Spending time outdoors has multiple mental and physical benefits – experiencing and exploring nature can keep us in shape, clear our heads and increase our knowledge of the natural world. However, when you are close to nature you are often far from emergency services.

The procedures for wilderness aid, where help can take an hour or more to arrive, are very different than those when emergency services are just a few minutes away. Fortunately, there are procedures and best practices for wilderness first aid. Even better, MRC Volunteers have access to courses that teach specialized and advanced first aid at no charge!

The Red Cross teaches a Wilderness and Remote First Aid course that is based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and tailored to meet OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training. The two part course reviews the following:

• Primary and Secondary Assessments
• Head (Brain), Neck and Spinal Injuries
• Heat-Related Emergencies and Hypothermia
• Altitude-Related Illnesses, Allergies and Anaphylaxis
• Bone and Joint Injuries and Burns
• Wounds and Wound Infection

The Wilderness and Remote First Aid course is just one example of a course that is open to credentialed MRC Volunteers. Although just three training courses are required to become an MRC volunteer, many more elective courses are available online and in person. Watch the calendar and the training page to learn about upcoming training opportunities.

Because MRC volunteers serve during so many different types of events, their service provides a unique perspective about emergency management as a whole. MRC volunteers often have insight on how to streamline and improve different areas of emergency response.

As an MRC volunteer, your perspective can be a great help to a new FEMA initiative: the FEMA Think Tank. The FEMA Think Tank is an open venue for your ideas on how to improve emergency management. FEMA created the Think Tank as part of their push to embrace ideas for disaster response and mitigation that come from those closest to the challenges.

You can participate in two ways: through the online forum where you can share and comment on ideas and through the monthly conference call led by FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino. Check here for details on the next conference call.

As our current volunteers know, getting credentialed as a MRC volunteer takes time and dedication. Although all of the training is free and much of it is available online, it may take 1-3 months to take the classes and become fully credentialed depending on ones schedule.

Before volunteers have completed all the MRC training, they are placed in “pending” status. There are more than 250 pending volunteers in MRC Sarasota. Because these volunteers are not fully credentialed, they cannot be activated for MRC activities. Moving these volunteers from pending to credentialed would result in a large increase in MRC Sarasota Volunteers.

On February 8th, a group of five MRC volunteers gathered in the Emergency Operations Center with the goal of contacting each and every pending MRC volunteer. The intent was to establish contact, make sure they are still interested and offer assistance on completing the requirements. Most everyone we spoke with on the phone is still interested in joining MRC Sarasota. The callers spoke with each pending volunteer and discussed their next step toward becoming a fully credentialed MRC volunteer.

If you are considering volunteering with MRC Sarasota and would like to talk with a current volunteer about the process, contact Tammi.

The Sarasota County Health Department and the Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota would like to thank Bernadette Dee, Mary Jane Hamilton, Frank Palmer, Caryl Magnus, and Tina Steele for generously giving their time to reach out and help recruit more members for our team.

Many MRC volunteers have expressed a desire to promote a healthy community through their MRC service in disaster-free times. Thanks to a recently approved mission expansion, MRC Sarasota can now do so!

The revised mission allows us to serve during non-emergency situations. MRC Sarasota will be able to have a presence at health education events, health screenings and at public events. Although we have done community health screenings in the past, we anticipate that our expanded focus on the community’s health and wellness will lead community organizations to increase their requests for MRC Sarasota at local events.

An expanded ability to serve at non-emergency events will allow more opportunities for each MRC volunteer to serve at an event that fits his or her schedule and preferences. If you are a fully credentialed MRC volunteer, stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to serve!

The expanded MRC Mission is:

To improve the community’s health and wellness by supplementing public health initiatives and disaster response events
with a pre-identified and pre-trained volunteer corps
of medical and support professionals.

Thanks to Strategic Planning Committee members Caryl Magnus, Tina Stele, Pat Jaffe, Mary Jane Hamilton, Michelle Blankenship, Deb Herrygers and Joann DeSerio. The Strategic Planning Committee has been meeting since October 2011 and developed the language for the expanded mission.

This week, MRC News & Notes talked with long-time volunteer Sharon Wetzler. The second part of our interview is below. For the first part, including information on Sharon’s professional background and the reason she joined the MRC, click here.

What is your number 1 disaster preparation tip?
Knowing your evacuation route and preparedness is the key! You must know where to go, who to go to and how to make things happen. I’ve kept all my MRC training materials to use in personal disaster planning.

I have a notebook that I keep updated with policy and procedure; I’ve kept all my instructions and booklets. In a smaller community like Sarasota I can easily keep track of things like, who responds first, where the supplies come from, what and when to do things, just by knowing the chain of command and the whole logistical process that occurs.

