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As more Tri-Valley residents line up for the COVID-19 vaccine, members of the Livermore-Pleasanton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) wrapped up work at the Alameda County Fairgrounds mass vaccination site on Friday, where they helped monitor community members for potential negative reactions after receiving their shot.
Trained in disaster preparedness and first aid, CERT members serve a vital role in supporting first responders and providing immediate assistance to victims. Last year the team assisted with the lightning fires at the base camp, which was also located at the Pleasanton fairgrounds, then switched gears just a few months later when the site converted to a vaccination hub.
People must stay at the vaccination site for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the shot. During that time, CERT members “chat with and monitor those receiving the vaccine to make sure they do not have an adverse reaction, or to address it if they do,” according to a statement from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, which oversees the team.
Interim Fire Chief Joe Testa — who started a six-month term leading the LPFD on Monday, which he’ll share with deputy fire chief Aaron Lacey after former fire chief Jeff Peters retired last week — told the Weekly that the team “has risen to challenge after challenge” over the past year, working nine hour days. The team also partnered with Alameda County Search and Rescue personnel during their deployment at the fairgrounds.
“The LPFD could not be more proud of the sustained commitment and volunteerism shown by the Livermore-Pleasanton team,” Testa said.
For additional information about Livermore-Pleasanton CERT, email cert@lpfire.org.