In the event of a disaster (think EQ) our training sets clear priorities - first yourself, then family, then neighbors, and then try and form up as some sort of green helmeted entity. I can visualize green hard hats clawing their way out of the rubble and gradually forming themselves into coherent teams.

I think CERT makes sense in that after a major disaster, there will be attempts by the public at self rescue- training the general public can only improve the quality of the efforts and reduce the toll, especially when you consider the alternative - just do nothing and let John Q. Public fend for himself.