The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a network of volunteers both medically trained and others. Members work to improve the health and safety of their communities. The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) manages MRC for Kitsap County. KCDEM works with the Kitsap Public Health District and others for MRC missions.
Purpose
MRC lets medical and health professionals share their skills and expertise. Volunteers respond to pandemics, chemical spills, acts of terrorism, or natural disasters like earthquakes. MRC volunteers also offer education and prevention services. This work improves the health and well-being of our community.
Volunteer Penny Garner provides a COVID-19 test at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Requirements
MRC members may include:
- First Aid Staff
- Health Screeners
- Medicator-Vaccinators
- Medical Counseling Leads
- Medical Records Coordinators
- Medication-Vaccine Clinic Managers
- Special Needs Leaders or Assistants
- Triage, treatment, tracking and transport coordinators
- Other functions
New members will:
- Complete an application and background check
- Have licenses and/or certifications verified (if applicable)
- Complete an orientation (either in person or online)
To join the MRC, you will need to become a registered volunteer emergency worker with KCDEM.
Limitations
In Washington State, RCW 38.52.180 provides liability and immunity protections. This is for medical and non-medical/support volunteers, when training and responding to disasters.
Participants in MRC contribute only if:
- Personal safety, family safety, and personal property concerns are handled first.
- Enrollment with KCDEM happens before a mission.
- Advanced training in and understanding of their program happens beforehand.
- A mission number is assigned.
Training, Classes & Exercises
MRC members will have access to online training materials via Train Learning Network. They will receive just-in-time task specific training depending upon their assignment. Required FEMA courses include:
Catastrophic Event Playbook Field Guide for Volunteers
Developed for our registered volunteer emergency workers and community members, the Catastrophic Event Playbook Field Guide offers a place to start after a disaster. [...]
Volunteers Make a Difference
A volunteer appreciation event was held at the KCDEM Staging area December 15th to recognize volunteers who have given so much to the COVID-19 response [...]
Disaster Shower Drill
Volunteers work through the checklist in setting up one of the KCDEM disaster shower tents. The shower system can provide heated water showers for emergency [...]
MRC Events
Helpful Links
- MRC Core Competencies and Training (source: National Association of County and City Health Officials) (PDF)
- National Medical Reserve Corps (source: HHS)
- Department of Health Frequently Asked Questions (source: WA DoH)
- Become a registered volunteer emergency worker
