What is the San Mateo County Medical Reserve Corps?  

The San Mateo County Medical Reserve Corps (SMC MRC) is a collaborative effort between local communities and the County which will enhance preparedness and response to major medical health emergencies and disasters. We are comprised of specially trained volunteers who work in conjunction with public health infrastructure during times of emergency or disaster. MRC volunteers dedicate their time and expertise in a variety of fields, such as public health, medicine, project management, nursing, and more, to ensure a rapid, thorough, and safe response to the healthcare needs of the public. Volunteers of all backgrounds are invited to join. 

Mission

The Mission of the San Mateo County Medical Reserve Corps is to collaboratively serve in assuring the health of the public during emergencies and disasters.

The SMC MRC also supports public health through participation in community disaster preparedness drills, staffing first aid stations at community events, providing health screenings at health fairs, and distributing health and emergency preparedness information at local events. Through specialized training, SMC MRC members are equipped to be called upon in the event of a large scale disaster, public health emergency, hospital surge, or to provide medical related support to shelters.

New Member Information

• National Medical Reserve Corps Website
• Ready.gov: Plan Ahead for Disasters
• California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Program
• SMCMRC New Member Quick Reference

Training

Learning Path: Volunteer Preparedness 2 courses required

1.0 Demonstrate personal and family preparedness for disasters and public health emergencies Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 1 – Personal and Family Preparedness
• RIDOH — Personal Preparedness for Public Health Workers
• Animal Emergency Preparedness(1025307)

5.0 Demonstrate knowledge of personal safety measures that can be implemented in a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 5 – Personal Safety
• Responder Health and Safety (Basics of Public Health Preparedness)
• Workforce Resiliency – 2: Individual and Organizational Preparedness
• Disaster Responder Health and Safety

Learning Path: Volunteer Response 4 courses required

2.0 Demonstrate knowledge of one’s expected role(s) in organizational and community response plans activated during a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
• IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 2 – Expected Roles in Organizational & Community Response Plans During a Disaster or Public Health Emergency

4.0 Communicate effectively with others in a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 4: Communication
• Risk Communication in Public Health Emergencies
• IS-242.B: Effective Communication

6.0 Demonstrate knowledge of surge capacity assets consistent with one’s role in organizational, agency, and/or community response plans Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 6: Surge Capacity
• PODs (Points of Dispensing): Public Health Training for Staff and Volunteers

7.0 Demonstrate knowledge of principles and practices for the clinical management of all ages and populations affected by disasters and public health emergencies, in accordance with professional scope of practice Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 7 – Clinical Management Principles
• Psychological First Aid: A Minnesota Community Supported Model
• Disaster Behavioral Health
• Effect of Disasters on Mental Health: Awareness Level
• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
• Nurses on the Front Line: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies and Disasters (1013008)

Learning Path: Volunteer Leadership 2 courses required

3.0 Demonstrate situational awareness of actual/potential health hazards before, during, and after a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 3: Situational Awareness
• You are the Help Until Help Arrives (Online Web-based Training)
• Assessment of Chemical Exposures Training

8.0 Demonstrate knowledge of public health principles and practices for the management of all ages and populations affected by disasters and public health emergencies Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 8 – Public Health Principles
• Cultural Awareness: Introduction to Cultural Competency and Humility
• Disability and Disaster

Learning Path: Volunteer Supports Community Resiliency 3 courses required

9.0 Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles to protect the health and safety of all ages, populations, and communities affected by a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 9 – Ethical Principles

10.0 Demonstrate knowledge of legal principles to protect the health and safety of all ages, populations, and communities affected by a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 10 – Legal Principles
• Public Health and the Law: An Emergency Preparedness Training Kit
• Public Health Emergency Law Unit 1: Introduction to Emergency Management Systems Preparedness and Response
• Public Health Emergency Law Unit 2: Protection of Persons, Volunteers, and Responders
• Public Health Emergency Law Unit 3: Emergency Powers – Management and Protection of Property and Supplies

11.0 Demonstrate knowledge of short- and long-term considerations for recovery of all ages, populations, and communities affected by a disaster or public health emergency Only one course out of this section is required

• Disaster Health Core Curriculum: Competency 11 – Short -and Long-term Considerations for Recovery
• Social Media and Long-term Recovery
• Caring for Older Adults in Disasters: A Curriculum for Health Professionals
• Long Term Recovery Basics

Join the SMC MRC Email List

Enter your name and email to receive notifications regarding the San Mateo County Medical Reserve Corps (SMC MRC), and events.