MMRC
Team
Guidebook
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 2
Marin Medical Reserve Corps
Program Coordinator
Sharon Carlin
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 220
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-473-3643
Physicians
Nurses
EMTs
Paramedics
Behavioral Mental Health Professionals
Faith Leaders
Logistics Coordinators
Project Managers
Administrative Support
Computer Technology Experts
Firefighters
And so much more!
We Are
Table of Contents
Mission Statement Page 1
Welcome 1
Divisions 7
Uniforms/Gear 8
DSW Badge 10
4 Steps to Prepare for Action
1 Personally Prepared 13
2 Sign-up for Deployment 14
3 Training and Exercise 18
4 Team Up 20
Deployment Organizational Chart 21
Deployment Responsibilities 22
Deployment Packing List 24
MMRC Activation 26
MMRC Organizational Chart 27
MMRC History 28
MMRC Foundation 29
Your Liability/Insurance 30
Policies 33
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 4
Our Mission
The Marin Medical Reserve Corps mission is to augment
Marin county’s disaster medical response and strengthen
community resilience.
Our Team
Welcome to the MMRC and thank you for joining us! We
operate within Marin County and sometimes get deployed
for mutual aid to other areas. As part of the MMRC team,
you’ll help when …
Disaster strikes
Major emergencies occur
Public health is threatened
The Marin County Health and Human Services relies upon
medical and non-medical volunteers to assist in an
organized and meaningful manner. The Marin Medical
Reserve Corps is the mechanism for that response.
I invite you to be a part of our team to
make Marin county healthy and
resilient.
Sincerely,
Sharon Carlin,
MMRC Program Coordinator
One Volunteer’’ Story
As a young girl I watched my mother,
Annette, volunteer for numerous organi-
zations. She did not fear responsibility;
she welcomed it. She was my role mod-
el for getting involved. My mother fol-
lowed in her mother’s footsteps, and
now I in my own mother’s.
My 21-year-old daughter, Sheryl, is one
of the youngest members to join the
MMRC. My father, husband and three sons are helping
with specific programs or projects in the community and
making a difference in the world. In essence I have all
generations in my family involved in volunteer efforts. Vol-
unteerism is a core part my family’s heritage.
To be sure, volunteering for the MMRC keeps me young
and healthy! I hope you enjoy being a member of this
prestigious group.
Vivian
Vivian Cohen, RN
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 6
Helping in Your Community
Set-up and support Field Treatment Sites
Support and augment medical personnel at
hospitals and medical facilities
Set-up and support Points of Distribution
sites (PODS) for medicine distribution
Behavioral health support for community and
first responders
Teaching community classes in First Aid for
Disaster Response (FADR)
MMRC Volunteer
vaccinating at a
drive-through clinic
Your Division
As an MMRC Volunteer, you’ll have a place in
your local area with a Division Supervisor to
assist and support you in your volunteer work
and training. They will advocate for you and act
as a conduit of information from the MMRC and
the County of Marin.
Your Division will be assigned according to your
Marin county home (or work) address as
follows:
Division #1 Novato
Division #2 West Marin
Division #3 San Rafael
Division #4 Central Marin
Division #5 Southern Marin
My Division Supervisor:___________________
Contact Info: ___________________________
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 8
Your Team Gear
We have a uniform code that applies to you
when you’re deployed or participating as an
MMRC in an exercise or training. These
uniforms serve several purposes:
Clearly identifies you as an MMRC volunteer
Provides safe and durable clothing
Enhances esprit de corps of volunteers and
facilities a professional appearance
Team Gear is only to be worn or displayed
while working as an MMRC volunteer.
I understand our uniform policies
Required Team Gear
Shirt—Red t-shirt
(available at MMRC
office)
Black Pants—Such as
*Galls BDU 6-pocket
pants. Item #TR-076.
Black Belt—Such as
*Galls BDU Belt Item #BH-349
Shoes/Boots—Black leather or synthetic
leather, hard toe preferred.
