Vince, Randy and others,

If my comments regarding the efforts of CERT members and the role they might play have given the impression that their assistance is not welcome or needed, I apologize, that was not my intent. Just as ETS and this forum is devoted to the proper preparation, skill development and realistic expectations, my comments regarding disaster response was not to deter anyone from seeking and obtaining the training, skills and equipment to be of service during a disaster. To the contrary, I always encourage everyone to obtain training, skills and equipment, which would enable him or her to be of service. That has always been my goal with assisting Fire Departments, Red Cross, Civil Defense units in Ecuador, scouting groups, etc. to become self-sufficient individuals, comfortable with the necessary training, skills and equipment to help not only themselves but to be of service to others.

There is no doubt, that worldwide, more “civilians” rescue fellow citizens immediately after a disaster then all of the Rescue/Fire/USAR/SAR groups do collectively. With that said, realize that based upon personal experience and published data, that in certain types of rescue conditions, more, would be rescuers (both civilian and professional) are injured or killed then original victims. Many on this forum have pointed out that it is better to avoid placing one’s self in a situation, which will result in a survival situation. I have no doubt that I too would, if my family were in a situation, requiring rescue, jump in and attempt to rescue them, prior to the arrival of any Fire/Rescue personnel. Hopefully, I would use some of my training to reduce potential injury to others or myself.

With that said, I still have lingering issues and questions regarding the wisdom of placing individuals with some very valuable (since CERT training is available in Spanish, I use it extensively in Ecuador), but generalized training and with minimal protective equipment into situations where the danger outweighs the benefit of entering a hazardous area/structure. True protective equipment can run into the hundreds and thousands of dollars, making do with inexpensive alternatives is, again, just my opinion, courting a potentially deadly outcome.

As to what any individual can do to be of service; as many have stated, in numerous threads, First Aid, CPR, CERT, survival courses would all be of tremendous value. However, the most important skill/knowledge to have is common sense and the ability to recognize when a situation is beyond one’s capabilities and equipment.

Pete