CERT step 2 drill

Recently, the Cobb County CERT had a huge step 2 drill where our district had been preparing and preparing for it.  Toward the end, we learned that since the other districts don't have near the practice that we get, they needed us to be victims instead of responders.  And truth be told, I would rather be a victim anytime than a responder.  It's a LOT less stress to be a victim!! Our families were invited to join us, and mine agreed to help out. This was the first time that we have done anything involved with CERT with the whole family.  So, we got up early on a Saturday morning and headed to Krispy Kreme (A special treat for us!!) and then to the Valor Dr location where the police and fire train.  I know I'm weird, but I think its a really cool place.

Upon arriving, we were given our roles and lined up for moulage (makeup). I had facial injuries (abrasions and bruising). Jennifer had lacerations in her arm. Justin had a broken and bruised ankle.  And Dale was unconscious but alive.  He was so lucky to not have to have ANY makeup done.

The situation was an explosion in our building, and there were 2 teams of victims and 2 teams of responders.  Jennifer and I were in one room, and Justin and Dale were in the other room.  It was chaotic but all disaster scenes are.  Everyone always learns many different things -whether you are a victim or a responder. 

This is from the website to give you a better idea of what we are doing here:

A Step 2 Drill was conducted on November 12, 2011. The Step Drill Program was conceived in 2008 as a means of advancing from our CERT Skills Sustainment classroom training. The goal of the Step Drill is to introduce realism into the exercises as much as possible, so that when a real disaster occurs our CERT members will be better able to cope. Disaster makeup was used so that “Victims” appear to have varied realistic injuries. Debris was strewned around to simulate what might occur in a tornado or other disaster. Our makeup people was led by Pete Mitchell, so we should have some even better “injuries” than usual; plus our makeup team has had a couple of practice sessions. (We have CERT members learning how to apply special trauma makeup, so our victims will look more realistic than ever – and they should have fun doing it.)

Here are some pics from the day. CAUTION-stop here if you are squeamish, but remember it's all makeup.

Serious burn victim!

This is me kissing Jennifer's boo-boo...Once a Mom, always a Mom!!

Thank you to my sweet family for giving up a Saturday morning to help train our county's first responders. I enjoyed having you guys go with me this time and see what it's all about.