City of Evanston - Medical Reserve Corps

Medical Reserve Corps

The first response to any disaster is a local response.

VOLUNTEER FAQs

Who can volunteer?

A wide range of health professionals—physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, Emergency Medical Technicians, and veterinarians, as well as other interested citizens who will serve in a support capacity.

What is expected of MRC volunteers?

MRC volunteers might be called on to fulfill any of several functions including: medical treatment, surveillance and notification, case diagnosis, education, vaccination and/or distribution of medication. A specific example of when the Medical Reserve Corps could be activated is in the event of a disease outbreak. In addition to being available for a public health emergency, help is always needed for City of Evanston’s community functions such as health fairs and flu clinics.

What is the time commitment for being a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer?

Due to the critical function volunteers will provide in an emergency, volunteers are asked to attend one training session per month. Sessions are usually 2 hours in length but may take up to 4 hours. Physical presence at the training sessions is required for at least 50% of the total annual classes. Also, we ask that volunteers participate in no fewer than 50% of all Drills/Exercises. Failure to complete requirements may result in membership dismissal.

For "Required" trainings, a make-up test (completed within 2 months of the missed session) is required if the volunteer is unable to attend the training. For "Optional" trainings, no make-up test is required.

Why do they need to have continuing education and service time?

The type of continuing education we are asking the volunteers to take is specific to emergency management topics. Some of these include: Incident Command System, CPR, Decontamination procedures, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Disaster Ethics, and Disaster Mental Health. These skills would be extremely valuable in the event of a large-scale incident for both the safety of the volunteer and efficiency of an emergency response. Service time helps to keep an active team that is knowledgeable and prepared.

What types of service projects do the volunteers perform?

Volunteers may be asked to assist different public health initiatives such as mass influenza vaccination. They may be asked to contribute to public health information and community outreach and education on topics such as Avian Flu, West Nile Virus, Emergency Preparedness, Small pox, SARS, Tuberculosis, etc. They may be asked to help in mass sheltering, such as in extreme cold and heat sheltering initiatives.