1. Union County Medical Reserve Corps Orientation

2. Welcome
Welcome to the Union County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Orientation! We appreciate that you have decided to volunteer. Your willingness to be trained and ready to serve in this important role greatly affects our ability to help the community in a crisis. This orientation will provide you the basic knowledge and skills needed to be able to assist the existing health and medical communities in emergency response efforts. Our corps of volunteers has professionals from many walks of life, including medically trained and licensed individuals as well as active volunteers that are not medically trained. This orientation introduces volunteers to the procedures and protocols that will be used during an activation of the MRC. It also provides all volunteers with the tools to safely and effectively respond to a wide variety of incidents affecting public health. This learning module has been made possible by Union County MRC, with significant content input from Franklin County and Columbus Medical Reserve Corps

3. Orientation Objectives
Describe the purpose and goals of the MRC
List potential reasons to activate the MRC
Demonstrate activation procedures
Steps to prepare for a potential emergency
Describe volunteer roles
Describe the management structure
Describe leadership opportunities

4. Purpose and Goals of the MRC

5. Why do we need the MRC?
To identify and train volunteers before a disaster strikes so that we can save time and lives during a disaster.
In the past few years emergency planners across the country have taken an interest in the roles volunteers can play in a disaster. We have learned that people want to help and will arrive at a disaster scene regardless of any affiliation with a volunteer organization.
Volunteers arriving at the disaster site without being trained, without known credentials, or without being affiliated with an organization often hurt instead of help the recovery efforts despite their best intentions. Through hard lessons learned, we now know counties experiencing a disaster need pre-identified, pre-screened, and trained volunteers.

6. Why Prepare?
Disease Outbreaks and Pandemics
Natural Disasters
Bioterrorism/ Terrorism

7. Disaster = Need > Response
What is a Disaster?
A disaster is an event that exceeds the capabilities of the current response infrastructure.
Disaster = Need > Response

8. When disasters occur, the county, state, or nation in which the disaster occurs could declare a state of emergency.
Disasters may also occur on a smaller scale, such as when a local hospital, local health department, or Red Cross response system becomes overwhelmed and the need is greater than the ability of these organizations to respond.

9. Team of Trained and Credentialed Volunteers

10. You are not required to give a weekly or monthly time commitment.
You need to discuss any limitations you perceive regarding your ability to serve or any questions that you may have with the MRC Coordinator.
Please remember to bring your driver’s license when you pick up your MRC identification badge.
Volunteers will be asked to assist in an event affecting public health only when it is safe to do so.
There are 3 levels of volunteer involvement opportunities in the MRC – 1) Response, 2) Leadership and 3) Community Outreach.

11. Goals of the MRC

12. 1. Recruit and train volunteers to work safely and efficiently during a disaster.
MRC volunteers fall into 2 categories – individuals with a medical license and individuals with no medical license. Community members, students, and others can fulfill important support roles during an emergency. The role you play will depend largely on your medical license, interests and skills, and the needs of the response.

13. 2. Provide opportunities for volunteers to assist with non-emergency public health events.
Opportunities for volunteers may include health education, vaccination clinics and public awareness campaigns.

14. 3. Focus on continued collaboration with local and regional emergency response volunteer agencies to develop and enhance current volunteer response plans.
MRC volunteers may have the opportunity to collaborate with the American Red Cross, Union County EMA, and other volunteer organizations

15. Volunteer Liability Protection
Ohio Revised Code § provides liability protection to registered Ohio Medical Reserve Corps volunteers during local, state, or federally declared emergencies, disasters, drills, exercises and training.
Volunteers registered with the Ohio MRC in the website portal will not be liable in damages to any person or government entity in tort or other civil action, including an action upon a medical, dental, chiropractic, optometric, or other health related claim or veterinary claim, for injury, death or loss to person or property that may arise from an act or omission of that volunteer.
This protection does not include the provision of any court fees nor does it cover workman’s compensation. At this time, MRC volunteers will not receive workman’s compensation or health benefits in the event that a volunteer hurts themselves during a disaster, exercise, drill or training.
It exempts a registered volunteers’ personal information in the Ohio MRC Registry from public disclosure

16. Role of Public Health in an Emergency
Promote preparedness within the community
Minimize morbidity and mortality
Disease surveillance and investigation
Mass vaccination and prophylaxis
Mobilize partnerships to identify and solve health problems before, during and after a disaster

17. Public Health Preparedness and Response Partners
These partners work with public health and MRC volunteers to create a coordinated response during a disaster. County partners work together regularly to improve disaster response efforts.
Emergency Management Agency
Local Health Department
American Red Cross
Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement
Hospital and Long-term care facilities
Health care providers
Ohio Department of Health
Coroner
Schools
Business and industry

18. MRC Activation
In this section you will learn about the types of events that may cause an activation of the MRC. You will also be able to interpret the likelihood of an event you hear about on the news resulting in the activation of the MRC.