What is in your disaster preparedness kit today?
Besides the kit that we keep current all the time, my husband and I strive to make sure that everything is ready to go and stored in a locked waterproof container. The contents include important documents such as copy of drivers license, proof of residence, will, marriage certificate, insurance policies, etc. which we even wrap in plastic for added protection.  We also keep a tool kit, flashlights/extra batteries, protective clothing, work gloves, pet supplies, and a list of medications, past surgical procedures, doctor names and phone numbers available in a travel bag for a quick exit. Any perishable supplies are rotated for expiration dates so that the food products and water are always fresh.

From my military training, I know the feeling of being in survival mode and I never want to be in that position so I keep my supplies well stocked! I keep an accordion list on the refrigerator and it has become second nature for us to check and update each year on the anniversary of Hurricane Charlie, the first hurricane to hit Florida during the four-hurricane season 2005.

What is your favorite disaster film?
For learning purposes, I include films in teaching my nursing students, and the one that I really like the most is from the military – it’s called “The Golden Hour.” Studies have shown that in treating patients, the first hour is very important for their survival – if you receive patients that are traumatized and treat them within an hour, their chance of survival is much greater. If they do not receive adequate treatment in the first hour, their chance of survival diminishes.

The film is from snippets of events that occurred in various theaters of war – Iraq, Grenada, Vietnam, Afghanistan and others. It depicts the historical progression of what we’ve learned as medical practitioners that can provide the scientific evidence required to move forward in practice in ways to best treat injuries as safe, efficient and effective.

This is so useful to the nurses in training – I teach how to work with acutely ill patients, including those involved in disasters. To be an effective caregiver, the learning process must include examples of health promotion and disease prevention. But also,  the experience of various traumatic case studies, where you need to make critical decisions and be able to process the outcomes of any interventions all within a short period of time. These films help with that – It’s over and above what the curriculum requires, but it really sends the message that’s not easily forgotten.

This week, MRC News & Notes talked with long–time volunteer Sharon Wetzler, RN BSN MSN ARNP, about her service with the MRC and disaster preparedness. Sharon has a professional history in disaster management. She retired from the Air Force in 2007 but continues to teach nursing at State College of Florida in addition to her volunteer duties with MRC Sarasota.

Read the first part of her interview below:

Why did you choose to volunteer with the MRC?
I initially got involved during the summer in 2005 when FL experienced four hurricanes.  I saw the call for medical volunteers on the television, and so I volunteered. My nursing experience includes advanced practice as a nurse practitioner, critical care, operating room and military nurse training. Wherever the need existed, I was willing to help the people of our community.  

Shortly thereafter, I went on to become fully credentialed in the MRC. Although still working full time teaching nursing, I miss my military involvement and the many opportunities to pursue ongoing training. The MRC training offered a way for me to reconnect to that in order to update and maintain my disaster background in an active community role.

Tell us about a time you were called to serve in the MRC.
In 2005, I served in a Port Charlotte hurricane shelter for a week following the disaster.  It was heartbreaking to hear the people cry in despair and see the devastation on their face as they told of their experience in losing their homes, clothing, medications, memorabilia, etc. I just did whatever possible to provide both emotional and physical comfort and consultation. I also recruited my husband, a retired insurance provider for many years, to offer his expertise as best he could. That experience inspired me to become an MRC member. Serving in the MRC is very much like serving in the military. No words can describe the confidence of being well prepared to serve in any venue, be it disaster or wellness.  The MRC provides just that for me with training, practice, opportunities and a chance to be of service.

I haven’t been called for any disasters since the hurricanes, although I believe some members were on alert to respond in areas where floods occurred more recently. My work schedule prevents me from being as active as I would like at the moment, but I plan on becoming much more active upon retirement within the next few years. Over the past few years, here have been recent opportunities for my service with such events as administering flu shots, manning a booth at a health fair for blood pressures readings/blood sugar testing and performing elementary school physicals within the community.  For that I am grateful.

The MRC provides…me with training, practice, opportunities and a chance to be of service.

 What do you value most about being a MRC volunteer?
Probably the ability to provide medical and nursing care to those in need. I think the community deserves to benefit from members who have the ability to offer individual qualities, experience and expertise. I like sharing my skills in a way that helps the community. It’s a win-win situation for me.

The time I spent in the shelter following the hurricanes was a valuable learning experience. I discovered how many volunteers are needed and welcomed. People that can help in so many ways…..such as….. to fold laundry, unload trucks, set up cots, serve and prepare meals, listen, make phone calls, answer questions, and generally reduce anxiety just to mention a few . There’s a team effort required in all events in order to achieve order and calmness. As a medical volunteer, I saw the need for all the hands I could get on board as we worked together to provide people in need with the basic fundamentals of survival in a safe environment.  I think everyone should take a look at how and what they can provide to their community at any given time of need.

