Indian River County Medical Reserve Corps
What is the Medical Reserve Corp?
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program was officially launched as a
national community based movement in July 2002. It was formed in response
to President Bush's call for all Americans to offer volunteer services in their
communities. The Medical Reserve Corps is sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General, in cooperation with the White House's USA Freedom Corps, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Citizen Corps.
How can I volunteer?
MRC members have a volunteer opportunity to make a profound impact on the health and medical response to the Indian River community during disaster in three major areas:
- Catastrophic Health Incident Response (CHIRP)
- Special Needs Shelters (SpNS)
- Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
1. Register at the Florida Emergency Health Volunteer Registry (FEHVR) website: https://www.servfl.com/.
2. Complete the attached forms, which provide worker’s compensation and liability protection for volunteers.
Send completed forms to: IRC Health Department, Attn: Joan Gentgen, 1900 27th Street, Vero Beach, Fl 32960.
3. Arrangements need to made for you to be fingerprinted for a background check. Call (772) 462-7961 to sign up. Fingerprinting is done on Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Complex - 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Ft. Pierce, Fl.
4. ICS 100 and NIMS 700 are required for all volunteers who might respond to a disaster, this is a federal mandate. These classes are offered periodically throughout the year or they can be taken on line through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Program http://training.fema.gov/IS/ Once at the website click on ISP Course List near the top right of the screen. A list of classes will be displayed. These classes are free and provide you with a great deal of information. Click on Introduction to Incident Command System I-100 or I-100 HC (either the 100 or the 100HC will meet the ICS 100 requirement) and also the National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction- IS 700a. Once you complete the classes and take the exam at the end you will receive a certificate via e-mail. We will need a copy of the certificates.
5. The last step is the orientation which will be scheduled.
The order of importance is:
- Register in FEHVR
- Complete attached forms (Chapter 110 Process this provides you with liability protection)
- The ICS100/NIMS700
- Fingerprinting
- Orientation
You are welcome to attend activities and trainings before everything is completed.
For more information, contact Joan O. Gentgen, Florida Department of Health (772) 794-7479
Do I have malpractice coverage while volunteering?
MRC members are granted the protection of Florida State Sovereign Immunity through the Florida Department of Health.
What training is required?
MRC members will receive specialized training prior to volunteering to serve. The minimum required Incident Command System (ICS) training can be completed online in a few hours. Training is also provided by Indian River Community College and consists of classroom and practical exercises.
1. At the top of this page, click on FEMA Independent Study
2. On middle left, of this page, click on ISP Course List
3. Scroll down to the two following courses – once you click on them it will take you right to the training.
For the 100 training
Course Name: Introduction to Incident Command System, I-100
Course Code: IS-100.a
CEUs: 0.3
College Credits: 1.0 (when combined w/IS-200.a)
For the 700 training
Course Name: National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
Course Code: IS-700
CEUs: 0.3
College Credits: 1.0 (when combined w/IS-702 and IS-703)
Additional training opportunities for further developing disaster response competencies will be available and offered by the Health Department and community partners. Fall Training/Event Schedule 
How much time will I have to commit?
Participation in the MRC is strictly voluntary and members may volunteer to serve as much or as little time as they desire.
What are the benefits of joining the Medical Reserve Corps?
As a volunteer, you will gain personal satisfaction, a chance to make a difference in your community, an opportunity to network in your community, and knowledge that you are part of a community-wide emergency response effort.
For additional information, please contact the Indian River County Health Department
Administration Office at (772) 794-7450.
© 2009 Indian River County Medical Society
