were
getting up to speed and the patients were really rolling  in. I needed to prioritize patients
for transport. With 15 "immediate" patients, many with roughly
equivalent conditions, I sweated the prioritization, which I found
pretty tough with that many patients to track. After one of the La
Mirada Paramedics arrived, I was somewhat relieved to hear him say
to one of the ambulance EMTs: "They're all immediate, so it doesn't
matter much who you take next." Later I found out that he didn't
really mean it quite that way and we did sweat who was most
critical. I found that I could hang with the Paramedics and at least
have an intelligent conversation with them about patient care
priorities.
One thing that threw me just for a moment during
the drill was when the firefighters first showed up and started
loading some of my patients into the ambulance. I thought "Hey, is
somebody going to tell me what's going on?" I had no problem with
the Paramedic taking command of the triage area, but I expected
someone to inform me of that. I walked up to the Paramedic and asked
him if he was taking charge of the triage area. He said that he was,
but immediately asked me to continue with what I was doing. We
worked well together.
Also, I forgot about the walking
wounded (minor) patients. We'd moved their area behind us, only 20
feet away, but I forgot all about them. Usually, I'd at least get a
quick check on the LOC [level of consciousness] every 15 minutes or
so. A brief conversation would have been enough to confirm that they
were still OK. In my defense, I was responsible for the Immediate
patients, but I should have made sure that this was covered by
someone. We should have assigned one person to make sure they didn't
wander away or get unexpectedly shocky.
 I thought the drill went fairly well.
The tagging of the patients was a small problem, however, only
because THEY GAVE ME A BIT TOO MUCH INFO. There was a written
description of how the patient was supposed to act, a drawing that
included an anatomical image of a body, noting the location of
wounds. They even included a diagnosis on some of the cards - one
card had "Angina Pectoris" written on it. It took some of the
challenge out of it! Not all of the patients had this type of info
displayed, however. The tags also included relatively complete
vitals: B/P, pulse, respirations, not the "RPM" limited info that
would be coming in with most all of the CERT triaged patients. The
last RBFD drill I did was more realistic in that regard. All it
would note was perfusion "> 2 secs."
They probably should
have worked in at least one scenario involving scene safety, but I
heard of none from the SAR teams. Even if you don't want to kill off
any of your rescuers during the exercise, I would have created an
unsafe situation, then warned them after they approached the scene.
I've had a bit of experience now as medical team leader or
incident commander in these types of exercises. I really do enjoy
it. I didn't feel quite as elated as I usually do. We'd lost one
patient and I was worried a bit that I'd prioritized him incorrectly
for transport. He had a penetrating head wound, but his vitals
seemed OK (although he was unconscious). Later on they said he'd
died, but it was unclear who had actually said that - the CERT team
member said that a firefighter had said he was dead, and the
firefighters didn't seem to know anything about it!
The first
La Mirada Paramedic on scene suggested that I have a team member
dedicated to constantly rotating through the patients and
reassessing them. I was personally mortified that I had to be
reminded of this! I learn best from my mistakes, so hopefully this
won't happen again. |
| Emergency Kits for RB Residents/Workers at 50%
Discount |
 The Beach Cities Health
District is currently offering emergency kits at 50% discount to
anyone working or living in Redondo Beach. These are good kits and
the price is very attractive - an $84 value for $42! The kit
supports two people for three days with basic emergency supplies:
1 - Red backpack
2 - Food bar packets: for three days, 4,800
total calories, five-year shelf life
1 - Hygiene kit: tissues,
towelettes, hazardous waste bags
6 - Water boxes: 50.7 total
ounces, five-year shelf life
2 - Emergency blankets
1 -
33-piece medical kit
1 - First aid, CPR and choking guide
1
- Flashlight with alkaline batteries
1 - Radio with alkaline
batteries
1 - 12-hour light stick
2 - Adult ponchos
1 -
Whistle
You will also receive helpful advice about how to
prepare an emergency plan with your family. For more information,
contact the Medical Reserve
Corps at (310) 374-3426 x170. |
| Volunteer Opportunities |
 RBCERTAA needs your help!
The strength of this organization is the willingness of CERT
graduates to step up and work together. Don't worry, it won't take
too much time! The following volunteer opportunities exist within
RBCERTAA:
Communications
Committee
The Communication Committee is looking for help
with graphics for the website. A little help with Photoshop would be
greatly appreciated! Anyone with HTML experience is also
invited!
Equipment
Committee
The Equipment Committee needs volunteers to pull
the trailer and display the equipment when Mike Grady is not
available.
Community
Involvement Committee
The Community Involvement
Committee's goal is to increase the visibility of Redondo Beach CERT
to the residents of Redondo Beach. Volunteers interested in
assisting can email Sandy Marchese at SRedondoBeach@aol.com or leave a message on
the RBCERT Hotline at 310-217-7682.
Please contact RBCERTAA if you'd like to volunteer for any
of the above opportunities, or have any ideas on how you'd like to
help. If you don't have time to spare, we'll take cash donations
(remember, they're tax
deductible)! |
Events
Calendar
|
By Marcelle McCullough
3/29 CERT Academy #37
Graduation!
Congratulations to all those who are
close to completing their CERT Training. Graduation is Saturday from
10A-3PM at RBFD Station 2 (2400 Grant Avenue - N. Redondo). For
those graduating bring your PPE (Personal Protection Equipment),
sunscreen and dress for being outdoors (layers is suggested). The
RBFD will be providing lunch and beverages but if you would like to
bring a dessert please feel free. Invite your family to come by
about 1PM to see you in action. They can observe and take some
pictures. It's a fun day and thank you to the fire department for
their support of this event.