Cap—Black with MMRC
logo (available at MMRC
office)
*buy online at: Galls.com
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 10
Your Team Badge
You’ll be issued an identification badge and a
Disaster Service Worker badge. Call the EMS
office for an appointment to have your picture
taken, be sworn in as a member of the Marin
Medical Reserve Corps, and receive a Disaster
Service Worker card.
You must wear your badge when activated,
during exercises and trainings, or any time
you’re volunteering your time on behalf of the
MMRC. Badges are the property of the MMRC
and must be returned to the MMRC upon
termination of volunteer services.
Call 415-473-3213
for appointment
Optional Team Gear
Jacket—Orange Ansi III and OSHA compliant
with reflective tape. Patches and jackets are
available for purchase at MMRC office.
MMRC patch on left
shoulder, located 1”
below shoulder seam
and centered across
seam.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 12
4 Steps to Prepare
for Action
Be Prepared for SafetyBe Prepared for Safety
Attend any and all safety classes that
pertain to your MMRC function
Protecting your health, safety, and the overall well-
being of you and your family is Step #1.
Make a personal and family preparedness plan.
Implement and practice your plan with your family and
neighborhood.
Suggested trainings and tools are located below:
Redcross.org: Introduction to
Disaster
FEMA.gov: IS-22 Are you
Ready? An In-Depth Guide to
Citizen Preparedness
Mrc.train.org: ID #1007977
Standard Precautions and
Respiratory Hygiene
Step #1 —
Getting Personally Prepared
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 14
MMRC’s are notified of deployments, trainings,
meetings, and events through two different systems—
you need to sign up for both!
Sign up for D4H
D4H is the software MMRC uses to track volunteer
hours, notify you of MMRC events and trainings, and
send emails. You’ll be required to set-up a profile on
D4H and be offered assistance with this registration
when you meet with your Division.
1. Click on the link provided in your email invitation.
2. Set-up your username and password according to
directions. This will bring you to the Dashboard
https://marinmedical.d4h.org.
The following page will get you started. Feel free to
explore the Dashboard, Calendar, and the many other
functions that D4H has to offer.
Step #2
Sign-up for Deployment
“Whiteboard” Weather alerts and short updates from
MMRC Management Team.
“My Calendar” See and register for upcoming events,
exercises, and meetings. Click “yes” or “no” to RSVP.
Tip: Bookmark the D4H login page. Write down and
save your username/password.
Contact Diane Ayers [email protected]
or Vivian Cohen at [email protected]
Identify the Dashboard Features
HELP
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 16
Sign-up for Disaster
Healthcare
Volunteers (DHV)
California has implemented a single network for
registration of all disaster volunteers that may be
called upon in the event of an emergency. This
network is called the Disaster Healthcare Volunteers
(DHV) system. All MMRC members must be registered
and managed utilizing the DHV system.
DHV improves the sharing of resources and enhances
coordination with other jurisdictions in California during
possible intra and inter state deployment.
On a regular basis, all members are requested to log
into their DHV profiles to update their contact
information, including their mailing address, phone
number and email address, as well as ensure that their
clinical license information is current and valid.
Go to https://www.healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov
1. Click tab Register Now
2. Select “Medical Reserve Corps Organizations”
3. Find and click “Marin Medical Reserve Corps”
4. Create your Username and Password.
5. Supply all the requested data. Use the email
address, telephone number, and mobile phone
number that you will be most likely to answer. This
is one of the ways you’ll be notified to deploy.
Contact Diane Ayers [email protected]
or Vivian Cohen at [email protected]
I have signed-up for deployment with D4H and DHV.
HELP
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 18
MMRC members participate in exercises, drills, and
workshops to ensure maximum preparedness for
deployment and service to the community.
Training events are geared to address situations
that you may encounter in a deployment.
