Meeting Minutes and Team Notes

Outdoor meeting at Grand Haven Creekside Steve Davidson started the meeting at 2:00 PM. There were 26 member in attendance. Items discussed during the meeting: Steve began the meeting by r eviewing an email he wrote in 2006 announcing the formation of the Grand Haven CERT organization. That was fifteen years ago. The group discussed the latest information concerning the COVID-19 virus. Several members shared their experience in registering and receiving the Moderna vaccine. Members are encouraged to continue efforts to schedule appointments. The virus is still spreading. Flagler Volunteer Services is asking for volunteers. If you have any questions. Please email Judy Mazzella - judy@flaglervolunteer.org or Suzy Gamblain - suzy@flaglervolunteer.org or call (386) 597-2950. The immediate need is for volunteers for traffic control and clerical documentation. Several people were first time attendees and others expressed a desire to join the group. Mike Wright provided several individuals with applications. The group discussed the list of items in the standard Cert backpacks. They were referred to the organization website to review equipment lists, first aid items and pocket cards for use in the field. The link to information is on the Field Operations page of the Grand Haven CERT website . The group was encouraged to review: Field Operations and Triage Reference Information Radio Operations The group participated in a discussion of broadcast frequencies and duplex and simplex radio equipment. The main frequencies discussed: Channel Frequency Location Priority 21 462.700 * Daytona State Collage Primary 20 462.675 Water Tower, Palm Coast Secondary 16 462.575 Grand Haven Community Center Out of Operation * Flagler County Assist REACT The license required to operate a GMRS radio costs $85.00. It can be acquired online from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The license is good for five years and covers your entire family. GMRS is an easy-to-use radio system. You do not have to be a radio expert to join the communications network. REACT conducts radio training each Friday at 7:00 PM. To learn more about Flagler County Assist REACT visit the website at www.react4800.org Steve Davidson will provide additional information on obtaining a Federal radio license. Please contact him directly at: sdavidson13@cfl.rr.com Chip Howden is updating information to order Grand Haven CERT clothing. The next CERT meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Beginning in June CERT will hold monthly meeting through Hurricane season. Adjournment: 3:00 PM 

Zoom Meeting started by ChipHowden at 2:00 PM. There were 13 members attending on Zoom and 1 by phone. Items discussed during the meeting: Chip Howden reviewed the status of medical supplies and the small number that need to be ordered after the beginning of next fiscal year Oct. 1 Chip Reminded the team to review the new Covid-19 procedures that are in the Field Operations section on our web site. Chip reported that there is now a method to activate the team using AlertFlager and that he needed to get the training to do this. Mike Wright will need to work with the EOC to keep the call roster current. Chip will also continue to investigate the new First Responder Tracking System. This is dependent on cell phone service. The team reviewed the results of the last radio check. Communications was poor, even between newer GRMS radios, on the Grand Haven repeater [Channel 16 / 462.575 MHz / I-com 2]. Communications on the Daytona State Collage water tower repeater [Channel 21 / 462.700 MHz / I-com 7] was good between GRMS radios and transitions from GRMS radios could be heard clearly on FRS radios, but FRS transitions were not picked up by GMRS radios. The Team discussed reviewing their own personal back packs to update any expired items, including flashlight batteries. Chip explained why he could not continue as Incident Commander but offered to help support someone new and asked for members to seriously consider stepping up to lead the team. Several members asked if Dr. Davidson would consider coming back as leader when he is no longer on the CDD Board. The Team conducted a radio check using the Palm Coast water tower repeater [Channel 20 / 462.675 MHz / I-com 6]. Communications was good between GRMS radios and transitions from GRMS radios could be heard clearly on FRS radios, but FRS transitions were not picked up by GMRS radios. The team discussed information on individuals purchasing GRMS radios and family radio licenses. Chip agreed to send out information on acquiring licenses. Adjournment: 2:55 PM

Online Zoom Meeting started by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM. Items discussed during the meeting: Discussed need to check personal backpack and replace any expired items. Particularly in the personal first aid kits. Revised background for development of operating under Modified procedures due to Covid-19. Will check on availability of masks from Health Dept. Email will be sent asking for volunteers to preform radio checks. Nothing definite, but hope to be able to meet in person in July. Adjournment: 2:25 PM

