Medical Reserve Corps

Medical Reserve Corps Mission 

The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers.

What is the Medical Reserve Corps? 

The Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps is a team of healthcare, administrative and/or business professionals, and others who volunteer by donating their time and skills to help prepare their community for disasters and assist by volunteering to support existing emergencies agencies after a disaster.

During a disaster, Putnam County first responders and hospitals may become overwhelmed by the need for medical care for our residents. Medical Reserve Corps members are trained and activated to assist during times of need.

Who Can Volunteer? 

Practicing, retired, military, veteran, or otherwise employed medical professionals; such as doctors, dentists, nurses, emergency medical technicians, behavioral health counselors, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, nurses' assistants, veterinarians, healthcare students, and others who live or work within Putnam County.

Florida MRC Volunteer Recruitment video

What will I do during an emergency as a Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer? 

Putnam County MRC volunteers are utilized to support emergency medical workers in areas such as; emergency clinics for mass vaccination or pharmaceutical distribution, disease outbreak investigations, Special Need shelters, hurricane response and relief efforts, and other emergencies that involve public health.

Do I need to be or have a current license in the State of Florida 

Yes, if you are a licensed medical professional. According to Florida Statutes, healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses, must have an active Florida license in order to practice medicine. For nominal fees, inactive medical and nursing providers may apply for limited licensure or for a retired volunteer nursing certificate. Other retired professionals may or may not have to have an active license. Your healthcare knowledge and experience are valuable assets and will serve as a much needed contribution to the welfare of Putnam County Residents.

Do I need liability insurance to volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps 

No. Volunteer professionals will be working in conjunction with the Department of Health and will receive limited sovereign immunity and worker's compensation for medical costs incurred during an official event. (Statute 768.28 and Chapter 110, F.S.)

Volunteer Training 

Volunteers are given the opportunity to receive training and certification in CPR and basic First Aid. Additional training will include topics such as disaster planning, Incident Command Systems, community response plans, weapons of mass destruction, and other areas of bio terrorism. Volunteers will be given access to other "free" trainings via the Internet (some offering free CME, CNE, or CEU credits).

Perhaps the most important part of our training will be learning to work as part of a team by participating in field exercises that simulate a public health emergency. In addition, table top exercises that are designed to teach members roles and responsibilities during mass emergencies, will be included as part of the training for Hurricanes and Bio-Terrorism events.