The Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps (WRMRC) is a federally recognized volunteer program established to enhance public health and emergency response efforts in Massachusetts. It recruits both medical and non-medical professionals to assist during emergencies, such as public health incidents and community service activities. Training and volunteer responsibilities are outlined, emphasizing the importance of following procedures and the voluntary nature of participation.

1. Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Orientation Kate Pollender, Coordinator Liz Foley, Assistant Coordinator

2. Overview of Today’s Orientation 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC What is the MRC? Intro to WRMRC Volunteer opportunities Core competencies and required training Liability Policies/Procedures CORI MA Responds Badging FAQ Questions?

3. What is the MRC? The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. The program is federally recognized and operates under direct control of the Surgeon General’s office. Engages volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resiliency 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

4. What is the MRC? 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC 933 MRC Units in the United States 89.6% of population covered 72.9% of area

5. What is the MRC? Over 209,586 volunteers nationwide 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC Physicians Physician Assistants Nurse Practitioners Registered Nurses Dentists Veterinarians Clergy Pharmacists Mental Health Professionals EMTs and Paramedics Epidemiologists Health Educators Social Workers Non-Medical Professionals

6. The Worcester Regional MRC (WRMRC) Created by the Worcester Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) in 2006 overseen by Worcester Division of Public Health Covers 74 towns in the Massachusetts Public Health Region 2 Recruits medical and non-medical professionals to volunteer to assist in the event of a local or regional emergency 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

7. Cities and towns covered by WRMRC 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

8. Other MRCs in this Region Wachusett MRC P.O. Box 555 Hubbardston, MA 01452 978-928-4086 [email_address] Grafton MRC 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519 508-839-5335 ext.128 www.town.grafton.ma.us 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

9. WRMRC Mission: Provide public health volunteer medical services that supplement existing resources in case of disaster Key Areas: promote public health and safety 1. Public Health Emergencies 2. Mass Casualty Incidents 3. Community Service Activities 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

10. Volunteer Opportunities 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

11. Public Health Emergencies Preparedness and Response Drills/exercises Real events 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

12. Emergency Dispensing Site Management and Operation Each town mandated to develop a plan to vaccinate or dispense medications in the event of an epidemic or other emergency. Great need for medical and non-medical volunteers: greeting, dispensing, vaccination, crowd control, traffic control, security. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

13. Mass Casualty Incidents Medical volunteers may be asked to assist with triage and treatment of victims at the scene of a mass casualty incident. Non-medical volunteers can assist with dispensing equipment at the scene. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

14. Community Service Blood pressure screening/preventive health events Health fairs First aid tents 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

15. “ Volunteer groups provide not just the manpower to make a successful vaccination campaign, they also provide important links to the community, through which people more willingly accept health department activities.” JW Leavitt. Public resistance or cooperation? A tale of smallpox in two cities. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice and Science. 2003;1:191. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

16. Deployment/Activation WRMRC will receive a request for assistance Automated alerting system will be activated Volunteers will follow directions given by the automated system. Or Volunteers will be notified by E-mail with specific instructions **Volunteers should not self-deploy or show up at an incident without being contacted by the WRMRC** 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

17. Deployment/Activation ID badge must be worn at all times. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately for all types of weather. Bring any personal items that are needed including medications and personal snacks. A debriefing will be scheduled shortly after completed assignment. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

18. Core competencies Objectives Personal Preparedness 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

19. Personal Preparedness www.ready.gov Be prepared to exist for first 72-hours after a disaster Plan kit according to individual and family needs Elderly? Baby? Other special considerations? Inventory contents every 6 months; make changes as necessary Seasonal changes, expiration dates 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

20. Core competencies Objectives Personal Preparedness Chain of Command Role of local MRC Unit Volunteer Communication Mental Health impact of events Procedures Volunteer roles and limitations 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

