For Immediate Release

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Bedford Police Department to Host CERT Basic Training

BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski is pleased to announce that the Bedford Police Department will host a basic training for those interested in its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

The free 20-hour course offers participants valuable lessons on how they can protect themselves, their families, their property and their neighbors in an emergency situation. Bedford CERT offers a positive and realistic approach to emergency management by preparing citizens to support themselves in the wake of a disaster, when emergency services may not be able to reach them initially.

“This training is designed to give our citizens the skills they need to respond efficiently and effectively to help others in need,” Chief Bryfonski said. “It also enables them to do so in a way that doesn’t expose them to unnecessary danger, and can help close the gap between the beginning of an emergency and the time when first responders can reach them.”

Through Bedford Police’s CERT training, residents will learn to:

• Collect disaster knowledge to support first responder efforts
• Manage utilities and put out small fires
• Organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to maximize effectiveness
• Provide basic medical aid
• Search for and rescue victims safely
• Treat the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding and treating for shock

CERT training — like car insurance — may never be needed, but it provides an essential safety net that can protect residents in the event the need ever arises. The classes will provide a mix of classroom and hands-on training conducted by Bedford Police’s in-house CERT instructors, as well as members of the Bedford Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.

Classes will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on May 13,15,20,22,28,29 and June 3 and 5. Classes will be held at the Bedford Public Safety Complex, 55 Constitution Drive.

Those who would like to participate are not required to join the Bedford CERT team, but those who would like to join the team must complete the class and fulfill additional requirements and training in order to do so.

To learn more about Bedford CERT, please visit www.bedfordnhcert.org. To sign up for the class (or if you have questions), please email to [email protected].

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