The Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Nevada (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 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:
- Active, inactive or retired health care professionals in good standing
- Veterinary professionals
- Mental health professionals
- Public health professionals
- Community members without medical training who are willing to provide administrative and other essential support functions
Additionally, applicants are required to be:
- 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)
- Support the US Surgeon General’s Public Health Priorities: www.surgeongeneral.gov
- Promote public health campaigns
- Staff first aid stations at community events
- Provide health screenings at health fairs
- Distribute health and preparedness information at local events
Expectations of MRC Volunteers
- Complete an online application at www.servnv.org.
- Following approval of the application and background check:
- Complete required training within three months of the application.
- Maintain professional licensure and/or certification, if applicable.
- Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification, if required.
- Participate in local training and exercises.
- Keep personal information updated for the MRC database.
- Maintain a high standard of moral and ethical conduct.
Training
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a management model for command, control and coordination of an organization’s emergency response activities. It employs a management structure with defined responsibilities, clear reporting channels and common terms.
To qualify to volunteer or participate in training opportunities, MRC Volunteers are required to complete ICS 100: Introduction to Incident Command System, and ICS 700: National Incident Management System training courses, which are available online from FEMA.
All MRC volunteers are strongly encouraged to be certified in CPR and basic first aid from a recognized provider (i.e. American Red Cross or American Heart Association). The health district offers initial and renewal American Heart Association CPR and Basic First Aid for the Health Professional at no cost to MRC volunteers.
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 apply to volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Nevada, visit www.servnv.org 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.
Medical Reserve Newsletters
| Year |
Issue |
| 2011 |
Fall/Winter PDF 607KB |
| 2011 |
Summer PDF 3MB |
| 2011 |
Spring PDF 1MB |
| 2010 |
Summer PDF 1.5MB |
| 2010 |
Spring PDF 1MB |
| 2009 |
Fall/Winter PDF 1.8MB |
| 2009 |
Summer PDF 1MB |
| 2009 |
Spring PDF 2.4KB |
| 2008 |
Special Recognition PDF 182KB |
| 2008 |
September PDF 231KB |
| 2008 |
April PDF 264KB |
