I have been also thinking as to how would I, as one of the senior members/officers of our technical rescue team employ CERT members. I can tell you, I would never ask one of these members to enter any structure (including homes) deemed questionable in terms of potential collapse. It is risky enough to put highly trained rescue personal in those situations, it would make no sense to risk additional injuries to CERT members.

I can see using CERT members as labor; removing debris piles, carrying packaged patients to an EMS Control Point, assisting the walking wounded with minor first aid needs. I do not see them being employed in onsite rescues, it is just too dangerous.

Pete