19. Potential MRC Activations
Severe disease outbreaks or pandemics
Bioterrorism/ Terrorism
Natural disasters
Volunteers might be called to respond to any event that threatens public health. These events could be naturally occurring such as an influenza outbreak or they could be the result of an intentional act. Regardless of the exact public health emergency, we rely on you; our trained volunteer team.

20. Disease Outbreaks and Pandemics
When an outbreak is detected that warrants activation of the MRC, volunteers may be asked to assist in clinic set up, operations, and tear down
In most disease outbreaks that involve activation of the MRC, volunteers will be given the prescribed vaccination or prophylaxis, if eligible

21. Examples Potential Disease Outbreaks
Pandemic Influenza
Smallpox
Anthrax release
Meningitis
Tularemia

22. Other Types of Natural Disasters
Hurricanes
Tornados
Blizzards
Fires
Floods
Power outages

23. There are many types of natural disasters, like tornados, blizzards, fires and floods. While less likely, these type of events may cause activation of the MRC in severe cases.
As a result of the catastrophic events following Hurricane Katrina, the federal government partnered with the American Red Cross and requested local MRC assistance for the first time. While the MRC typically responds only to local incidents affecting public health, volunteers may have opportunities to help staff operations locally or nationally. On your application form, you indicated or will indicate whether you were available in Union County, Central Ohio, the State of Ohio or across the nation. As is always the case, you will never be asked to fulfill a role for which you are not licensed or trained.

24. Intentional Disasters

25. Bioterrorism Example – release of anthrax spores
The MRC might be called to help
respond to an act of bioterrorism – the
intentional spread of disease.

26. Chemical or radiological attack
Example - chlorine release
Example - dirty bomb – release of radiation
Chemical or radiological attacks, if significant enough in scope, might require a response similar to bioterrorism
Bombing or other explosion
Such as those that occurred in Madrid, Spain; London, England; or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. These events may require the opening of centers to distribute medication.

27. As always, in the event of a disaster, please wait to hear from the Union County MRC before deploying to any site.

28. Where would Response Efforts Likely Take Place?
Pre-identified sites to meet the needs of the public, volunteers, and staff
Community centers
Schools
Vacant buildings
Government facilities
These pre-identified sites are located in facilities that are large enough to accommodate large groups of people, are handicap accessible and have adequate parking. Each pre-identified site has been evaluated and approved by local law enforcement and meet the criteria of the Ohio Department of Health. While the majority of volunteers will be asked to assist with public health operations, some MRC volunteers may assist with non-public health operations. The Union County MRC Coordinator will ensure, in any setting, that volunteers are comfortable in the tasks they are performing.

29. MRC Activation Procedures

30. Phases of Activation Phase 1 – Alert/Notification Phase 2 – Activation
Phase 3 – Operations
Phase 4 – Deactivation
Phase 5 -- Debrief

31. Phase 1 – Alert/Notification
You will be contacted by the Union County MRC by phone and/or
Briefing
Volunteers may be placed in STAND BY mode or be asked to report within a specific time period.
Update information
Volunteers will also be asked to log on to the Ohio Responds website ( and ensure their information, especially medical licensure, is current.

