Frist Aid, CPR, AED, Basic Life Support
Private class for residents of PG Co.
If you or your community, business, team, or group are interested in a CPR class, please contact us at savelives@aaacert.org
2025 PG Co OEM Community CPR Class (June) Read More »
Private class for residents of PG Co.
If you or your community, business, team, or group are interested in a CPR class, please contact us at savelives@aaacert.org
2025 PG Co OEM Community CPR Class (Sept) Read More »
AAACERT FAST members, please see D4H for sign up details.
We’ll need 3 FAST groups.
2025 Annapolis 10-Mile Race Read More »
AAACERT FAST members, please see D4H for event details.
We’ll need 1 FAST group.
This event is TBD.
2025 Crofton 5k Turkey Trot Read More »
AAACERT FAST Members, please see D4H for event details.
We’ll need 1 FAST group.
2025 Valentine’s 5k Read More »
AAACERT FAST members, please see D4H for sign up details.
We’ll need 1 FAST group.
2025 Down’s Park 5-Miler Read More »
AAACERT FAST members, please see D4H for sign up details.
We’ll need 3 FAST groups.
2025 Rosaryville 50k and 20k Races Read More »
AAACERT FAST team members, please see D4H for sign up details.
We’ll need 2 FAST groups.
2025 Dawson’s Father’s Day 10k Read More »
AAACERT FAST members, please see D4H for sign up details.
We’ll need at least 2 FAST groups.
PLEASE NOTE, THE DATE AND TIME IS TENTATIVE.
2025 Emily Schindler’s Memorial Triathlon Read More »
Meeting followed by training and hands-on practice.
Details will be sent via email notice with a sign up form.
2025 FAST Meeting and Training Read More »
Private class for Annapolis TriClub and Striders.
If you or your community, business, team, or group are interested in a CPR class, please contact us at savelives@aaacert.org
2024 Striders/ATC Private CPR Class Read More »
WHAT DO YOU DO? You’re at home, work, or simply grocery shopping. You hear screaming and see someone bleeding badly from the arm and a small cut on their head. Many people can freeze in a situation like this but those trained in life-saving techniques of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, and Basic First Aid (CPR/AED/BFA) can save a limb or even a life.
Members of Anne Arundel-Annapolis CERT (AAACERT) had the opportunity to train and become certified in an OSHA and Maryland state workplace requirements class. This basic course helped prepare members to recognize and care for people experiencing cardiac emergencies (heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke) and to properly operate an Automated External Defibrillator. Members also learned to recognize other common medical emergencies and know what to do when they occur — from sprains to massive bleeding.
If you are interested in this and other training opportunities, many free or at a substantially discounted rate, think about joining AAACERT. Visit our website to learn more at www.aaacert.org. Or consider a donation to help our all-volunteer group continue its mission in supporting our communities.
Members train in CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid Read More »
On Oct. 16, Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) hosted Mr. Paul Bowling, who provided training on the Maryland Overdose Response Program. Mr. Bowling is a Physician Assistant with over 40 years’ experience in Trauma, Critical Care, and Emergency Medicine and is also involved in Healthcare Emergency Management. Mr. Bowling currently serves as the president of AAACERT.
Mr. Bowling noted that Anne Arundel County has a particularly high rate of opioid overdose deaths. Anne Arundel’s total deaths by opioid overdose in 2018 exceeded those of some of the neighboring counties in Maryland.
An opioid is any drug that contains opium or its derivative. The opioid crisis began in the 1990s with the free flow of these substances due to liberal prescription practices by providers and promotion by drug companies. Opioids can be either prescription medications or illegal drugs, and are ingested by various means. The most common opioids are the prescription drugs oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, morphine, and codeine; as well as the illegal drugs heroin and fentanyl.
Opioids vary in lethality per individual and circumstances. They are especially lethal for the elderly. Moreover, as opioids act on the brain, they become increasingly more toxic when mixed with another opioid, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and/or cocaine.
The effects of an opioid overdose can be reversed by naloxone (brand name Narcan). Naloxone reverses opioid overdose and restores breathing within a few minutes of being administered. It has no effects on a person who has not taken opioids (including the person giving it), so it is safe even if an overdose is mistakenly understood but has not occurred; moreover, the other side effects of naloxone for the person in overdose are minimal and rare. Naloxone can be given intranasally, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The drug onset is within 1-2 minutes, and it wears off in 30-90 minutes. Unfortunately, there are super-opioids on the street for which one dose of naloxone is not sufficient, so further dose(s) may be required.
