TEEN CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

The program, referred to as Mid America TEEN CERT for short, is designed to teach students ages 12 and older (including adults) to assist efficiently and effectively in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

During the 22-hour training, students learn how to open airways, control bleeding, and treat shock, as well as how to organize volunteers and collect disaster intelligence in order to support the efforts of first responders. Instructors include paramedics, firefighters, doctors, and other qualified professionals, and Mid America TEEN CERT even has a gifted counselor on staff to teach the important element of psychological preparedness.

Youth volunteers who complete the training gain important skills, all of which enable them to help in the emergency situations that can arise in everyday life.

A St. Charles teen who took CERT classes in March of 2011, for example, put her training to use almost immediately when, a month later, she heard screams coming from the home of an elderly neighbor. The neighbor had inadvertently started a house fire, and thanks to her CERT training, the teen knew how to call the fire department and get the woman and her dog out of the home safely.

Teens who complete CERT training also come away with far more than simple emergency response skills. According to Mark Rosenblum, Program Director for Mid America TEEN CERT, students learn many valuable lessons that can have a lasting impact on their lives.

“Our program teaches the students to approach a situation calmly and logically, without putting themselves or others at risk,” “The training empowers students to understand that their decisions impact the outcome, and that knowing the dangers prior to implementing your course of action allows you to see more clearly when creating your plan. Mid America TEEN CERT teaches accountability, respect, trust, and team building.”

“Many of my former students have gone on to become doctors, nurses, surgeons, paramedics, etc.,”  Rosenblum continued, “claiming that it was because of what we taught them in class.”

What Makes Mid America TEEN CERT Unique?

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) programs exist around the country, as do TEEN CERT programs that are specifically designed to train youth volunteers. But Mid America TEEN CERT – which is not associated with any city or municipality and operates entirely without budget or funding – is in a class by itself.

With almost 2,000 volunteer participants, it remains one of the most popular youth programs in the nation, and last year was voted the runner-up for FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Award in “Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness.”

One thing that makes MATC unique is that the standard curriculum also includes additional disaster-related topics, such as requirements from several Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit and interest project badges. For example, in addition to a Boy Scout receiving a state-issued TEEN CERT certificate of program completion, they have the opportunity to earn their Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Fire Safety, Safety, Disabilities Awareness, Search and Rescue and Wilderness Survival merit badges. Girl Scouts can earn interest project badges in Emergency Preparedness, Outdoor Survival, Backpacking and Camping. Boy scouts should bring leader approved merit badge cards if wishing to receive credit.

“We care 100% about the welfare of each our students. I think that comes out in our training.”

The training itself is free and limited to 30 participants. There are a few things required for the course such as a program guide, hardhat, protective eyewear, gloves, upon arrival. You may download the manual to use on a tablet if you choose or print out (not recommended – lots of pages) we are also offering the opportunity to order a pre stocked kit and printed manual (everything you need) for $95.00*. This is at our cost. (Kit contains hard hat, vest, t-shirt, goggles, gloves, manual, and miscellaneous supplies). Camping is an option. You will be responsible for your own equipment and food.

*Adult 2x shirt +$2.00

Adult 3x shirt +$3.00

Adult 4x shirt +$4.00

Program Registration Online Form [2018] Please print and bring to class

TEEN CERT Participant Manual Jan2013