Community Emergency Response Team
'As a CERT member, I still work my 9-5 job, I still spend time with my friends and family but I also get to make a difference to people in need. The training and support offered to me means I have confidence in what I do, and these are skills that will stay with me forever.' - Adrian, CERT volunteer
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) consist of ambulance volunteers who function as ‘first responders’ within communities where the nearest ambulance branch is at a distance. Whenever they are dispatched to a job, an ambulance is also dispatched but the CERTs provide basic emergency care until the ambulance arrives.
CERTs are located throughout Victoria and play a valuable role in ensuring sustainable emergency care, especially in communities where the number of ambulance cases each year is limited and a local ambulance station can’t be provided.
They are in trained in basic life support and under take regular training and maintenance. This is coordinated and delivered by an Ambulance Victoria paramedic manager.
As ambulance volunteers, CERT members are not paid for their work and commitment and we commend the members on their dedicated service and commitment.
The members of the Kinglake CERT, which has been in operation since 2001, were recognised for their efforts in reaching and providing first aid to members of their community during the Black Saturday bushfires at the inaugural Minister for Health Volunteer Awards on 15 May 2009.