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1. Who can volunteer?

Licensed active, inactive, or retired health care professionals, such as: Physicians, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nurses' Assistants, Dentists, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, Laboratory Technicians, and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Or

Non-medical support personnel, skilled in areas such as: foreign language, communications, amateur radio operation, recruitment, marketing, dispatch, health education, patient registration, and administrative support.

2. What can I expect to do if I volunteer?

During a large-scale disaster/emergency you might offer medical support at emergency shelters, assist in the operation of mass immunization clinics, or support regular, established medical response professionals. You may also be asked assist with on-going public health needs such as helping with education and prevention services or support staffing in community health centers. 

3. What type of event would be considered a "large-scale emergency"?

Large-scale emergencies might include an influenza epidemic, act of terrorism, or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado or flood.

4. What types of training are available to MRC volunteers?

All MRC volunteers need to undergo some form of orientation to the MRC, which includes an overview of the system in which the MRC's activities occur, whether in relation to emergency response or public health, or both.

Support/administrative volunteers receive guidance on how to perform their particular functions, which vary depending on the needs of particular communities. They may need to participate in practice drills if their duties interface with those of the front-line/direct-service volunteers. Overall, the training includes support skills training, communications, public speaking, and Incident Command Systems, or other local command systems.

Volunteers can also receive training in basic first aid, CPR, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

5. What happens if I'm not available to volunteer all the time?

MRC volunteers do not have to be available all the time. Some volunteers may only be interested in making a minimal commitment during times of crisis or for other specific community needs. These preferences are respected, given that they can be accommodated by the MRC unit's mission and work plan.