Frequently Asked Questions

How much time commitment is there when volunteering?

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.

How is the Boone County Medical Reserve Corps to be utilized?

In a disaster or major emergency an MRC volunteer would be given assignments commensurate with their experience and professional licensure. Activities may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Assisting at prophylaxis or immunization clinic sites set up by the County. This activity could include patient screening and administration of medications.
• Assisting with the distribution of medical supplies or pharmaceuticals stockpiled by the County or provided through the State or the Strategic National Stockpile.
• Providing mental health support for disaster victims.
• Providing assessment and treatment of minor medical problems that could result from environmental exposure or communal living conditions (e.g. shelters or parks where people might congregate following a disaster), but are not serious enough to warrant treatment at a hospital.
• Providing direct patient care at hospitals and/or clinics. The MRC volunteer would be deployed to the private sector setting upon the request for assistance by such hospital or clinic. This could include various medical specialties, dental or behavioral health venues.
• Deployment to another county as part of an organized regional mutual aid response from Boone County. This is totally voluntary and would be coordinated with each member of the MRC.

How will I be contacted in an emergency?

You will be notified by your local unit coordinator or emergency planner via the information that you provide when applying to the join the BCMRC unit. A recorded audio message and email message will be sent to you. Therefore, it is very important that you keep your contact information current.

Can I apply if I'm not currently licensed or practicing in a medical field?

Yes. BCMRC needs both medical and non-medical volunteers. Some of the positions for volunteers will require licensure, to protect the volunteer as well as to ensure the best care for those in need of medical care. In the event of a disaster, those with prior medical expertise could serve as medical interviewers, clinic coordinators, and in other positions. In addition to licensed medical personnel, there will be many needs for unlicensed health professionals as well as a need for those without medical training. BCMRC provides training in emergency response, public health and other related fields to all volunteers.

What if I want to join and can’t make it to one of the training events?

A summary of the scheduled training will be provided online if the in-house training is missed.

What if I have a disability?

The MRC entails many diverse roles. There are roles available that could easily be fulfilled by a volunteer with a disability. The volunteer coordinator would evaluate this role and make the assignment

What are common volunteer tasks?

Non-medical and medical volunteers are crucial to the Boone County Medical Reserve Corps. In the event of a county-wide emergency, volunteers would be needed to:

• staff emergency call centers or hotlines
• dispense medications in an emergency Point of Dispensing location
• provide medical treatment at emergency evacuation centers
• screen patients
• clerical work
• Routine seasonal flu clinics are held annually by the Boone County Health Department. The BCMRC provides volunteers for these clinics and volunteers of all professions are welcome to assist.

Do volunteers have liability protection?

BCMRC volunteers will work under the supervision of the Boone County Health Department (this is necessary to ensure the maximum liability protection for BCMRC volunteers).

What training is required for volunteers?

The ICS 100 and NIMS 700 (below) are online trainings that we suggest volunteers to complete ASAP when they register.

We hope to have some in house or online brief trainings for topics such as: a point of dispensing (POD)..how to respond to an emergency, etc.

This is an area that is still developing as we recruit new volunteers.

 

Download a PDF FactSheet about the Medical Reserve Corps.