Running head: CERT SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

CERT Service Learning Project

Valrey Llewlaka
Ferris State University

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Abstract

A service learning project is a form of learning while volunteering that contributes to the
knowledge and experience of that learning. This paper outlines information regarding my
service learning proposal, and the requirements of that service learning. This paper will explain
what I hope to experience and learn from the project.

CERT SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

CERT Service Learning Project

This paper presents the service learning project of this nurse as a requirement of the
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through Ferris State University. Service learning
provides the student an opportunity to experience real-world problems [while achieving]
academic skills and knowledge (Bruce-Davis and Chancey, 2012). This offers the student nurse
the chance to obtain a wider view of the community while providing a service to others. Nurses
can use service learning as a way to enhance education with real life experience. An advantage
of a service learning project is discovering new ways that health care theories can be put into
practice (Barnes, 2013). I plan to achieve that advantage by becoming a member of the Kent
County Volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) (see Appendix A for contact
information; see Appendix B for contents of contact via email).
Agency
The first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) began with the Los Angeles
City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985 (Kent County, 2013) as a way for citizens to help in
times of disaster. Kent County Volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
holds training classes for citizens interested in learning how to help their neighbors during
disasters. These classes are held approximately every two to three months at various times
during the week. One requirement for CERT members is to complete online National Incident
Management System (NIMS) classes, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA).
The training allows CERT members to work in teams that can quickly give care to local
and state wide victims of a disaster. CERT members may also become leaders who organize
spontaneous volunteers [and provide information to] professional responders (CERT, 2013).

CERT SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

Members have had the opportunity to assist during community events in Kent County and
surrounding areas. First aid and CPR classes may also be taught by CERT members. Monthly
meetings for Kent County are at the Salvation Army in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the fourth
Tuesday of the month (CERT, 2013).
Volunteer Role
Roles of members of Kent County CERT can vary with circumstances. Members have
provided crowd control and canteens during search and rescue missions. Assistance has been
provided during marathons as well (CERT, 2013). I expect to complete the necessary training
and become an ongoing member of the CERT team. This includes preparing a go kit that
contains basic first aid supplies as well as survival items. First aid supplies can be used to give
care to individuals in the immediate area following a disaster. Survival items will help the
CERT member provide self-care and includes such items as sunscreen, marking pens, grooming
items, and a flashlight (CERT, 2013). I expect to contribute volunteer hours for disasters such as
power outages and tornados, as well as community events throughout the remainder of the BSN
program and beyond.
Program Objectives
This service learning project is expected to assist the participant in achieving the role of
professional nurse by providing experiences to interact with a variety of individuals in the
community. My experience has been that we in the nursing field tend to think largely in terms of
nurses as being hospital based, and that nurses tend to think of nursing from their particular
career role. Although nurses are taught that nursing encompasses a global community, I find that
we generally do not experience this in our daily routine. I expect this service learning to make
an impact by providing several opportunities related to the program objectives that are outside

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the more common role of hospital nurse. These objectives include that of collaborating with
community leaders, citizens, and CERT members from diverse populations and backgrounds
(Ferris State University College of Health Professions School of Nursing [FSU], 2012).
Learning about emergency preparation and delivery of disaster care will not only provide this
nurse with a possible life-long opportunity to volunteer in the community, it may provide a
means for me to be an example to others, as well as an opportunity to educate the public in the
wider outlook of a professional nurse.
Activities
I have registered to attend the new CERT member training on January 18th & 19th, 2014;
from 8:30 AM 5:30 PM; new member classes will be held again February and May 2014. Monthly
meetings are held on Tuesday evenings. I will be attending these meetings prior to the training as my
schedule allows. It is also required that members prepare a go kit (Kent County, 2013) with first aid

and personal items. This kit helps CERT members be prepared in advance should a disaster
occur and could also be used in training exercises. The CERT training covers seven topics:
Session I, Disaster Preparedness; Session II, Disaster Fire Suppression; Session III,
Disaster Medical Operations Part I; Session IV, Disaster Medical Operations, Part II;
Session V, Light Search and Rescue Operations; Session VI, Disaster Psychology and
Team Organizations; Session VII, Course Review and Disaster Simulation (CERT,
2013).
NIMS (National Incident Management System) is also a requirement for CERT members.
These are online-training classes provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) (FEMA, 2013). The online FEMA classes are:

CERT SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS); ICS for Single Resources and Initial
Action Incidents; National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction;
National Response Framework, An Introduction (FEMA, 2013).
I look forward to having the opportunity to meet like-minded citizens and learn the
procedures to follow that will help others during times of emergency, disaster, and community
need. I see this as valuable, not only for what can be done for others, but for what I may be able
to contribute toward my own family and in my role as a nurse. It is difficult to know my specific
roles because they may change with community need. I will be trained and ready to join the
CERT members during times of emergency and community events. This training will allow for
being ready to provide help in my local community as an early extension of emergency
responders. Teaching Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) classes may also a part of my
volunteer role as a CERT member, which is fortunate as it is a role that I love.
Evaluation
Evaluation can be measured initially from passing grades for the required training.
Further evaluation will be done by knowing that I have contributed to the overall health and
well-being of my community. Journaling will be maintained to allow for personal reflection of
the trials and rewards of this project. It is expected that the ultimate outcome of this project will
be an enhanced understanding of a program with the roles and the benefits that program can
contribute to a community.
Program Contact Information
Agency Name: Kent County Volunteer CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
Contact Person: David Everts Kent County Volunteer CERT Coordinator
Contact Phone: 616-889-7234 (c)

