VCOM-Louisiana and ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Students Participate in CERT Training

This week, on April 8th,  our second-year students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana completed a two-day CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training, which equipped them with vital disaster response skills, including triage, search and rescue, and shelter operations. Through hands-on simulations and collaboration with local agencies and University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) Kitty Degree nursing students, this annual event prepares future physicians to step up in real-world emergencies and support their communities when disaster strikes.  

The CERT program, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), educates volunteers on the fundamentals of disaster preparedness and teaches vital response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. The CERT training of VCOM-Louisiana students is the result of a unique partnership between the College and Volunteer Louisiana within the Office of Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.  

John Lipka, MD, associate dean for simulation and technology, discipline co-chair and assistant professor for surgery at VCOM-Louisiana, and CERT training leader, shared the importance of the event: “Disaster Day helps prepare our students for the unfortunate reality that they may one day be involved in a disaster. It gives them a deeper understanding of the many professionals involved in pre-hospital care and what it takes to get someone to the hospital. That awareness makes them more compassionate and informed when patients arrive for care. It also prepares them to act. They’ll have the skills to step in and help if they encounter a disaster.”

Numerous local agencies played a key role in ensuring the success of this training. The ULM Police Department provided critical instruction on responding to active shooter scenarios, terrorism, cybersecurity, and workplace violence. The Ouachita Parish Fire Department shared expertise on fire safety, utility controls, and using CERT backpacks—essential disaster response kits provided by Volunteer Louisiana’s Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant The West Monroe Police Department (WMPD) led training on light search and rescue, ensuring students were prepared to assist in locating and rescuing survivors during emergencies.

VCOM-Louisiana’s two mobile medical units—made possible through a partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury—were integrated into the exercises, giving students hands-on experience in triaging patients as it served to house necessary triage supplies. Additionally, the American Red Cross, in collaboration with Volunteer America, ran shelter simulation exercises to prepare students for managing shelter operations during a disaster.

 

A special note of gratitude is extended to MKay Bonner, PhD, of the ULM psychology department and Mark Johnson, PhD, of the ULM criminal justice department. Johnson planned and executed the day-two mass casualty incident simulation with support from West Monroe CERT team leader Jim Addison and ULM’s campus CERT team members. Also, WMPD Captain CJ Beck and community members from the West Monroe CERT team planned and executed the light search and rescue simulation exercise on day one. Special thanks are also extended to the Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief, who provided meals for all participants throughout the two-day event.

This two-day training was more than just an educational opportunity—it demonstrated the power of interagency collaboration. The combined efforts of each organization have ensured that VCOM-Louisiana students are prepared and equipped to step up in times of crisis. With this knowledge and hands-on experience, they are ready to make a difference in their communities when disaster strikes.