Training events are designed to build upon your
existing professional scope and expertise. They
may include:
Augmentation of mass vaccination or
dispensing clinics;
Augmentation of public health surge capacity
at local hospitals or other care facilities;
Assisting in triage, treatment and transport
readiness
Field Treatment Site set-up and staffing
Incident Command System training
First Aid Disaster Response (FADR)
Step #3
Training & Exercise
Training Requirements
The MMRC training program is developed and
adopted according to the current demands and trends
of Marin County, the State of California, and the
Federal Government. In order be considered an active
MMRC with deployment status, you must begin by
completing the following:
IS-100.B: Intro to Incident Command
System. This is an interactive
course provided free at FEMA.gov.
FADR First Aid for Disaster Response. This is a
hands-on program developed for MMRC. The four-
hour class is free and available monthly. Schedule
your training with your Division
Supervisor.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 20
“Team Up” at local Division meetings! You’ll hear
about the latest trainings, Division opportunities,
neighborhood news, and share your insights and
experiences. We also bring in speakers and conduct
tabletop exercises.
Check out the monthly
newsletter delivered to
your email and printed
for the division
meetings. In it you’ll
get member highlights,
deployment
debriefings, and
upcoming training
opportunities.
Step #4
Team Up
Team on Deployment
The MMRC uses an organizational chart consistent
with National Emergency Management System
(NEMS) and Statewide Incident Management System
(SIMS). This allows us to integrate with other
agencies around the county, state, and federal
government. You’ll learn more about this in your
required IS-100 training with FEMA.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 22
MMRC Responsibilities
For Deployment
Receive initial deployment from Medical
Health Operational Area Coordinator
(MHOAC) and/or MMRC Program
Coordinator via text, email, or telephone call.
If you cannot commit to the full assignment
period, do not accept the assignment.
Your deployment could likely include any or
all of the following.
Working up to 12 hour shifts
Poor lighting
Uneven surfaces and trip hazards
Cold/hot conditions
No running water or electricity
Loud and/or sudden noises
Lifting and carrying up to 35 pounds
Moving patients
Make plans for your pets, family, and plants
before you accept any assignment.
If you have been using alcohol, prescription
medicine, or other drugs that have the
potential to render you impaired, unfit, or
unable to carry out the assignment, do not
accept the assignment.
If you are driving to or from an assignment,
you must possess a valid driver’s license and
required insurance.
I understand and agree to the responsibilities
for deployment
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 24
Deployment Packing List
LOCAL DEPLOYMENTS—12 hour increments
Security Items
MRC Identification Badge
(1) Additional form of Government Photo ID
Professional License
Disaster Service Worker (DSW) card
Personal flashlight (hand or headlamp)
Clothing (Be prepared for indoor/outdoor, severe temperatures)
MMRC T-shirt + extra
Comfortable, light-weight clothing (Think Layers!)
Long Black pants
Long-sleeved Black shirts
Hat
Black boots or comfortable black walking shoes
Warm jacket
Rain gear
Bandana/handkerchief
Gloves (Leather gloves if physical labor will be performed or
for warmth)
Extra socks and underwear
Personal Items
Cell Phone and charger
Sunglasses/glasses
Nonperishable Snacks
Bottles of water
Sunblock
Personal Medication
Lip Balm
MUTUAL AID DEPLOYMENTS
You may have the opportunity to be deployed outside
the Marin County area. Prior to deployment, you will
be advised how many days you can expect to be gone.
Taking that information into consideration, you will also
keep in mind that there might not be running water,
electricity, or modern conveniences. You will receive
complete instructions prior to deployment.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 26
When You Are and
When You Are Not an MMRC
It’s important to know when you are acting as an
MMRC volunteer and when you are not. Generally, if
you have not been assigned or signed-up through
D4H, you are not there as an MMRC volunteer.
When deployed, the MMRC volunteer will be integrat-
ed into local emergency response through the Medical
Health Branch of the Emergency Operations Center
(EOC). All emergency and disaster-related response
of the MMRC will be initiated by the Medical Health
Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC).