32. Phase 2 - Activation Union County MRC is placed in active mode
Volunteers are contacted by phone and/or
Volunteers respond based on availability
Volunteers should:
Evaluate ability to respond
Consider transportation
Activate family emergency plan
Report at time and place specified

33. Phase 3 - Operations During the Operations Phase:
Volunteers will likely be asked to work at least one 8-12 hour shift
Food and water will be provided
Security will be provided
Volunteers must:
Bring MRC ID badge or some form of ID
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (long pants and closed toed shoes)
Bring any needed medication
Keep personal belongings to a minimum

34. Phase 3 – Operations (cont’d.)
Pre-event training for all volunteers is not practical. Just-In-Time training ensures that specific procedures are fresh in your mind. All MRC volunteers are provided with Just-In-Time training at a centralized location or at the response site before assisting in an event.
Just-in-Time Training (JITT)
Volunteers will receive JITT for the task they will complete
JITT will orient the volunteers on the situation and what efforts are being taken to respond
JITT will provide information on the command structure that has been established. All emergency response in Union County operates from a centralized command system (ICS). You should report to only one supervisor within your unit. That supervisor should be introduced to you at the time of the training.
JITT will allow volunteers to meet their team and supervisor.

35. Phase 4 - Deactivation Deactivation will take place when:
Disaster has ended
Public health agency is able to maintain operations with public health staff
Volunteer is no longer able to respond
Volunteer must sign out with their supervisor and at the Volunteer station

36. Phase 5 – Debrief
Volunteers will be asked to participate in a debriefing session following the disaster
Debriefing helps agencies and the Union County MRC obtain feedback on the response operation and make improvements in future response efforts
Debriefings may take the form of an interview, survey, or open group discussion

37. Steps to Prepare for an Emergency

38. While it is important for everyone to prepare for emergencies, as a MRC volunteer it is especially important because you are likely to be away from home during an emergency. In this section, we will discuss the steps you and your family should take before an emergency occurs. These include:
Thinking about your daily responsibilities and how they would be affected during an emergency
Creating a family emergency plan
Understanding and practicing appropriate self-care

39. Emergency Planning at Home
Make a Plan
Creating an emergency plan before an incident occurs ensures that those who depend on you for care are safe and accounted for. This plan should include all household members, including pets.
Make a Kit
Having and maintaining an emergency supply kit is an important element of family preparedness. It ensures that those in your household who remain at home are well-prepared if they are asked to shelter in place.
Listen

40. Make a Plan
Make a list of contact numbers/ s, including out-of-town friends and family
Consider having an out-of-town friend or relative act as your designated contact person. Sometimes local phone lines are tied up when a large number of people are attempting to make calls. Even if telephone lines are not working, texting or may be accessible.
Include information for those you may need to contact, including school, home, office, cellular phone numbers and s.

41. Make a Plan (cont’d.) Make a evacuation plan.
This plan should consider evacuation from several different routes. Bring an emergency kit with you. Try to bring your pets, but also have a plan for your pet’s care in case you can’t bring your pet with you.
Let your family know ahead of time of your plans to be a volunteer.
Ask a friend or relative to care for your family members, children, and/or pets while you are volunteering. Make sure this person understands their role and be sure to share your emergency plan with them.

42. Prepare an Emergency Kit
When creating a kit, think about the things that your family would need if they were without power or water for 3 days or if there was a serious blizzard. Do not bring this kit with you to your volunteer site. Keep it in a safe place in your home in the event of an emergency.
Home emergency kits may include:
First aid supplies, prescription medications
Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
Non-perishable food, can opener, bottled water (1 gallon per person per day), vitamins
Add additional items to meet your family needs (extra money, supplies for pets or those with special needs)
Copies of important family documents (passports, ID’s, copies of prescriptions, and a copy of your family emergency plan)
Build smaller kits for your car and office

43. Make a Plan to Shelter-in-Place
Shelter-in-place means to find a safe place inside your home, office, or the building you are in and stay there until it is deemed safe to leave.
Stay inside and close and lock all doors and windows
Turn off fans and air conditioners
Seal windows, doors, and vents
Move to the interior of the building
Keep a telephone nearby
Listen to the radio or television for information

44. Listen Information is critical during a disaster
Stay tuned to information via television, internet, radio
Make sure information is credible

45. Self Care and Stress Management in an Emergency
Stress during a disaster can be overwhelming and affect the way you respond
Be proactive about caring for yourself during a disaster, especially while you are volunteering
Consider the following:
Be aware of your typical reaction to stress
Participate in stress relieving activities
Take breaks
Go outside for a few minutes, if possible

