MC-CERT FIRST AID SUPPORT POLICY
- Mission
1.1. The primary mission of the First Aid Support function of Montgomery County (MD) CERT (“MC-CERT”) is to provide basic first aid support to community members during MC-CERT deployments when an injury or medical emergency occurs in the absence of higher trained personnel.
1.2. Our secondary mission is to provide basic first aid training to our members and the community.
- Scope of Practice
2.1. MC-CERT members who meet the criteria in Section 3 below may provide basic first aid during MC-CERT deployments to the limit of their CERT Basic training and basic first aid training and subject to the following:
2.1.1. Using only equipment that would be available to the general public,
2.1.2. Not requiring a prescription,
2.1.3. Not requiring any special privileges, and
2.1.4. Not requiring any special training other than what has been received in the applicable trainings listed in Section 3 below.
2.2. An individual MC-CERT member with advanced training (including Advanced First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, Paramedic, or any licensed medical profession):
2.2.1. May only provide care to the limit of their CERT Basic training and basic first aid training while representing MC-CERT.
2.2.2. Is not prohibited from providing care above that limit up to the level of his or her training or profession provided that, while doing so, the member:
2.2.2.1. IS NOT representing MC-CERT in an official or unofficial capacity, and
2.2.2.2. IS NOT wearing any identification in a manner that would indicate that they are representing MC-CERT.
2.3. Medications
2.3.1. While representing MC-CERT, a member MAY NOT administer, or assist a patient in self-administering, ANY medications (including over-the-counter medications), except those specifically permitted below.
2.3.2. Before any permitted medication is administered or assisted with, the member will determine if the patient has any allergies to medications, food and/or environmental allergens.
2.3.3. After a member has received appropriate training, the member may administer the following medication when an opioid overdose is known or suspected:
2.3.3.1. Naloxone (Nasal Spray only)
2.3.4. A member may ASSIST the patient with self-administering the patient’s OWN following medications after the member has received appropriate training:
2.3.4.1. Epinephrine (EpiPen)
2.3.4.2. Aspirin for symptoms of chest pain
2.3.4.3. Albuterol inhaler for asthma
2.4. A member IS NOT representing MC-CERT when:
2.4.1. Not acting in an official role for MC-CERT
2.4.2. Participating in an activity NOT authorized by MC-CERT leadership
2.4.3. Acting in a professional role which is beyond the scope of CERT Basic training and basic first aid training - First Aid Support Function – Eligibility Requirements
3.1. To be qualified to provide first aid during an MC-CERT deployment, the member must meet the following criteria:
3.1.1. Be a Category 2 Participation Member of MC-CERT and continue to meet the requirements for that category (including CPR/AED certification),
3.1.2. Complete MC-CERT radio training,
3.1.3. Complete body substance isolation (BSI) or bloodborne and airborne pathogens (BAP) training in a form approved by the MC-CERT Executive Committee,
3.1.4. Complete training in MC-CERT basic first aid skills and operational standards, and attend periodic refreshers, as determined by the MC-CERT Executive Committee,
3.1.5. Participate in MC-CERT First Aid Support operations or training for a minimum of either 2 deployments or 5 service hours within the past 12 months (unless the applicable Operations Coordinator or their designee approves otherwise), and
3.1.6. Meet the applicable requirements for uniform, equipment, and supplies set forth the MC-CERT Policies and Procedures.
3.2. To be qualified to serve as a Team Leader for an MC-CERT First Aid Support deployment, an MC-CERT member must meet the following criteria:
3.2.1. Meet the eligibility requirements in Section 3.1 above,
3.2.2. Obtain and keep current Emergency Medical Responder or other relevant certification from an accredited institution approved by the MC-CERT Executive Committee, and
3.2.3. Complete training in MC-CERT First Aid Support Team Leader responsibilities and procedures as determined by the MC-CERT Executive Committee.
3.3. With the approval of the applicable Operations Coordinator or their designee, a Category 2 Participation Member who does not meet all the criteria in Section 3.1 above may be assigned to an MC-CERT First Aid Support deployment if that member is paired as an assistant to another Category 2 Participation Member who does meet all the criteria.
3.4. Members serving in the MC-CERT First Aid Support function will abide by rules, regulations, standards and/or Standard Operating Procedures as set forth and approved by the MC-CERT Executive Committee.