Medical Reserve supports community Preparedness

On May 22, 2011, a massive tornado blasted its way across southwestern Missouri, flattening several blocks of homes and businesses in Joplin and leaving residents frantically scrambling through the wreckage. Windows were blown out of St. John's Regional Medical Center and only a few moments notice gave staff time to hustle patients into hallways before the tornado struck the multistory building. Patients were quickly evacuated into the parking lot to be moved to other hospitals in the region. Hundreds of volunteers arrived in an effort to assist during this disaster.

Is our community prepared? Could we handle this?

While we have not been faced with a disaster on the scale of the recent Joplin tornado, a major community emergency is possible here in Carson City. You can help your community prepare for disasters such as devastating tornados, earthquakes and fires by becoming a member of the Western Nevada Medical Reserve Corps. WNVMRC is the local chapter of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a national network of medical and non-medical volunteers committed to improving the health, safety and resiliency of their communities. The Western Nevada Chapter serves Carson City and Douglas and Lyon Counties.

During and after an emergency, many people arrive wanting to help. Often, they are untrained, and it is difficult to verify people's skills so that they can be given a job to do. Emergency managers can be overwhelmed by well-meaning volunteers who simply "show up." MRC helps to alleviate this strain by registering, training and credentialing volunteers prior to an emergency. MRC volunteers receive training on how they can fit into the emergency response framework used by emergency personnel across the country. This makes MRC volunteers a valuable asset to the people who are in charge of rescue and recovery efforts.

In addition to emergencies, MRC members practice, train and keep their skills sharp by volunteering at other events in the community. Upcoming events include Relay for Life on July 16-17 at Centennial Park, the annual Flu Vaccination Clinics hosted each fall by Carson City Health and Human Services, and the Carson City School District vaccine events. Also, MRC members can participate in workshops on emergency response, first aid, pet first aid and other topics.

MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as non-medical personnel. Anyone who wants to help can be involved, but it is important to do so now, before disaster strikes. Everyone over the age of sixteen has an opportunity to make a difference in the community. Sign up today by visiting www.mrcnevada.com or for further information please contact Western Nevada MRC coordinators at (775) 283-7906.

For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us on Facebook at Carson City Health and Human Services.