I was looking at my local CERT opportunities because I would like to be of service and to get more training, especially in first aid.

But I had a disturbing thought: in an emergency I might be torn between doing what I though was appropriate for survival and obligations to do CERT service. I would do the latter but the conflict disturbs me.

Thoughts?

There are certain risks and sacrifices inherent in being an emergency responder. Being a spouse or family member of one ain't no picnic, either, and it entails very real sacrifices of a different kind. To me, they are the true unsung heroes, and they make most emergency responses possible.

However, no one can reasonably expect you to sacrifice your life, your own or your family's welfare, or to run undue risks, especially as an uncompensated volunteer. If you sign up, we do expect you to do what you reasonably can and have been trained to do within those perimeters, but that's all.

We do not appreciate those who waste training, credentials and other resources by accepting them for selfish personal motives, without the intention of actually helping out when and where they can. It happens. "No-show" volunteers are an unavoidable and recurrent problem. But you aren't that guy. So go ahead, take the training. Don't worry about the conflicts. When the feces impacts the impeller, take care of yourself and your family first, then do what can for others with CERT. As the old sailor said to the newbie in his first big storm at sea, "one hand for the ship, the other for yourself!"