Survival Training

If you have an interest in surviving a disaster, you should give some thought to obtaining training. This is not easy, especially if you are not formally connected with a disaster reponse or rescue organization.

From a medical standpoint, a first responder and basic EMT-1 course is appropriate. The EMT courses from about 120 hours, and you aren't allowed any absences. The courses are given at hospitals and many colleges.

The Red Cross offers several simple First Aid courses, but they are not very up-to-date.

CPR courses are useful.

Service in the Army, Navy or Air Force Reserves, the militia (or on active duty) will, of course provide you with lots of helpful training. It's a good way to serve your nation and your community.

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is active in a few areas and teaches search and rescue.

In many communities in the United States, sworn police are supplemented by unpaid civilian volunteers, called auxiliary police, who, upon completing appropriate training, patrol armed with a pistol, alongside regular officers. These programs have wonderful training available, in basic first aid, disasters, and firearms. In some communities police unions have objected to this practice, while in others, civilians are welcomed.

Then there are the various volunteer Fire Departments and Ambulance Services, who are always looking for volunteers. All have good training programs that will provide useful information of value to you and your family in a disaster. In a Volunteer fire Department you will learn how to operate pumpers, put out fires, and perform extrications.

If you don't have the time to volunteer for a Fire or Ambulance group, then please consider writing them a hefty check. These people do wonderful work and are always short of funds.

For a youngster, the Boy Scouts are a good choice.

Getting the family together for a simple one or two night camping trip provides an excellent exercise in preparing for a disaster. If you can't afford to go far, a backyard camp-out remains an option.