Rockwood Staff Members Participate in Emergency Preparedness Training

Nearly 40 Rockwood staff members participated in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at Selvidge Middle on Aug. 7-8.

The two-day event was organized by the district with support from local police and fire officials, including the Metro West Fire Protection District and St. Louis County Police Department. The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills.

“It’s been fantastic,” said Marquette High Assistant Principal Kyle Devine. “I’ve learned a lot of things and thought about things I might not have had I not heard examples from the instructors or just rethinking the way we do things.”

Devine said he thought it was important for him to learn as much as he could from the experts.

“I wanted to interact with other people within our district and utilize good conversations from different staffing standpoint, whether it’s a principal, teacher or a nurse – just seeing how people see safety differently from different levels,” he said.

During the practical training sessions, Metro West Captain of External Affairs and Community Health Matt Coppin demonstrated and explained to the participants how to assess, treat and package a patient for movement.

“One of the most valuable parts of this CERT class was having participants from every level of the Rockwood School District, from facilities, support staff, teachers and administrators,” Coppin said. “This mix of perspectives not only strengthens the district’s ability to respond effectively during a disaster, but it also creates richer discussions and a stronger learning experience for everyone in the room.”

Each volunteer got their picture taken and received two CERT identification cards, signifying that the individual has completed the CERT training.

“They received two cards because if they were to become involved in a disaster response, one card would be left at the command center for accountability, and the second would stay with the volunteer,” Coppin said. “This aligns with the system of accountability already used by first responders.”

Rockwood began implementing the CERT program in 2008. This is the second straight year Rockwood has hosted the program after a four-year hiatus.