Who can volunteer for the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps?
SMRC is made up of licensed healthcare professional such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, mental health professionals, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, physical therapists and more. Community members without medical training such as translators, sign language interpreters, social workers, administrators, and public relations professionals also play a vital role in SMRC.
We especially need:
All volunteers are welcomed as there are many support functions in medical services. Applicants are required to be in good health, at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license with access to an insured vehicle. They also agree to provide access to employment and professional credential information.
We especially need:
- Active, inactive or retired licensed health care professionals in good standing
- Mental health professionals
- Public health professionals
- Students of a health profession
All volunteers are welcomed as there are many support functions in medical services. Applicants are required to be in good health, at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license with access to an insured vehicle. They also agree to provide access to employment and professional credential information.
Why should I volunteer for the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps?
During emergency, local emergency service agencies, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations may not have the resources to care for an increased number of patients and may need to rely on healthcare volunteers for assistance. In order to be effective during times of emergencies, volunteers must be organized and trained to work in emergency situations. The SMRC is designed to provide the organizational structure and appropriate training to enable SMRC members to efficiently volunteer their skills and expertise . SMRC members are also protected through California’s Disaster Worker Volunteer program for workers compensation benefits.
Potential Duties
During an emergency:
During times of non-emergency:
Potential Duties
During an emergency:
- Provide triage and first aid for emergency response
- Staff shelters for people displaced by flood, fire, or extreme weather
- Provide clean water for communities in need
- Augment medical and support staff shortages at medical or emergency facilities
- Assist with the distribution or dispensing of pharmaceuticals
During times of non-emergency:
- 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
- Assist with immunization clinics, education, and other duties
How much of a commitment is required?
Different people will have different amount of time to give; Some are not available year round, some may be interested in making only a minimal commitment during times of crisis or for other specific community needs, and others may have obligations such as work responsibilities that would conflict with SMRC activities.
The success of the SMRC is based on the availability of its volunteers. Potential volunteers are asked to consider any limitations that may interfere with their availability to respond when needed.
During an emergency, volunteers may be needed during their normal work hours. Volunteers should discuss this possibility with their employer and understand their employer’s policies.
These preferences are respected and can be discussed with the SMRC coordinator so that you can be matched with your interests and capabilities.
Volunteers agree to advise the program coordinator if:
The success of the SMRC is based on the availability of its volunteers. Potential volunteers are asked to consider any limitations that may interfere with their availability to respond when needed.
During an emergency, volunteers may be needed during their normal work hours. Volunteers should discuss this possibility with their employer and understand their employer’s policies.
These preferences are respected and can be discussed with the SMRC coordinator so that you can be matched with your interests and capabilities.
Volunteers agree to advise the program coordinator if:
- They will be out-of-town or otherwise unavailable for periods of two weeks or more
- Their ability to volunteer with the program is compromised and they are no longer available to serve as a volunteer
What training is required?
All volunteers are required to complete the following courses which are available online at:
http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp
IS-100b: Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700: National Incident Management System
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.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a core set of doctrines, principles, terminology and organizational processes. These were developed by the Department of Homeland Security to be used in the planning and response to any emergency event on the local, regional, state and national levels. This consistent national wide approach allows “Federal, State and local governments to work together effectively and efficiently to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents of any size, cause or complexity.”
Following the completion of the online training and exam you will receive a certificate of completion to your personal e-mail address. Please forward the e-mail to SMRC so the certificate may be copied for your file.
Additional on the job training will be provided as needed.
http://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.asp
IS-100b: Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200 – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700: National Incident Management System
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.
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a core set of doctrines, principles, terminology and organizational processes. These were developed by the Department of Homeland Security to be used in the planning and response to any emergency event on the local, regional, state and national levels. This consistent national wide approach allows “Federal, State and local governments to work together effectively and efficiently to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents of any size, cause or complexity.”
Following the completion of the online training and exam you will receive a certificate of completion to your personal e-mail address. Please forward the e-mail to SMRC so the certificate may be copied for your file.
Additional on the job training will be provided as needed.
How do I volunteer for the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps?
Click here to fill out the SMRC Volunteer Application online.
Volunteers are also required to complete a background check, verify their medical licenses and/or certifications are active, and complete training courses.
All volunteers will be registered as Disaster Service Workers (DSW) as set forth by California law. Under the DSW program, volunteers are given limited immunity from liability.
Volunteers are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits as provided for by the State Legislature for injuries incurred while volunteering in an emergency or training.
All volunteers are required to read and sign a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Confidentiality Agreement, which will be retained in their medical volunteer file.
Volunteers are also required to complete a background check, verify their medical licenses and/or certifications are active, and complete training courses.
All volunteers will be registered as Disaster Service Workers (DSW) as set forth by California law. Under the DSW program, volunteers are given limited immunity from liability.
Volunteers are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits as provided for by the State Legislature for injuries incurred while volunteering in an emergency or training.
All volunteers are required to read and sign a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Confidentiality Agreement, which will be retained in their medical volunteer file.
Who do I contact for more information about the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps?
For more information, or to apply to volunteer with SMRC please contact:
Lynn Pesely
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Lynn Pesely
Program Coordinator
[email protected]