Opioid overdose is characterized by several signs and symptoms. Like a person who is “high,” the victim’s pupils become very constricted (small). However, the victim may also display the following symptoms:
Due to the dangers of an opioid’s effects impacting the responder, it is imperative always to wear gloves when attempting to help the victim.
The following steps are recommended when responding to an opioid overdose victim.
*Administer the naloxone first if the person is unconscious; a second dose may be necessary after calling 911.
When administering naloxone, allow 1-3 minutes for the medication to work. If breathing is not restored after 2-3 minutes, give another dose, and continue resuscitation as necessary. Be sure to follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions once you have called.
It is also important to stay with the individual until medical help arrives. S/he may feel ill or agitated or need to vomit. If the person cannot sit up, make sure they are in the recovery position (right side, arm supporting head, bent knee to support body). Help the person to stay calm, and encourage him/her not to take more opioids. Remember that a person “coming to” is often annoyed, confused, and/or combative, so be sure to stay alert and protect yourself.
If you administer naloxone, it is important to call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) within two hours after the event, as this entity tracks the lethality of various street drugs, where they are trafficked and used, and other key information about opioids.
Finally, if you respond to an opioid overdose in progress, be assured that you cannot be held liable for a good faith attempt to help someone. Under the “Good Samaritan” measures in the Code of Maryland, Health General, Section 13-3110, “an individual who administers naloxone to an individual believed to be experiencing an overdose shall have immunity from liability under Sections 6-603 and 5-629 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.” Additionally, the Code of Maryland, Criminal Procedure Article, Section 1-120 states that, “a person who seeks, provides or assists with medical assistance for another person experiencing an alcohol- or drug-related medical emergency cannot be arrested, charged, or prosecuted for possession of a controlled dangerous substance; possession or use of drug paraphernalia; or providing alcohol to minors.” Moreover, calling 911 will not affect the parole or probation status of a person attempting to help.
Naloxone is available as a prescription from any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority or an authorized ordering, referring, or providing (ORP) entity that dispenses naloxone. Per statewide standing order, any person can obtain naloxone at a participating pharmacy. For a list of pharmacies that stock naloxone, visit the Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Administration’s information page.
AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies. For more information, visit www.aaacert.org.
By Laurie Goodell
Training for Response to Opioid Overdose Read More »
Ms. Arlene G. Crow, Emergency Manager for Anne Arundel Community College, recently provided training to the Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) on the operational members’ potential role in a biological incident.
Ms. Crow began the session by outlining the various forms and categories of bio-agents that might trigger a need for prophylactic dispensing to the general public. Bio-agents can occur in one of three forms: bacterial, virus, or toxin. Bacterial agents are distinguished by, among other things, their ability to replicate cells independently. Viruses, however, cannot reproduce outside the host body. A third type of agent, toxin, is a potent poison with organic origin.
Bio-agents are categorized according to their ease of transmission or dissemination; severity of mortality potential; need for preparedness; and ability to threaten national security or day-to-day social functioning. Category A, the highest-risk agents, include anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox, tularemia, and certain viral hemorrhagic fevers. Category B agents include ricin, salmonella, certain encephalitis fevers, waterborne threats such as vibrio cholerae, and others. Category C agents are those with an emerging pathway, and which could be engineered for harm to the public. These include influenza, rabies, drug-resistant tuberculosis, SARS, and others. Emergency managers must be prepared to respond to a potential outbreak of any category agent.
The next phase of the training focused on the origins and symptoms of Category A bio-agents that cause the highest threat to the public: anthrax, tularemia, plague, smallpox, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Ms. Crow noted that nearly all of these agents’ initial symptoms are flulike, highlighting the challenge for medical responders and diagnosticians in determining exactly with what malady a patient may present.
In all cases of a potential bio-threat, health departments, in conjunction with emergency managers, would act swiftly to establish points of dispensing (PODs) to distribute prophylactic medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile on a large scale that could protect the public. PODs can be set up indoor, outdoor, or as drive-thrus. Ms. Crow noted the efficacy of drive-thru PODs due to their ease of use for the public, the police, and the medical community. She reminded CERT members of the need for logistical necessities for all who participate, either as customers or workers – i.e., a large space, full gas tanks, available bathroom facilities, food for workers, etc.