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM in the Grand Haven Room. Members present: 16 Items discussed during the meeting: Master Incident, Team Distribution Search/Sweep Sectors, and Communications Zones maps reviewed. Grand Haven, and The Crossings Emergency Exits (AKA Fire Gates) are to be added to the Master Incident Map. Facilitator, certain Crossing residents and Chip Howden have the codes for the combination locks on these gates. Chip Howden has a set of keys for a all facilities. Denise Gallo, our own in-house CERT Certified Trainer, provided a multimedia overview of updated CERT Training materials focused on Disaster Medical Operations -Parts I and II, including a video of how to conduct a head to toe physical assessment of a Patient. Link to updated CERT Basic Training Participants Manual Training Schedule (many March thru June training has been cancelled) How to register for future training events -- New registration training and volunteer sign up portal Highlights of the New CERT Program Chip Howden reviewed organization and set up of the Incident Center: The first member to arrive at the Grand Haven Room Command location assumes the role of Incident Commander (hereafter referred to as IC) and begin setting up the room. All forms, maps, and supplies are stored behind rectangular doors under the stage of the Grand Haven Room. Arriving members immediately report to Desk 1 (one) and sign in. Desk 1 staff will obtain member profile card from file, verbally verify the name, log the member in and pass the card to Desk 3 (three). All members ending any CERT activity must sign out. If you end your CERT duties in the field, you must return to the IC to sign out. Members move to Desk 2 (two) and present any Grand Haven Damage Assessment Card to report observations of damage, emergencies or questionable situations seen during their travel to the ICC. Desk 2 (two) staff will assure that the reporting member’s name and sufficient incident information is include on the card. All members should maintain a supply of cards with their equipment. Desk 2 (two) will pass these cards on as follows: Life threatening emergencies to IC using blue vested runner. Road blockage by vegetation, after entering in the road blockage log, to CDD person present using blue vested runner. Other, pass to Desk 3 (three). Adjournment: 4:20 PM

