Training

Practical safety-skills topics for everyday preparedness

Use these topics as a starting point for plain-language learning. CAP is a volunteer civic organization with no law-enforcement authority, and guidance here is informational and should be confirmed with local departments where applicable.

Role Boundaries & Safety

  • • CAP volunteers have no law-enforcement authority
  • • Do not confront, detain, or carry weapons
  • • Observe from a safe distance and call 911 for emergencies

This page supports public information and preparedness education, not enforcement activity.

First Aid, CPR & Stop the Bleed

  • • Training focus: first aid, CPR, and bleeding-control basics
  • • Practice scene safety and when to call emergency services
  • • Starter resources: Red Cross and Stop the Bleed

Verify medical training pathways with local providers where applicable.

CERT & Emergency Preparedness

  • • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) fundamentals
  • • Household emergency planning and readiness checklists
  • • Start with Ready.gov

Confirm local preparedness expectations with your local department where applicable.

Radio Communications

  • • Basic radio communication and clear message structure
  • • Check-in protocols and accurate observe-and-report notes
  • • Use calm, factual language and defer emergencies to 911

Verify local reporting pathways and communication procedures where applicable.

Where to Start

  • • Begin self-paced learning at Ready.gov
  • • Find first aid / CPR classes through the Red Cross
  • • Add bleeding-control training with Stop the Bleed

Orientation and in-person sessions are scheduled by each chapter. Use the contact form and we'll let you know what's coming up near you.

Live sessions on Zoom

CAP plans to host free live trainings on Zoom for volunteers and community members. Sessions include automated captions. Some sessions are recorded; you'll be told at registration and at the start of each session, and you can leave or turn off your camera at any time. Need an accommodation (for example ASL)? Contact us before the session.

Live online sessions are being scheduled. Watch this page for dates.

Zoom is a third-party service; its privacy policy applies. Emergencies: call 911.

Before you apply training guidance

The information on this page is provided for community education and preparedness, and it should be reviewed alongside current local instructions when requirements affect your area.

Training verification checklist

  • Use this training material as educational guidance, not as an official directive.
  • Local procedures and requirements can vary by department, agency, and jurisdiction.
  • Before acting, verify time-sensitive or location-specific guidance with your local department or agency.