Ten Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) students have completed 21 hours of training to join the ranks of the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (Teen CERT) in the Rio Grande Valley. The training is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s preparedness efforts. This is the third group of district students to complete the training.
Eight students from the Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) Chapter participated. They are: Giselle Castillo, Jasmine Santos, Judith Adame, Kayla Espinoza, Jazmine Adame. Other Mission CISD students who participated include: Javier Adame, Mission Collegiate High School; Erik Espinoza, Mission Jr. High School; Jesus Adame, Mission Jr. High School.
HOSA sponsor, Martha Medina said the student training included: first aid, triage, fire prevention, search and rescue, and hazardous materials responses. Each student also receives a backpack of tools and gear needed to respond to many emergencies.
While CERT members cannot take the place of a trained firefighter or police officer in emergencies, they can assist in responses.
Pictured is one of the class participants practicing the correct use of a fire extinguisher, with the guidance of instructor Joe Luna from the Mission Fire Department.