Don’t get me wrong; I believe CERTs have their place in the overall response to disaster. However, I believe that over estimating their potential based upon current training could be dangerous to both CERT members and Fire/Rescue/EMS services.

I am sure that the other forum members that are involved either as career or volunteers in the Fire/Rescue/EMS service undergo hundreds, if not thousands of hours of formal and informal training and ongoing re-certifications.

Although, I have training at the HazMat operations level, I am not a HazMat Tech.; I would not place myself in a position (such as intentionally entering a contaminated area) where that type of training was essential for my ability to be of benefit or for my survival. Conversely, I am a Technical and Swiftwater Specialist; I have the training necessary to effect a rescue requiring these skills. Despite the training and knowing the risks and how to reduce the hazards to crew, victims, and myself there is still great risk associated with these types of rescues. I would not expect a highly trained Fire Fighter with training in only fire suppression to place themselves in the position of effecting rescues of a highly technical nature any more then I would want a CERT member entering areas where hazards have not been mitigated. Doing so, can only increase the chances that I have now two people for which to rescue and provide medical care.

I am a Confined Space Rescue Specialists, I can tell you that CSRs claim the lives of more would be rescuers, both civilian (i.e. fellow worker) and Fire Service personnel, then there are original victims. In responding to a CSR, trench or structural collapse, they are very time consuming, technical rescues that even challenge the highly trained. With all due respect, I do not want well-intentioned individuals with generalized training to be involved in the onsite rescue. In supportive roles, yes, absolutely, but outside the hot zone and depending upon the nature of the incident even the warm zone. Endangering themselves and possibly other rescuers, who must now rescue them, makes no sense to me.

Just my opinion.

Pete