The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a team of health care, administrative professionals, and others who volunteer their time and skills to support emergency medical workers in an emergency or disaster.
This MRC unit supports Putnam County with volunteers to support disaster response agencies and health departments that may become overwhelmed by the need for medical care for our residents. Medical Reserve Corps members are trained and called to assist during these times of need.
We need both medical and non-medical volunteers to meet community disaster response. A background check and fingerprinting will be scheduled after paperwork is completed.
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.
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?
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.
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.