46. Roles for MRC Volunteers

47. Volunteer Expectations
We ask all volunteers to thoroughly evaluate their ability to respond. We ask volunteers affected by an incident to take care of themselves and their family members first.
Work safely and collaboratively
Follow the leadership of your supervisor
Perform assigned duties. We will not ask or expect you to perform duties outside your level of comfort and licensure.
Maintain patient confidentiality – HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Use common sense
Wash your hands often
Cover your cough
Report problems/concerns to supervisor

48. Roles for Volunteers Medical Non-Medical Triage/Assessment Screening
When you filled out the MRC registration, you provided information about your background, languages spoken, skills, training, and medical licensing, if appropriate. The Union County MRC uses this information to place you into a role in the event of a disaster.
Medical
Triage/Assessment
Screening
Dispensing
Vaccination
First-Aid
Education
Supervise
Non-Medical
Registration
Screening
Education
Traffic flow
Greeter
Data entry
Supply management/ inventory

49. Response Level Volunteers
Support the needs of the community during a disaster
All MRC volunteers start as Response Level volunteers
Response level volunteers would provide much-needed assistance to the Union County community during times of need. The response level volunteer chooses to be available in the event of a public health emergency. This level is designed for volunteers that do not have a lot of time available to attend pre-event trainings or exercises and choose to only complete the minimum amount of training. All volunteers may be asked to participate in community events and health initiatives.

50. Leadership Level Volunteers
Volunteers who wish to become more involved in the Union County MRC may take an extra 8-10 hours of training and agree to participate in exercises and drills. Members who are interested in a leadership role should contact the Union County MRC Coordinator. Members who express a desire to accept a leadership position within the Union County MRC and display the skills and experience to function in such a role may be elevated to a leadership position at the discretion of the Union County MRC Coordinator.

51. Disaster Management Structure
Emergencies and large events are managed using the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS works during emergencies because it addresses the most common problems encountered during an emergency response: poor communication and lack of clear authority.
ICS provides:
Common management structure for all response agencies and entities
Use of common language
Outlines a clear structure for authority and accountability
Can easily be expanded or contracted depending on the event
Adequate communications between volunteer responders, responding agencies and the media.

52. Basic ICS Structure
These are not roles that response level volunteers should be tasked with; however, it is important to know about this type of management structure under which you should operate. A leadership volunteer may be used in the ICS structure. ICS keeps volunteers and the people we serve safe.
The Liaison Officer coordinates with other response agencies.
The remaining positions are dividing into Chief positions.
Operations – carries out the tactical response.
Planning – manages intelligence and documentation.
Logistics – orders, receives, and delivers supplies and equipment.
Finance – tracks what is spent on the response.
MRC volunteers will ultimately operate under one of the listed Section Chief positions.

53. The Basic ICS Structure
The Incident Commander oversees the entire response
The Safety Officer ensures that all activities occurring are safe for volunteers and the responders
The Public Information Officer is tasked with coordinating information to the media and the public
The Liaison Officer coordinates with other response agencies
The remaining positions are divided into Chief positions:
Operations – carries out the tactical response
Planning – manages intelligence, documentation and next steps
Logistics – orders, receives, and delivers supplies and equipment

54. On Scene Safety Tips Volunteers should answer to only one person
Volunteers should stay within assigned roles
For safety reasons, never enter a scene without proper authority
As part of the reporting structure, volunteers should not start a new role, leave your current role, take a break, or leave the site without first reporting to your supervisor
Never talk to media representatives
Alert your supervisor of media personnel in your assigned area

55. Next Steps
If you have not done so already complete your registration at Contact the MRC Coordinator about arranging a time to get your Union County MRC identification badge and handbook.
Please take the online training classes and exams for IS100 and IS700. These training courses will take a few hours each to complete. Please let us know when you have completed these courses.
Visit
Visit

56. Next Steps (cont’d.)
Stay tuned for newsletters, training opportunities, and event activation
Please let us know whenever there is a change in contact information such as address, phone, or . We must have accurate information in the system in order to contact you in a timely manner.
Please contact Union County MRC with any questions!

57. Hero’s aren’t born, they volunteer!
Union County Medical Reserve Corps
Kathy Brown, Coordinator
(937)
940 London Ave., Suite 1100
Marysville, OH

58. Please click on the link below to take a short quiz.
Thank you for your participation in the Union County MRC. Your participation helps to ensure the good health of our community following a public health emergency or disaster.
Please click on the link below to take a short quiz.