SMETHPORT — Training was a big topic Thursday afternoon for the McKean County Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Team, which was formed about a year ago to assist with a natural disaster, mass casualty incident or act of terrorism that could impact the county.
DCORT members are volunteers who represent various sections of the community — ministry, and specialists in aging, domestic violence, corrections and human services.
“This team could only be deployed by Tracy Carl, McKean County Director of Emergency Services, and there is a protocol of how and when they would be called out, typically within zero to 48 hours of an event,” said Lee Sizemore, DCORT coordinator and McKean County Human Services administrator.
DCORT members are trained in Federal Emergency Management Agency protocols, and they would defer to and complement the 911/EMS tools available in the county.
“This really is a neighbor-helping-neighbor model,” Sizemore noted. “When disaster hits, everyone has a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Panic and fear can take over, and DCORT can help assist in smoothing the waters. Our volunteers are trained in assisting people with their coping.
“While on the scene of an emergency, DCORT members stay in their own lanes and would defer to 911/EMS or the Red Cross as they need to take the lead,” said Sizemore. “DCORT will be one more tool for EMS response in the aftermath of disasters or terrorism.”
Since the team’s mission is to offer crisis intervention, psychological first aid and support for the community in the wake of an accident, emergency or natural/manmade disaster, members are required to complete four trainings: Disaster Crisis Outreach and Referral Training, Psychological First Aid, National Incident Management System and Incident Command System, as well as participate in biannual team meetings and register with ServePA for emergency contact requirements. They also must carry their DCORT ID cards and backpacks in their vehicles.
So far this year, team members have completed advanced skills regarding active shooters, critical incident stress management, Psychological First Aid and CPR/AED for non-healthcare providers.
Psychological First Aid is a tool DCORT would use to help the community, victims and family members as they get their basic needs met during a crisis, according to Sizemore. “Those impacted have had the worst day of their lives and DCORT would assist them cope and connect to what they need.”
Advanced skills classes slated for next year include Mental Health Response to Mass Violence.
Members discussed the use of a mock disaster drill as part of their training.
Carl suggested that DCORT training could possibly be incorporated into existing drills of other agencies.