The above is just the first part of Sharon’s interview. Read Part 2 for her #1 disaster preparation tip and more!

 Most households in America (62%) have at least one pet, and many of those think of the pet as a part of the family. Just like any other family member, pets need to be prepared in case a disaster strikes. The 3 steps below will make your pet just as prepared for a disaster as you are!

1. Evacuation Plan
If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you. While all shelters don’t accept pets, many do. Make a plan ahead of time and know where you and your pet will shelter. For a list of Sarasota County shelters that accept pets, click here. Sarasota County shelters only accept cats and dogs in a pet carrier – no birds or small animals.

2. Shelter In Place Plan
In some situations, you will need to take shelter in your home. Plan ahead of time to gather all the supplies your pets may need and bring your pets inside as soon as you are notified of a potential disaster. If your pet could potentially escape from your safe room (through a pet door, fireplace, vent, or other opening), be sure to close it off with plastic sheeting. It’s also a good idea to get a sticker for your front window to alert rescue personnel that there are animals in the home. Click here  to get a free pet alert sticker.

3. Travel Plan
Depending on the situation, you may be in a car with your pet for quite some time. Car trips with pets can be exhausting in the best situations, but are even worse without the proper supplies! Create a pet travel pack that is portable and easy to carry. Your travel pack should include: a pet first-aid kit, 3-7 days of food, disposable litter trays, litter, dish soap, garbage bags, your pet’s medical records, water, a pet carrying crate, a blanket, and recent photos of your pets. 

You may notice that the logo on the right looks a little different from the one you usually see. The updated logo honors MRC’s 10th anniversary.

During and after the September 11, 2001 attacks, many medically trained civilians offered to help at Ground Zero. Despite their good intentions, the presence of so many unaffiliated volunteers became a hindrance to emergency managers.  However, two things were clear: civilians were ready and willing to serve and there was a real need for a credentialed group of medical volunteers. Because of this, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the MRC at the 2002 State of the Union Address. The US Office of the Surgeon General formally created the MRC that July.

 MRC Sarasota was created a few years later, in 2005, and since then we have grown a strong and committed base of credentialed volunteers. If you are a current volunteer, thank you for your service! If you are thinking about becoming a volunteer, we look forward to meeting you and hope you will head to the apply page to take the next step in your MRC training.

As the year winds down, you may be making a few New Year’s Resolutions. Could you include ‘Be Ready’ as one of your resolutions for 2012? 

FEMA wants you to Resolve to be Ready in 2012. Read more about how you can get prepared:

FEMA KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE AMERICANS TO RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2012

WASHINGTON – As 2011 – one of the most active years for disasters in recent history – comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Americans to Resolve to be Ready in the by making a new year’s resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

As a recent report by the National Climatic Data Center highlights, 2011 has seen more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. This year alone, the U.S. experienced its first hurricane landfall since 2008, the most deadly series of tornadoes since the 1950s, significant earthquakes and severe flooding – hazards that impacted every region of the country. All of these events have served as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

Today, FEMA kicked off its annual campaign, Resolve to be Ready in 2012, which urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year’s resolution to be ready for disasters or by thinking about preparedness tools for last minute gift ideas.

“One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “While we can’t control where or when they might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare for them – efforts that can go a long way toward protecting our families, homes and business. Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year.”

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Americans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

MRC is a strong program in part due to the extensive training our volunteers complete. If you are considering becoming an MRC volunteer and would like to know more about what to expect from training, the below is for you! This is the third post in a series that will review each MRC Training course – Read the first and second posts in the series.

The final required training course, “MRC Core Competencies Course,” covers activities and preparation volunteers will be asked to perform while serving in MRC Sarasota. The course is two hours long and is taken online.

 A credentialed MRC volunteer understands many different aspects of disaster response.  Each credentialed volunteer must: have a personal preparedness plan, know how to provide aid to vulnerable and special needs populations, have a basic understanding of psychological first aid, be familiar with NIMS and the Points Of Distribution system, and understand the overall roles and responsibilities of the MRC Volunteer. This course covers all of the above competencies.

The course was developed specifically for the Florida MRC network by the Institute for Disaster and Emergency Preparedness at Nova Southeastern University.  Upon completing the course, prospective MRC Volunteers will move on to the final phase of credentialing, which includes a background check and Sarasota County Health Department orientation.

This course is best taken online – take it at your convenience by visiting this link.