616-723-0848 (google voice)

CERT SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT

Contact Email: deverts8667@aol.com; administratior@kentcountycert.org

Website: http://www.kentcountycert.org/

Conclusion
Completing the preparation portion of this project has been a learning experience in itself.
Making the choice of a location to volunteer was more difficult than I thought it would be, there
are so many wonderful organizations that need the help. I look forward not only to the project,
but to the opportunities and experience it will bring. Becoming a member of CERT will be a
decided advantage to my overall education while obtaining a Bachelor of Science in nursing
degree from Ferris State University by giving me a view of the world outside the classroom.

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References

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American

Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Bruce-Davis, M. N. and Chancey, J. M. (2012). Connecting students to the real world:
Developing gifted behaviors through service learning. Psychology in the Schools, 49(7).
doi: 10.1002/pits.21622
Ferris State University College of Health Professions School of Nursing [FSU]. (2012).
Handbook for undergraduate student nurses. Retrieved from
www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/BSN/Handbook-for-UndergradNursng-Students-2013.pdf
Community Emergency Response Team [CERT], Kent County Michigan Chapter. (2013,
October 23). Retrieved from http://www.kentcountycert.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]. (2013, November 5). Retrieved from
http://training.fema.gov/

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Appendix A

RN to BSN Track
SERVICE LEARNING AGENCY CONTACT FORM
Agency Name:
Contact Person:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:
Contact Address:

Kent County Volunteer CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

David Everts Kent County Volunteer CERT Coordinator
616-889-7234 (c) 616-723-0848 (google voice)
deverts8667@aol.com (me), administratior@kentcountycert.org (website)
The Salvation Army - EDS (Emergency Disaster Service),
1632 Linden Avenue SE.
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
http://www.kentcountycert.org/

Description of Agency and Type of Service Learning Student will be engaged in:
CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for
the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster
situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.
Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by
opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search
for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be
effective. (Retrieved from http://www.kentcountycert.org/)
Training intended to assist the community during disasters.
Community service events, such as: crowd control, marathons, canteens for search and rescue,
civil air patrol assistance, emergency situations.
These events can occur in several surrounding areas.
Key Training:
20 hours of Basic CERT training
Incident Command training IS-100, IS-200 (Online at Emergency Management Institute 3
hrs/ea)
National Incident Management System IS-700, IS-800 (Also EMI 3 hrs/ea)
First Aid / CPR / AED (8 hrs total)
Monthly meetings on 2nd Tuesday of each month (2 hrs/ea)
Signature of Agency Representative (Agreeing to student volunteer):
David Everts
Printed or typed name
David Everts -9247
Signature

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Appendix B

Nurse Service Learning Email Contact with CERT Coordinator

Valrey Llewlaka <llewlaka@gmail.com>
Oct 27 (10 days ago)
to deverts8667, bcc: me
Hello David
Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your team. I am looking forward to it.
Here is the paperwork that I spoke to you about for my college service learning project. I
appreciate your assistance.

Valrey Llewlaka <llewlaka@gmail.com>

Oct 27 (10 days ago)
to deverts8667, bcc: me
Let me try this again, with the attachment
val
ps. let me know if you have trouble opening it and I can resend it as a pdf
Appendix A-Contract info.docx
16K View Download

Valrey Llewlaka <llewlaka@gmail.com>

Nov 3 (2 days ago)
to deverts8667, bcc: me
Hello David
I was wondering if you got the contract for my college service learning project.
Would you mind sending me a reply so that I know if it went through?
Thank you for your time, I am looking forward to volunteering with you and your group
Appendix A-Contract info.docx
16K View Download

deverts8667@aol.com
Nov 4 (1 day ago)
to me
Sorry Valrey, I got a little busy last week and couldn't get to a scanner. I modified the document
that you sent me a little. Hope it meets your needs. If they really need an actual signature, let me
know.
Thanks and hope to see you soon.
David Everts AA, BA, MM,
Kent County Volunteer CERT Coordinator
Professional Emergency Manager
Michigan State Police - ACERT Designation
W8CRT

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616-889-7234
www.kentcountycert.org
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed,
it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead (190178)
Appendix_A-Contract_info.docx
16K View Download

Valrey Llewlaka <llewlaka@gmail.com>

11:29 AM (0 minutes ago)
to deverts8667, bcc: me
David,
Thank you for completing the information and getting this back to me.
I am so excited about beginning the training and becoming involved.
It's a good feeling to think that I will be giving something back to the community.
You mentioned that there may be events that I would be able to assist at before the training, can
you tell me how I will know of them? Should I watch the website or will I receive emails?
Again, thank you