Byron-Bergen students share expertise

Student leaders of the Byron-Bergen Emergency Response Team (BBERT) presented a workshop, "Are You Ready?" for middle schoolers from around Genesee County at this year's annual Youth Conference at Genesee Community College on March 16.

Using techniques they have learned in leadership training, BBERT members engaged their younger colleagues in learning about types of emergency situations they may face and how to prepare for them now. Participants viewed a video created by Byron-Bergen senior Mike Langdon and discussed how they might initiate an emergency preparedness and response team at their own schools.

Since its inception in 2003, BBERT has been a part of three mass catastrophe drills, including a Monroe County chemical spill simulation that involved all five hospitals in Rochester. CPR and AED certification training has been offered to dozens of students, and members have taught lessons to elementary school-aged children about safety and emergency preparedness. In addition, BBERT students participated in an international conference on disaster readiness and gave a presentation to local senior citizens. They are the only students to be represented on the Genesee Region Citizens Corps Council.

Students who led the March 16 workshop are: Janell Dilcher, Trevor Laurie, Lauren Mullen, Kayleigh Puma and Eric Wood. They were chaperoned by counseling intern Jessica Briggs.

March 26, 2006