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:09 PM. Members present: 17 Grand Haven Community demographics for purposes of discussions: Population: ~4,600 . Homes: ~1,800. Guest Speakers: Palm Coast Fire Department Eric Robinson-Firefighter/Paramedic A firefighter in Palm Coast for 8 years, Eric has certified over 400 citizens in CPR. He is a pediatric, advanced life support instructor, part of the public education team, and team leader of the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. In 2017, he received the Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal. Patrick Juliano, M.P.A., Firefighter/Paramedic, & Fire Public Information Officer In 2013, Juliano was named, “Career Firefighter of the Year” Meeting Format: Speaker Eric Robinson initiated the presentation by asking thought-provoking questions such as, where are we now, identification of problem areas and learning something new. Summary of Topics and Discussions Presented by Speakers Discussion of past Grand Haven Cert Team Disaster Activations • The last activation was ten or more years ago. • After Hurricane Mathew, GH Cert had no communications network. • 2019 Installation of Communication Infrastructure and Documented protocols. Discussion concerning Grand Haven Demographics • Identify residents with limited mobility. • Identify residence requiring special services such as, air conditioning, oxygen, medications, etc. Discussion concerning the Triage Process Triage is the systematic process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition. The objective is to divide patients into those who cannot be helped, those in critical condition who need immediate transport to an emergency center, and those with less serious injuries. Step 1: Stop, Look, Listen, and Think Step 2: Conduct voice triage Step 3: Start where you stand; follow Step 4: Evaluate each survivor and tag and label as many victims as quickly as possible Step 5: Treat “I” survivors immediately Step 6: Document triage results Discussion concerning encountering and observation of a victims • If someone appears to be unconscious or unresponsive, begin by asking in a loud voice if he/she is okay. • Check pulse (on neck not wrist.) • Check breathing by tilting the head back, looking, and feeling for breaths. • Control of excessive bleeding • Arterial bleeding: bleeding from artery pumping out in spurts • Venous bleeding: bleeding from vein characterized by oozing or running of dark colored blood. • If necessary place the victim in a ” Recovery Position” in order to keep airway open. Triage Levels and Color Coding -- The color-coded tagging method to categorize disaster victims in the field has been almost universally adopted and incorporated into existing triage systems. Upon completion of the initial assessment, each patient is labeled according to patient’s name, assessment findings, and identified according to his/her need for medical treatment and transport from the emergency scene. The fire Department suggests that we use the colored tags that are universally recognized by first responders. • Black Triage Tag: Patients who are either dead or who have such extensive injuries that they cannot be saved with the limited resources available. • Red Triage Tag: Patients whose lives are in immediate danger and who require immediate treatment. • Yellow Tag Triage: Patients whose lives are not in immediate danger, but who will require urgent, not immediate, medical care. • Green Triage Tag: Patients with minor injuries who will eventually require treatment Contact the incident command center by radio and report needs for onsite medical treatment. Arrange transport for others from the emergency scene. Discussion concerning transportation of victims • Walking wounded and generally, ambulatory qualify for relocation to the Incident Command Center area or other designated locations. • Two Cert members are to remain on site with the seriously injured until higher levels of professional care arrive. Discussion of Search and Rescue and the GH team rule that a CERT member will never be left alone during a Search and Rescue assignment. The Fire Department policy states that if two department members are working as a team, they can separate as long as they are in voice or visual contact with each other. Eric Robinson described such a situation as follows: “Two people moving around in the swimming pool area of the Community Center who remain in voice and visual contact would not be considered to be alone”. If additional teams are needed in a specific area, contact Incident Command to request a dispatch of an additional team. Discussion concerning checking a pulse over carotid artery: place your index and middle fingers on the neck to the side of your windpipe. When you feel a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through the artery. If you wish to determine the heart rate look at your watch, and count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Multiply this number by 6 to get your heart rate per minute. CERT members checked their own pulse with this method during the meeting. Discussion Concerning Treat for Shock Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting sufficient blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Many organs can be damaged because of shock • Rapid and shallow breathing • Capillary refill of greater than 2 seconds • Failure to follow simple commands such as, “Squeeze my hand.” Discussion Concerning Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest • Heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. • Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating as a whole. • Without CPR the survival rate the victim’s goes down 10% per minute. • Do not stop compressions for more than 10 seconds until relieved or professionals arrive. Discussion of Future Deployment and Procedures ( If Encountered) Attempt to learn and amend protocols based on past performances, simulated training, virtual reality, and multi-disciplinary mock disaster drills Discussion of Supplemental Command Center Locations • Creekside or North Entrance Guard House • South Entrance Guard House • Wild Oaks Dog Park near entrance Discussion of First Aid Kit Items • All member kits should be stocked with similar items • Gloves Purchase - bulk Medium and Large • Emergency blanket for burns and to regulate temperature • Masks – purchase in bulk Medium and Large • Roller Gauze- purchase in bulk Medium and Large • Large bandages for chest wounds, abdominal wounds and to cover and protect organs • Consider adding Tourniquets to first aid kits • Command Center First Kit- needs additional supplies • Old bag in Command Center appear to have adequate supplies for team training. Discussion concerning Tourniquets • If you put a gloved hand on a wound and the bleeding will not stop, it is time for a Tourniquet. • Tourniquets are placed about 2 inches higher than the wound. Vessels will retract. • Tighten until the blood stops. Check for no pulse below the Tourniquet. • Once installed the tourniquet is never loosened and only removed by medical professionals. • Mark a “T” on the victims forehead and record the time near it. Impalement Injury • Stabilize object in wound • Never remove the object unless it blocks breathing • Victim should not be moved, unless it his/her life is threatened by the object • Eye Injury: Stabilize with roller gauze and wrap both eyes (eyes tend to move together). Discussion of downed power line(s) • Do not approach • Contact ICC Discussion Approaching Propane Tanks • Approach with caution • Smell around the area. Propane gas has no odor. • Propane companies add a harmless chemical - mercaptan- to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell. • Turn off valve. Future Training Discussion – Master the Basics and Periodic updates • Set up a series of medical treatment stations and roll play activities using interactive medical procedure stations and scenarios. • Consider future training on using Tourniquets and adding this device to first aid kits November Annual member Luncheon Hold the date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 . Adjournment: 3:30 PM