Sep 20, 2025
AI Overview
A physician volunteering with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is generally expected to operate within the scope of their CERT training, not their full physician's license. However, the situation is complex and depends heavily on the specific context and location.
Here is a breakdown of the factors at play:
Scope of duties
CERT training takes precedence: CERT volunteers are trained in specific, basic disaster response skills, such as basic first aid, fire safety, and light search and rescue. When acting in their official capacity as a CERT volunteer, a physician's role is to follow the established CERT protocols and the direction of professional first responders.
Potential for a higher standard of care: A volunteer's actions are often judged against the "standard of care" of a reasonable person with similar training. A physician, however, possesses a higher level of medical knowledge. If they use their advanced skills and cause harm, they could be held to the higher standard of a medical professional, not just a layperson with CERT training.
Medical Reserve Corps vs. CERT: While a physician can volunteer with a CERT team, they may be better suited for a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is specifically designed to organize medical professionals to use their licensed skills during a disaster.
Legal protections
Good Samaritan laws: State "Good Samaritan" laws often protect individuals who provide emergency aid. However, the legal protections can vary, and it's not always certain if they extend to medical professionals volunteering under a separate organization like CERT.
Volunteer Protection Act: The federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 offers some liability protection for volunteers in certain situations. It protects against liability for simple negligence but does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
State laws: The specific protections can vary by state, as some state laws may offer greater liability protections for volunteers than the federal act.
Recommendations for a physician
Clarify role with CERT leadership: The physician should discuss with their CERT leadership what is expected of them and what level of medical care they are authorized to provide.
Distinguish roles: A physician can participate as a CERT volunteer using their basic training. But if they choose to practice medicine, they are likely acting outside their CERT role.
Consider MRC: For roles that specifically require licensed medical professionals, the physician should explore volunteering with an MRC unit instead of (or in addition to) their CERT team.
Be aware of liability: A physician who uses their advanced medical skills could open themselves up to liability, depending on their state's laws and the specific circumstances of the incident.