Frequently Asked Questions

ê     What is the Medical Reserve Corps at Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response? (MRC-YNH)

ê     Why does Connecticut need volunteers?

ê     Who is eligible to volunteer for the MRC-YNH?

ê     What might I be asked to do during a disaster?

ê     Do I have liability protection?

ê     What do volunteers do when there isn’t a disaster?

ê     What training is available?

ê    What are the core competencies that I’ll be required to meet?

ê     How do I join?

ê     Does registration obligate me to volunteer in an emergency?

ê     How will I be contacted in an emergency?

ê     How will I update my information?

ê     Who will have access to this information?

What is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)?

The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps at Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (MRC-YNH)  is to establish a team of trained medical volunteers who, when called upon during a disaster, will support and enhance local, regional or statewide hospital response.  The primary role of the MRC-YNH is to help acute care hospitals respond to a surge in patient volume during a large scale disaster or public health emergency.  The MRC-YNH works in partnership with hospitals to organize a multidisciplinary group of volunteer health care workers and community volunteers.  Although the MRC is a federal initiative, the MRC-YNH was created to support the emergency needs of our local area.  MRC-YNH volunteers can play a critical role in ensuring the ongoing availability of healthcare in their community. 

 Why does Connecticut need volunteers?

The citizens of Connecticut need your help.  The Connecticut Department of Public Health recognizes that in an event of a public health emergency, volunteers are our most valuable resource.  Connecticut has made great strides in creating the plans  necessary to prepare and respond to a public health emergency.  However, the MRC-YNH needs to identify a dedicated group of individuals that can be relied on in the event of a disaster to help put our plans into action. 

 Who is eligible to volunteer for the MRC-YNH?

If you live or work in Connecticut, you are 18 years or older and you are willing to assist a hospital in a disaster you are encouraged to apply. A disaster or public health emergency will require the help of thousands of people. Your background and skills will help determine the role you may be asked to fill during an emergency

 What might I be asked to do during a disaster?

The MRC-YNH supports Connecticut hospitals in an emergency and volunteers might be called on to fulfill any of several functions.  Hospitals will need additional physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat the anticipated large number of patients.  Retired healthcare professionals and students in healthcare programs and other community healthcare volunteers can assist with taking and recording patient’s vital signs, patient history, transporting supplies, and assisting in other areas of the hospital such as materials management, housekeeping, food services, crowd control and others.  There is a variety of administrative, secretarial, translation and reception duties that MRC-YNH volunteers may be asked to perform.  MRC-YNH will make every effort to place volunteers in an emergency role that is compatible with their interest, training and experience, but volunteers must be flexible as they will be placed where they are needed most.

 Do I have liability protection?

Connecticut state law provides volunteers with liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage during training for and participation in a Governor-declared disaster event. 

 What do MRC volunteers do when there isn’t a disaster?

Fortunately, large-scale disaster don’t happen everyday.  So what do MRC volunteers do when they are not responding to a disaster? Lots of things!  For example, you could teach a local Boy Scout/Girl Scout troop how to create a family emergency plan.  Or you could give a presentation at a local community center, school or place of employment on emergency preparedness and the importance of making a personal disaster kit. 

What training is available?

All MRC-YNH volunteers are required to complete a brief on-line training course.  Additional courses, such as an orientation to  procedures in the Emergency Department, may be required for some volunteers with specific and more complex disaster response roles.  At the time of a disaster, each volunteer will receive appropriate just-in-time training to prepare them for a safe, effective response.  MRC-YNH volunteers are also encouraged to participate in drills and exercises conducted by communities, hospitals and other organizations around the state that evaluate emergency plans and protocols. 

What are the core competencies that I’ll be required to meet?

MRC members come from a variety of backgrounds and enter the program with varying credentials. To facilitate the coordination and integration of local MRC resources during a disaster or large scale public health event, the National MRC program in conjunction with the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has developed core competencies for MRC members. Our training is designed to help you achieve these core competencies and learn about the roles and responsibilities for all those involved in an effective emergency medical response. See the MRC Core Competency Fact Sheet for more information.

How do I join?

Volunteers should register by going to: www.mrc-ynh.org  and completing the on-line application.  Please provide as much contact information as possible so that you may be easily reached.   Once submitted, your information will be added to a central, secure database administered by the Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response.  MRC-YNH will verify the information and contact the volunteer, if necessary for further information.  Volunteers understand that they retain the right to refuse to volunteer for any reason and that it is their responsibility to coordinate their volunteer time with their employer.

Does registration obligate me to volunteer in an emergency?

No.  At the time of an emergency, you may be called and asked to volunteer.  You can make a decision at that time about volunteering.  You have the right to refuse to volunteer for any reason.

 How will I be contacted in an emergency?

When you register, you will be asked for a variety of contact information.  The MRC will use this information to contact you before and in the event of an emergency.  It is very important that you keep your contact information current.

How will I update my information?

You will receive a secure log-in number that will allow you to re-enter and modify your record at any time. 

Who will have access to this information?

Your information will be contained in a central, secure database administered for the State of Connecticut by the Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNHCEPDR).  Your information will only be used to engage you in activities related to the MRC-YNH, whether to recruit you for an upcoming drill, send you an MRC newsletter or ask for your assistance in the event of a disaster.  Under no circumstances will this information be sold to or otherwise shared with any concerned entities.