21. Required training Offered or made available through the WRMRC: Orientation Basic First Aid BLS CPR/AED or BLS for Healthcare Professional ICS-100 NIMS-700 EDS Operations PPE Mental Health Aspects of Emergencies and Disasters for Non-Mental Health Professionals 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

22. Core competencies and required training Objectives Personal Preparedness Chain of Command Role of local MRC Unit Volunteer Communication Mental Health impact of events Procedures Volunteer roles and limitations Training courses Orientation Basic First Aid BLS CPR/AED or BLS for Healthcare Professional ICS-100 NIMS-700 EDS Operations PPE Mental Health Aspects of Emergencies and Disaster 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

23. Additional training and resources MOU with Red Cross Shelter Operations/Shelter Simulations Courses hosted by other MRCs Other courses and training events at state and national level MRC “handbook” 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

24. Liability Protection The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to: Follow the chain of command. Stick to your assigned duties. Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with – no matter who asks you . 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

25. Liability Protection Massachusetts Department of Public Health Volunteers and Liability Handout Federal Volunteer Protection Act 42 U.S.C 14501. Doctors and Nurses Working in Public Health Programs Mass. General Laws, Chapter 112, 12C Good Samaritan Laws Various provisions of Mass. General Laws Protection for EMS Personnel Mass. General Laws, chapter 111C, 21 Protection for Public Employees Mass. Tort Claims Act, General Laws, chapter 258 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

26. Liability Protection Working with other MRCs in the State to lobby for expansion of the coverage of the Good Samaritan Act Draft proposal will be discussed at legislative local health advocacy day on Thursday, 1/20/11 DISCLAIMER: The City of Worcester does not provide legal advice. Consult your own attorney for legal advice. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

27. If you injure yourself… Currently no Worker’s Compensation offered to WRMRC volunteers! 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

28. Policies & Procedures Report when and where instructed. Confidentiality is important! All volunteers will be CORI’d. Volunteers will not perform any activities beyond the scope of their job assignment. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

29. CORI Check A CORI check will be conducted on all volunteers If there are felonies or pending cases, this may effect the volunteer’s ability to participate in the program. The volunteer will be contacted immediately should this occur. Volunteers will be notified when CORI is complete. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

30. MA Responds Statewide Database - Created to pre-register, manage, mobilize existing clinical and non-clinical volunteers - Helps responding to all types of disasters efficient. Volunteers have the opportunity to create a profile Website has the ability to send various notifications (message, email, call, text) CORIs and Credentialing will be kept current 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

31. Badging You will receive an email when your badge is ready. Your badge will be color coded by professional category. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

32. Keeping Informed MA Responds Profile Emails and Mailings Participation in drills, clinics, trainings, etc. Websites: WorcesterRegionalMRC.org MAmedicalreservecorps.org Medicalreservecorps.gov 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

33. Frequently Asked Questions 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

34. FAQ Will I be paid for my services? No. MRC volunteers give their time to benefit our community . 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

35. FAQ Cont. Am I able to volunteer if I already work within the local healthcare or emergency response system? Yes. It is understood that some MRC volunteers may have other responsibilities in the event of an emergency. While you may not be available for all emergency activations, not all emergencies will affect that agency for which you work. Furthermore, you may wish to participate in non-emergency MRC operations, such as assisting with training volunteers and community education programs. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

36. FAQ Cont. Am I able to volunteer if my license or certification has expired? Yes. While this may limit you from performing the services you were previously licensed or certified, you can still make meaningful contribution to the MRC. For example, your knowledge and experience could be put to good use training other volunteers and educating the community. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

37. FAQ Cont. Do I have to respond to a call to volunteer? No. Being part of the MRC is strictly voluntary. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

38. FAQ Cont. What happens next? Start completing core training requirements. 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

39. Questions? 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC

40. For More Information… Visit website: WorcesterRegionalMRC.org Or contact: Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps c/o Department of Public Health 25 Meade St. Office 206 Worcester, MA 01610 (508) 799-8470 [email_address] Efoley@worcesterregionalmrc.org 10/18/11 Worcester Regional MRC