'I Was Terrified, You Weren't:' CERT Trained Temecula Mom Spots Son's Medical Emergency

TEMECULA, CA — A Temecula mother and recent graduate of the City of Temecula's Community Emergency Response Team class found herself relying on her newly acquired skills during an unexpected family emergency.

When Veronica Dining's adult son returned home from a morning walk in June, she noticed he appeared pale, disoriented, and injured after apparently losing consciousness multiple times. Thanks to her recent CERT training, she recognized that the situation was far more serious than it initially appeared.

Although her son believed a visit to urgent care would be sufficient, Dining remembered the RPM assessment taught during CERT training: Respirations, Perfusion, and Mental Status.

"A quick assessment told me this was not an urgent care situation," Dining said. "His breathing was concerning, his perfusion didn't look right, and his mental status was clearly off."

She drew upon techniques learned during the three-day CERT course, calmly assessed the situation and then directed family members in assisting her son. They took him immediately to the emergency room.

Dining says her ability to clearly communicate her observations to medical personnel called upon the assessment principles she had learned in training.

Medical staff at the hospital confirmed the seriousness of the situation when her son's blood pressure registered at a dangerously low level, Dining said. He was admitted for immediate evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, he was later released and returned home the same day.

Temecula Mayor Jessica Alexander says Dining's story illustrates the value of participating in the City of Temecula’s Community Emergency Response Team training program. CERT students gain practical medical emergency skills, and have the opportunity to become emergency volunteers who make a meaningful difference in our community.

“We are grateful that this resident is safe and doing well, and thankful that his mother knew exactly how to respond in a moment of crisis thanks to the City’s CERT program," Alexander said. “I encourage residents, both adults and teens, to learn more about CERT, sign up for a class, and consider becoming a volunteer. Trained citizens and dedicated volunteers are invaluable partners in helping to support our community in times of emergency preparedness, and also during medical emergencies when it matters most."

For Dining, the experience revealed a side of CERT training she had never anticipated.

"Before this experience, I thought CERT training was mainly about preparing for large disasters," she said. "Now I understand its value in a completely different way. Emergencies rarely arrive with warning, and most do not happen on a dramatic stage. They happen quietly, at home, with someone you love deeply."

Reflecting on the moment with her son, she said that he told her something that has stayed with her, and probably always will:

"There was a moment I was terrified. You weren't."

Dining said she was terrified, but able to do what was necessary for her adult child.

"But the training gave me a framework. It helped me stay functional when emotions could easily have taken over. It helped me assess risk, communicate clearly, and make fast decisions."

Temecula Citizen Corps volunteers say Dining's experience illustrates one of the most important benefits of CERT training. While the program prepares residents to assist their families and communities during disasters, the skills taught often prove valuable in everyday emergencies as well.

Mikel Alford, Emergency Manager and Temecula Citizen Corps Program Manager for the City of Temecula, shared more about the CERT program.

"People often enroll in CERT thinking about earthquakes, wildfires, or other major incidents," Alford said. "What (her) story demonstrates is that preparedness skills can make a difference any day, in any home, when a loved one needs help."

The Community Emergency Response Team program, developed by FEMA and offered through the City of Temecula, teaches residents disaster preparedness, emergency medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and team organization.

For Dining, the training proved valuable far sooner than she ever expected.

"Looking back, I know how unprepared I would have been without that training," she said. "I'm incredibly grateful we had it when we needed it."

To learn more about the upcoming CERT classes and volunteer opportunities, contact Temecula Citizen Corps or visit the City of Temecula Emergency Management program at: www.TemeculaCA.gov/OEM.