Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The first response to any disaster is a local response. This was evident after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when thousands of Americans responded by volunteering their talents and skills to help others. Many more Americans asked, "What can I do to help?" The Medical Reserve Corps provides a mechanism to organize and train local volunteers to meet the needs of our communities in the event of a major disaster or public health threat. As a component of the Citizens Corps, it is intended to enhance our local emergency preparedness and to supplement our local health care system during an emergency. For instance, the Medical Reserve Corps might be needed to assist during a large disaster (natural or man-made) that overwhelms the local emergency medical services and hospital system, a smallpox outbreak, pandemic flu, or a terrorist event.
The MRC of Southwestern Vermont fills the gaps when our local resources are stretched to the breaking point. It's designed to fill in for short periods of time until federal disaster assistance arrives. Such activities might include setting up and managing mobile hospitals, deploying medical strike teams to scene of mass casualty events, establishing mass medication distribution centers or mass immunization clinics. All MRC volunteers remain within the community to meet the community's needs.
The MRC is a partnership of the Southwestern Vermont Health Care, Green Mountain Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Vermont Department of Health.
Why is it needed?
After September 11, thousands of Americans responded by volunteering to help in any way they could. Many more Americans asked, “What can I do to help?”
The Medical Reserve Corps will bring volunteers – health professionals and others – together to supplement existing local emergency plans and resources in cities, towns, and counties throughout the United States. In order to be most effective during times of emergency, volunteers must be organized and trained to work in emergency situations. The Medical Reserve Corps is designed to provide that organizational structure and promote appropriate training of volunteers for communities.
Who can volunteer?
Since the Medical Reserve Corps is by nature a reserve of health professionals, volunteers can be active or retired health professionals including those with non-patient care skills such as patient accounting or medical transcription. However, the MRC can find a place for almost any type of volunteer. Volunteers can include (but are not limited to):
* Physicians
* Physician Assistants
* Nurses
* EMTs
* Lab Techs
* Pharmacists
* Dentists
* Dental Assistants
* Veterinarians
* Information Techs
* Mental Health practitioners
* Respiratory Therapists
* Epidemiologists
* Microbiologists
* Nutritionists
* Substance abuse counselors
* Occupational and physical therapists
* Trained health interpreters
* Health information/medical records specialists
* Public health advisors/experts
* Health educators/communicators
* Clergy
* Administrative professionals
* Security personnel
* And others
What would I be doing?
Your time and professional expertise is of greatest value to us. Depending upon the nature of the emergency, MRC volunteers may be used to support medical response teams, setup and staff "Alternate Facilities" (field hospitals), assist in Mass Medication Distribution Centers or Mass Immunization Clinics, or provide supplemental staffing to support the community's healthcare system.
Your skills will be strengthened through our ongoing training sessions. If called on in an emergency, you would be given additional training specific to your job. We will make every attempt to ensure that the role you are asked to play is appropriate for your level and area of expertise and provide you with the necessary training.
Throughout the year, when the MRC is not activated for emergencies, MRC volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in community health screenings, immunization clinics, and other public health outreach programs. These duties are completely voluntary and dependent upon the individual volunteer's desires and goals.
How much time will it take?
The Medical Reserve Corps is designed to provide the necessary personnel and resources to sustain medical care in our community for up to 72 hours or until federal assistance teams have been deployed and established. Some emergencies may last as little as one day. For potentially catastrophic events like a Forrest fire, ice storm or blizzard, smallpox outbreak or large-scale event, there may be a need to provide continuous care on a 24/day basis. If activated, the MRC Volunteer will be asked to commit to a scheduled shift--no longer than 12 hours in duration or a series of shifts to meet the needs of the community.
We recognize the constraints of time for our volunteers and do not wish to place extra burdens of mandatory attendance at meetings or educational programs.
However, in order to ensure volunteer preparedness and safety with Disaster Response, every MRC volunteer will be required to attend an orientation session (2-3 hours) and other mandatory annual training sessions (i.e. Infection Control, HIPPA, etc.) We will attempt to schedule these programs at times most convenient for the volunteers. In addition, a number of these course will be available through internet or web-based learning modalities.
Throughout the year, MRC Volunteers will be invited to participate in continuing education courses, advanced training exercises and other programs designed to provide personal and professional enhancement. The amount of time devoted toward education is dependent upon the individual MRC volunteer and his/her goals.
What if I am employed full-time?
In the event of a large-scale disaster, businesses typically do not operate as normal; schools generally close, physician offices and businesses may close or limit hours, and every facet of life changes from the norm. The MRC of Southwestern Vermont provides a way for school nurses, physicians, pharmacists, administrative personnel and others to contribute to the safety and security of our local communities. Volunteers who may live in our area, but work in non-affected areas, may need to be released from their regular duties to meet the needs of our community.
What are the benefits of volunteering for the MRC?
The greatest reward of volunteering is knowing you are able to apply your expertise in a time when your neighbors and community needs you the most. Through the MRC the role of the spontaneous volunteer is more organized and well trained; thus, reducing the risks to everyone. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing you are helping your community, opportunities through continuing education (CME, CDE, CEUs) to become better prepared to handle large-scale health crises will be regularly provided. MRC volunteers will receive a free subscription to the MRC newsletter and access to a secure website which allows online training, educational and social gatherings and provides a mechanism for you to maintain your professional credentials and training.
Will I be paid for my time?
No as a volunteer you will not be paid, but you will be providing an invaluable service to your community in a time of extreme need.
How do I sign up?
You can register online at WWW.VTMRC.ORG or call (802) 440-4236 for an application and information packet.