“Recent experience with large-scale disasters has shown that an effective response requires that volunteers be pre-credentialed and deployed through a coordinated effort.”

- Massachusetts MRC

What training will I receive?

All MRC volunteers receive a general orientation to the program and an introduction to the Incident Command System structure which is used for communication in disaster response.

Disaster-related trainings and exercises are offered throughout the year in a variety of media: online, satellite, classroom, hands-on and Just-In-Time.

Basic Life Support and Core Disaster Life Support classes are also provided.

A lending library of disaster topics on tape and DVD is available to MRC members.

Is Continuing Education Credit offered for medical professionals?

Continuing Education Credit is offered for some programs, some disciplines and varies from sponsor to sponsor. Topics required for RN license renewal are provided at the Health Department and the continuing education credit sponsored by University of South Florida Area Health Education Center. The online MRC Core Competencies class provides 1.5 continuing education credits from NOVA University for many different medical disciplines. Centers for Disease Control and University of Miami disaster response programs usually also offer credit. The online Incident Command classes also offer CEUs / CMEs through Florida Keys AHEC.

Additional Links

National Medical Reserve Corps training website

Core Competencies skills matrix

http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is100.asp

http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association)

Medscape - CMEs for nurses and other medical information

State of Florida MRC site