MMRC Activity Not MMRC Activity
Training, exercise, or event —
Scheduled and assigned by
MMRC on D4H
Training, not assigned
Public Event—Scheduled and
assigned by MMRC on D4H
Public event, community out-
reach, not assigned
Deployment for services
through MHOAC and/or
MMRC Program Coordinator
Self-deployed to disaster or
emergency
Our Organization
We are organized into functional groups and
geographic groups, with leadership and accountability
built in. Your Division Supervisor will contact you and
welcome you personally.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 28
Our History
National Response to 9/11
During the tragic 9/11 events, thousands of individuals
arrived at the scene to offer help. It was difficult to manage
large numbers of unaffiliated volunteers. There was no way
to credential them or organize coherent operations. In his
2002 State of the Union address, President Bush
responded by establishing the National Medical Reserve
Corps – a central office directed by the Surgeon General
which serves to unify medical volunteer organizations
throughout the nation.
Marin County Board of Supervisors’ Response
The Marin County Board of Supervisors also recognized
the need to access the skills of local healthcare
professionals in the event of large-scale public health
emergencies. In 2002, Supervisors Susan Adams and
Cynthia Murray initiated a pilot Disaster Medical Volunteer
Program within Marin’s Department of Health and Human
Services. This program adopted the Medical Reserve
Corps partnership under the Office of the Assistant for
Preparedness and Response, U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services.
The Marin Medical Corps Foundation was created a few
years ago as a fundraising entity to assist MMRC in
fulfilling its mission. With a 501(c)(3) designation,
donations to the MMRC Foundation can be tax-deductible.
If you would like more information about tax-deductible
donations, contact [email protected] or call
415-686-5294.
MMRC Foundation
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 30
Your Liability/Insurance
The Volunteer Protection Act
The Volunteer Protection Act (42 U.S.C. § 14501 et. seq.) provides qualified immunity from liability for volunteers and, subject to exceptions, preempts inconsistent state laws on the subject, except for those that provide protections that are stronger than those contained in the VPA. The VPA defines a volunteer as “an individual performing services for a nonprofit organization or a governmental entity which does not receive compensation" (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses actually incurred); or any other thing of value in lieu of compensation, in excess of $500 per year....” 42 U.S.C. § 14506(6). Under the VPA, a volunteer of a nonprofit organization or governmental entity is immune from liability for harm caused by an act or omission of the volunteer on behalf of the organization or entity if: (1) the act or omission was within the scope of the volunteer’s responsibilities in the organization or entity; (2) if required, the volunteer was properly licensed, certified, or authorized by the appropriate state authorities for the activities or practice giving rise to the claim; (3) the harm was not caused by “willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer,” and (4) the harm was not caused by the volunteer’s operation of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the state requires the operator to possess a license or maintain insurance. 42 U.S.C. § 14503(a).
California Liability Legislation
Registered Disaster Service Workers in California are covered under the Emergency Services Act (Government Code 8657). Government Code 8659 gives malpractice immunity to “any physician or surgeon… hospital, pharmacist, nurse or dentist who renders services during any state of war emergency, a state of emergency, or a local emergency at the express or implied request of any responsible state or local official or agency.. Also, CA Labor Code 3211.92(b) and the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 19 2570.2(3)(b)(1)Specify that the protection extends even during training for these emergencies. These provisions generally provide protection from liability during an emergency, except in cases of gross negligence.
California State Workers Compensation Law
Volunteer Disaster Service Workers must sign an Oath of Loyalty in order to be protected under Worker’s Compensation regulations. Government employees are automatically considered to be disaster service workers during declared emergencies and official disaster training exercises. Title 1, California Government Code, Div. 4, Ch. 8, Sec. 3100 and 3101.
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 32
Marin County Liability Protection
A group contract letter, dated September 24, 2007, between the MRC in Health and Human Services and the County of Marin’s Civic Center Volunteers Program confirms that
“… volunteer members of the MRC, when operating within their medical scope of practice for the benefit of the community, on behalf of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, shall be covered by both workers compensation insurance and medical malpractice insurance from the County of Marin. The insurance coverage shall not apply to services or activities that are not performed on behalf of the County of Marin or which are not in the medical scope of practice of the volunteer. Medical Reserve volunteers are covered if they are listed as current volunteers with the MRC, even if the Civic Center Volunteers office does not have their name on record in its office.”
