Does your group want to be trained?

The O'ahu Civil Defense Agency offers free specialized training to groups of volunteers interested in forming Community Emergency Response Teams.

Jeff Spencer at O'ahu Civil Defense said the teams learn skills needed during an emergency. They include how to identify and reduce potential fire and other hazards; how to work as a team; how to handle a variety of wounds, controlling bleeding and treating shock; how to plan and assess search-and-rescue operations; and how to protect the rescuers.

The program came out of earthquake experiences in California in 1994, when would-be rescuers were hurt, killed or injured going in to help people, Spencer said.

He said the office has received about 30 inquiries in Honolulu over the past two weeks about the training. He said he will talk with neighborhood boards on Monday about the program.

The training takes 20 hours, usually split over three weekends. It is offered to groups at businesses, churches, community and nonprofit organizations, even groups of friends, Spencer said. He said Scout groups have done the training, which is geared to adults, and those 16 and older with parental permission.

He said the free training includes a "starter disaster kit," including a backpack with hard hat, first-aid kit, gloves, flashlight, goggles and other gear.

"I think it's important," Spencer said.

"It's worth the time."

The training is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For more information, call 523-4121.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.