The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a committed and available reserve of active, inactive and retired health care professionals and others who can be rapidly mobilized to strengthen our medical response capability during large-scale local emergencies. The MRC was created by our local community for our local community.

Historically, medical personnel spontaneously volunteer to assist in emergencies or disasters. Spontaneous volunteers are often unfamiliar with local emergency response systems and may not be as effective in the provision of emergency medical services as members of organized response groups.

Members of MRC are pre-identified and prepared to respond as a volunteer following a large-scale emergency.

Eligibility to Volunteer

To volunteer with the MRC you must be one of the following:

• An active, inactive or retired health care professional in good standing
• A public health professional
• A student of a health profession
• A committed individual willing to be trained to fill key support positions

Additionally, applicants are required:

• To be in good health
• At least 18 years of age
• Have a valid driver’s license with access to an insured vehicle

Commitment

The success of the MRC is based on the availability of its volunteers to respond in a timely manner when deployed. Prior to beginning the application process, we ask that each potential volunteer consider his or her family responsibilities, work commitments and any other possible limitations.

Potential Duties

During an emergency:

• Augment medical and support staff shortages at medical or emergency facilities
• Assist with the distribution or dispensing of pharmaceuticals
• Assist with surveillance and notification
• Assist staging area staff, both medical and non-medical

During times of non-emergency: (optional)

• Promote the U.S. Surgeon General Priorities (www.surgeongeneral.gov)
• Staff first aid areas at community events
• Distribute information at health fairs
• Promote immunization and other public health campaigns

Expectations of MRC Volunteers:

• Complete an online or paper application. Visit www.mrcnevada.com to complete online application.
• Maintain professional licensure and/or certification, if applicable.
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification, if required.
• Participate in local disaster training exercises.
• Contribute time to a minimum of one non-emergency activity per year.
• Keep personal information updated for the MRC database.
• Respond in a timely manner following notification of MRC activation.
• Maintain a high standard of moral and ethical conduct.
• Accept the chain of command regardless of position.

Training

MRC volunteers without a current medical or pharmacy license are required to be certified in CPR and basic first aid from a recognized agency. The health district offers American Heart Association CPR and Basic First Aid training at no cost to volunteers.

Assembly Bill 250, adopted by the 2003 Nevada Legislature, requires at least four hours of continuing education credit on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) for all physicians, nurses, EMT's, dentists and dental hygienists. MRC volunteers are offered this training free of charge.

Optional and recommended training opportunities, many offering educational credits, are offered to volunteers. Training exercises simulating public health emergencies will also offer the opportunity to test the capabilities of MRC volunteers. Additional training may be necessary as roles are defined within health district and/or other emergency plans.

Insurance

MRC volunteers who are pre-registered through the Southern Nevada Health District are eligible to receive workers compensation benefits as well as protection under the Cooperative Agreement for Coverage of Liability Claims and Related Expenses, to which the health district is a party.

Also, under specific circumstances, the Volunteer Protection Act (42 U.S.C. § 14501 et. Seq.) provides qualified immunity from liability for volunteers of a governmental entity for harm caused by an act or omission on the part of the volunteer.

Application Process

To learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps or apply to volunteer, visit www.mrcnevada.com or contact MRC Program Coordinator, Paula Martel, at (702) 759-0877 or martel@snhdmail.org.

Visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov to learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps National program.

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