3/30 CERT Fundraiser at
"America's Got Talent" Taping
10AM - 3PM - Enjoy a family day out
at a taping of America's Got Talent at the Orpheum Theatre (842 S.
Broadway, LA 90014) and help raise much needed funds for RB CERT
Alumni Association. Open to all CERT Alumni, family, friends and
distant relatives over the age of 10. Free tickets to fill the
audience seats for the show. In return the show will pay RBCERTAA
$15 per person who shows up and indicated they are with RBCERTAA.
Jennifer Adam should be contact for a head count to reserve your
spot. She can be reached at jeffandjenniferadam@yahoo.com. Deadline to register
is Thursday, March 27th. Information about carpooling and parking
will follow.
WELCOME ALL CERT ALUMNI. Please
accept this as your personal invitation to join us at the next
RBCERTAA Board Meeting Tuesday, April 1st at Billy's Deli and
Restaurant at 5160 190th Street (west of Anza and 190th). We have a
"get to know you" social which starts at 6:00 PM and the meeting
starts promptly at 6:30 PM. Let us know what ideas you have for RB
CERT Alumni Association!
4/5 RBCERT Alumni
Annual Training
Saturday, April 5, 2008 & Sunday,
August 10, 2008 have been confirmed for our Alumni Annual Training.
These full day (10A-3P) trainings will replace the quarterly
trainings we have had in the past. They will be similar to
graduation but even better!!! Both dates will have the same content
so come to one or come to both. Saturday, April 5th is at
Station 2 (2400 Grant Ave - N. Redondo). Please RSVP by email as
soon as possible to 07rbcertaa.pres@gmail.com. RBFD will be barbecuing
burgers and dogs but we need volunteers to bring chips, sides and
condiments. Please let me know what you can bring when you
RSVP.
The Rotary
Club has been very supportive of RBCERTAA. Please consider
attending this yearly fundraiser. Place: Temple Menorah Date:
Saturday April 5th · Time 6:00 to 11:00 Gaming includes: Craps ·
Roulette · Blackjack Silent Auction - No Host Bar Fantastic
Hors D'oeuvres by Lisa's Bon Appetit ADULTS Only · Tickets
$50 For Tickets Contact: Larry Hashimoto (President Elect
RBRC) LJHDDS100@aol.com · 310.913.1568 For more info.
Sponsorships are available. |
| California Releases New Emergency "Surge" Capacity
Guidelines |
By Bob Applegate
The Sacramento Bee
reported recently that the California state Department of Public
Health has released new "surge capacity guidelines," radically
changing the way emergency medicine is expected to be delivered
during a major disaster. The Bee notes the following highlights:
- Many state statutes and regulations that govern hospital and
health care operations can be flexed or suspended by the governor
during a surge.
- Retired and other unlicensed volunteers will be given
emergency credentials to provide certain types of care during a
surge.
- Alternate care sites, including school gymnasiums, sports
venues and parking lots, can be used to care for ill and injured
patients.
- Scarce medical supplies such as ventilators will be rationed
under a system in which those patients who have a critical need
for treatment and are likely to survive will be treated before
those who are sick or critically injured and less likely to
survive.
The new guidelines may be found online at the California Department of Public Health. Further
details regarding the role of licensed health care professionals
during the surge are expected later in the year.
|
Preparedness Tip of the Month - Flashlights &
Headlamps
|
By Bob Applegate
This month
we're stepping into contentious territory - flashlights. You'd think
that the subject would be fairly straightforward, but those folks
who are passionate about flashlights can get very heated on the
subject. Here's what you need to know:
1. You really do need
at least one flashlight in each of your emergency kits (you do have
kits for home, work and car, right?). Nothing makes you feel more
helpless than to be in the dark, maybe even in unfamiliar
surroundings and have no clue how to get around. Ideally you should
always carry a small flashlight on you.
2. The new
generation of LED flashlights are really quite good. The lamps are
much more durable than incandescents and they can put out a very
bright light for a much longer period of time than they used to. One
example: SureFire
(http://www.surefire.com) now offers LED versions of many of their
lights. Their classic 6P incandescent, for example, puts out 65
lumens (quite bright) for 60 minutes before the batteries run out.
Their new 6P LED puts out 80 lumens for 11 hours before running
out!
3. You usually get what you pay for. Flashlight
prices vary enormously. A very cheap one, without batteries, might
run you a dollar. The high-end "gold standard" flashlights from
SureFire are $60-$160 (on up).
4. When shopping for
flashlights, it might be a good idea to standardize on one size of
batteries. This will make it easier for you to carry a large supply
of spares. AA batteries are commonly used for flashlights,
walkie-talkies, radios and GPS devices. One exception - most
SureFire flashlights run on 123A lithium batteries, highly regarded
for their long shelf life (10 yrs.), small size and power. Downside
- they're expensive at about $2 each.
5. Headlamps are
relatively new, coming from the backpacking community. Their main
advantage is that they free your hands for other purposes. This can
be very valuable, for example, when changing a tire at night. The
alternative of putting a small in your mouth, is risky (large dental
bills may be the result). Downside - they tend to be a bit less
bright, if using LEDs, but the incandescent version are pretty
bright. AA battery versions of the lamps get a little heavy and
non-standard, smaller, batteries are expensive and hard to find.
6. "Batteriless" flashlights are handy to keep on hand, but
most seem to be of questionable durability. Some are hand cranked
and others are "shake-lights." I have a few on hand, but I don't
expect them to last forever. They're also not very bright. Not for
use as a primary light.
Just remember: most any flashlight
is better than none, but the best flashlight is the one that you can
count on in an emergency! For much more info on flashlights,
try CandlePowerForums.
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RBCERTAA 