Memphis-area residents — here are 3 real safety trainings happening right now (with links so you can actually sign up). Not hype, just valuable practical skills that promote personal & community safety.

TL;DR: You don’t need a badge or medical license to make a difference when something goes wrong. But you do need a little training. These programs exist so regular people can step up when it matters. If you’ve ever thought: "I wouldn’t know what to do in that situation…" — this is your move

1) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Offered by Shelby County Emergency Management & Homeland Security • Dates: Multiple 2026 options (next cycle includes April sessions) • Schedule: 16-hour course split over 2 Saturdays • Location: Shelby County EMA Training Site (1075 Mullins Station Rd area) • Cost: FREE

What you’ll learn: – Fire suppression (hands-on extinguisher use) – Disaster medical / triage – Light search & rescue – Hazard awareness & preparedness

This is one of the only programs that teaches civilians how to operate before first responders arrive.

Learn more / register: Shelby County CERT Training Page (You’ll see upcoming dates + registration links directly on that page.) (shelbycountytn.gov)

2) Citizens’ Academy Ambassador Program Hosted by Shelby County Sheriff's Office • Dates: April 14 – May 21, 2026 • Schedule: Weekly sessions (typically evenings) • Location: Sheriff’s Office facilities + field experiences • Cost: FREE

What you’ll get: – Behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement operations – Exposure to patrol, investigations, detention – Ride-along opportunities – Direct engagement with leadership

This one is about understanding how the system works — not just reacting to it.

Learn more / register: Email: Davina.Jones@shelby-sheriff.org Registration typically posted via Sheriff’s Office outreach & signup portals

3) Stop the Bleed (Community Training) Through Regional One Health — Elvis Presley Trauma Center • Dates: Ongoing (scheduled periodically or by request) • Time: ~1–2 hours • Location: Regional One or hosted community sites • Cost: FREE

What you’ll learn: – How to control life-threatening bleeding – Tourniquet application – Wound packing / pressure techniques

This is arguably the highest ROI skill you can learn in under 2 hours. Learn more / request a class:

Regional One “Stop the Bleed” Program Page (You can request a class for your workplace, church, or community group.) (bg-bg.facebook.com)