Free Emergency Preparedness Class Offered Virtually In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — So far this year, 390 people have been killed in mass shootings and a total of 11,626 people have been victims of a homicide in the U.S. since Jan. 1, according to the latest data from the Gun Violence Archive.

Violent crime is on the rise and many people wonder what they would do if they found themselves in a dangerous situation like the Las Vegas shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing, or the even collapse of the Surfside building in Miami.

What could they do to ensure their safety and how would they help others who needed immediate medical attention?

Arlington County's Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have teamed up to offer a virtual training session this Thursday to teach residents what to do in the event of a violent or emergency situation.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer these classes," said Lucía Cortés, an engagement liaison with DPSCEM. "Especially during the pandemic, these classes were a lifesaver, because many people got very concerned to some degree and anxious about staying safe and also helping your neighbors."

The virtual Until Help Arrives class is offered this Thursday, from 6:30-9 p.m. People interested in participating can find more details about signing up for the class on the county's website.

"This training was created to provide the knowledge and the skills to help our community to save lives until professional responders arrive," Cortés said, adding that it may take many minutes for rescue personnel to arrive. "Just having bystanders be able to help can actually save lives."

Participants in the class will learn how to recognize violent activities, how to respond safely, how to notify rescue personnel efficiently, and how to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the violence.

"The skills our participants will learn are transferable to common situations," Cortés said. "It could be a traumatic injury from a car crash, a household injury, or perhaps an active shooter."

Before the pandemic, CERT and DPSCEM were offering in-person training sessions. The classes became virtual last September so that the training could continue safely during the pandemic. According to Cortés, in-person training will return in September at the Arlington County Fire Academy, although a date has not be set yet.

Classes are open to adults 18 and up. Interested teens can participate, although their parent or guardian must also be in the same class. By Tuesday afternoon, 80 people had already signed up for Thursday's virtual class.

"Because of our national awareness in terms of mass shootings and being able to be prepared, we see more and more people signing up for these type of classes,"Cortés said.