I understand the liability coverage
Policies Harassment-Free Environment
The Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) is committed to providing a harassment and discrimination-free work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. It is the policy of the MMRC that harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other basis is strictly prohibited.
Any harassment, whether verbal or physical, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It is the intent that all MMRC volunteers work in an environment free from discrimination and/or harassment by another employee, supervisor or another volunteer for any reason. Discriminatory conduct in any form undermines morale and interferes with productivity.
If you feel that you may have been the subject of discrimination or harassment, contact the MMRC Program Coordinator or your Division Supervisor. Any reports of discrimination or harassment will be examined impartially and resolved promptly.
Safety
Providing a clean, safe and healthful work environment is a goal of the MMRC. No job is considered so important or urgent that volunteers cannot take time to perform their job safely.
During the deployment orientation, a supervisor will discuss all the applicable safety and health rules with you. If you are
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 34
unclear about any safety policies and procedures, ask the Division Supervisor, Program Coordinator, on the Supervisor on scene for further clarification.
As an MMRC volunteer, you have a responsibility for your own safety and health. This includes using all required safety equipment. You must also notify your supervisor of any physical conditions such as drowsiness due to medication, illness or emotional strain, which may affect your performance and safety.
You are expected to immediately report all work-related accidents, injuries, illnesses and near misses to your Division Supervisor, MMRC Program Coordinator, or Supervisor on scene. Electronic Communications Policy The MMRC’s electronic communication systems, including telephones, handheld two-way radios, e-mail, voicemail, faxes and Internet are available to conduct business in a timely manner. All communications are to be professional and appropriate and users are prohibited from using electronic communications for the solicitations of funds, political messages, harassing messages or personal use. Use of personal electronics and mobile phones should be limited when acting as an MMRC volunteer. No photographs or videos of patients are permitted. Photos or videos are prohibited, unless prior permission has been obtained from Program Coordinator. Drug Free Workplace All MMRC volunteers are expected to report to duty, free from drug and/or alcohol impairment and to remain in a condition that enables them to perform their duties in a safe, efficient, legal and professional manner. Volunteers who may have an alcohol
and/or drug problem are encouraged to voluntarily seek evaluation and treatment that will lead to successful rehabilitation. Volunteers must abide by the provisions of this policy as a condition of volunteer service. Violence-Free Work Environment Policy The MMRC does not tolerate any type of acts or threats of violence committed by or against a volunteer. In order to ensure a safe working environment, the MMRC prohibits all persons from carrying a handgun, firearm, or weapon of any kind on assignments, regardless of whether the person is licensed to carry the weapon or not. If you feel threatened, you should retreat and request intervention from a branch director or other available management staff. If fear of violence is imminent, immediately retreat and contact 911. Commitment to Diversity The Marin Medical Reserve Corps is committed to being a diverse organization. It seeks to recognize value and incorporate diversity in its services, policies and operations, service recipients, and volunteer workforce. Diversity includes differences such as age, belief, citizenship, culture, economic level, ethnicity, gender, language, national origin, and philosophy of life, physical ability, physical appearance, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Performance Volunteers are expected to comply with the policies, procedures, and standards of the Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) as explained at the beginning of their assignment, at the volunteer orientation and in this MMRC Team Guidebook.
If a Division Supervisor is concerned with a volunteer’s performance, the first course of action is to communicate that concern to the volunteer. If they are unable to reach an
MMRC Team Guidebook [Ver 1/17] 36
understanding, the Program Coordinator will resolve the matter. In most cases, a volunteer will be given sufficient time to respond affirmatively. In some cases, however, immediate action may be required depending upon the severity of the issue. I understand and agree to MMRC’s Policies
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