CERT members have an important role in the smooth functioning of a POD. Among the functions CERT teamers can carry out during a POD are traffic control/lane controllers; set-up and tear-down; administrative support; communications/runners; data collection; resupply; greeters; logistics; and, in some cases, even dispensing or assisting with the dispensing of medication.
For more information on bioterrorism and response, visit the Centers for Disease control (CDC’s) information page.
Biological Incidents and the Role of CERT Read More »
Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT), in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, recently hosted an instruction on Mental Health First Aid.
Mental Health First Aid is a national, 8-hour course that teaches people to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. Similar to the more familiar CPR and somatic First Aid courses, Mental Health First Aid teaches people to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect persons at risk to appropriate care.
The applicable training course taught AAACERT members, Upper Marlboro CERT members, and others the common signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and substance abuse, how to interact with a person in crisis, and how to connect that person with the help that they need.
Per the instruction, if a person is determined to be in need of help, the helper should apply the “ALGEE” action plan:
Anne Arundel County boasts a robust mental health system that serves as a model to other jurisdictions across the country.
Crisis Response System – A 24/7 Warmline [(410) 768-5522] exists and can activate Mobile Crisis Teams; provide information, support, and referrals; and serve as a link to first responders.
Crisis Intervention Teams – A police officer and a clinician are ready to respond immediately to people in crisis, making sure they get the care they need.
Safe Stations – A person needing treatment for addiction can visit any police or fire station, at any time, to seek care. The person is able to dispose of paraphernalia without fear of legal action and get the help they need.
Robust Training – Every police officer, dispatcher, and school nurse, as well as most school principals in the county, have received this training. The Fire Department is next on the list to get fully trained.
Those that took the course gained substantial knowledge and resources to assist them handling a mental health emergency. Multiple students left with information on how to schedule the course with other organizations and groups that they are affiliated with.
For more information on the course, or to find a course near you, go to mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.
Mental Health First Aid Course Informs Members Read More »
Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis has joined the growing list of communities participating in a project to help save lives of sudden cardiac arrest. The PulsePoint app (available for Apple and Android devices) alerts CPR trained individuals who are nearby allowing CPR to begin before the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
If you are interested in CPR training information is available at www.aacounty.org/cpr.
Read more:
PulsePoint
HELP SAVE A LIFE: PULSEPOINT NOW IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Anne Arundel app connects anyone CPR trained with nearby heart attack victims
CPR trained citizens can help save lives in Anne Arundel County Read More »
In many but not all chemical suicide incidents, the victim leaves a written warning for whomever will find them. Typically, the first instinct when faced with an unconscious person in a car is to open a door or break a window; in a home or hotel, rushing in after gaining access is also the norm. Though well intended, these actions also endanger first responders or anyone else attempting to render aid.
It is important to gain situational awareness and take time to perform a quick evaluation of the scene for responder safety — even if time is critical:
For more information, see the Chemical Suicide Case Study and training for first responders offered by HazMatNation.com. The International Association of Fire Chiefs also offers resources and a webinar on chemical suicide response.
This article appeared in the May 24, 2018 InfoGram PDF ~160 KB. | Subscribe to the InfoGram
Chemical Suicides Create Dangerous Environments for First Responders Read More »
I’ve seen it among my co-workers, depression and PTSD. Working in a high stress environment where one sees the worse of the worse will take it’s toll! We are not superhuman. Recognize some of the symptoms. Talking to others is NOT a sign of weakness. Many, myself included, find that talking to others that have “been here, done that, bought the t-shirt” is a great way to deal with the stress.
Additional information for first responders / first receivers can be obtained from American Addiction Centers
Depression manifests itself differently in every individual but as a whole it can affect one’s ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Symptoms of depression can include:
Symptoms of Depression Among First Responders Read More »
The Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED course is designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Heartsaver courses are intended for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting.
Upon successful completion of the course, including a first aid skills demonstration and a CPR and AED skills test, students receive a Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course completion card that is valid for two years.
Each student will receive:
– AHA HeartSaver CPR/AED First Aid Training Manual
– First Aid training material
– Certification (upon successful completion)
This course is normally $125.00 but is being offered to CERT MEMBERS ONLY for $31.00 plus fees.
American Heart Association First Aid / CPR / AED Read More »
Registration is now open for a Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) training being conducted specifically for Medical Reserve Corps members in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
The class will be held on March 31, 2016 at the Prince George’s County Fire Service Building at 6820 Webster Street in Landover Hills, from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Lunch will be provided.
Register soon, as space is limited. Please let Ms. Molineaux know if you have any questions.
Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) Training Read More »