# ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.2916666666666667in" height="0.8375in"} American Red Cross

# MRC Activation in Support of ARC Disaster Operations

# Frequently Asked Questions

September 2, 2005 UPDATE

**How do I get information about this mission?**

Your local MRC unit leader has been given detailed information and the
application forms for this mission. There is also additional information
on the MRC website:
[www.medicalreservecorps.gov](http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/). If
you have any additional questions, you can contact the MRC liaison
officer at the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center by
telephone at (202) 303-5644 or via email at <hs-mrc@usa.redcross.org>.
There is currently no voicemail set up on the telephone, so if the line
is not answered, please call back.

**Will I still be an MRC volunteer during this mission?**

Yes. MRC volunteers will be activated through the ARC, but will still
maintain their MRC affiliation. MRC volunteers are strongly encouraged
to wear MRC paraphernalia (badges, vests, etc.) and clothing during
their deployment -- as well as any ARC identifiers which may or may not
be provided to them. This is a great opportunity to show your pride by
prominently displaying the MRC logo.

**Will I be paid a stipend during this deployment?**

No. This joint MRC-ARC mission is strictly voluntary and not
compensated.

**Do I need to be an MRC** **volunteer to be part of this deployment?**

Yes. This particular mission is a specific activation of MRC volunteers
to support the American Red Cross sheltering operations. The local MRC
units bring to this mission their volunteers who have been through the
local MRC credentialing process.

**Can I forward this MRC-ARC mission request to other non-MRC members?**

No. This deployment is strictly for MRC members. If you are not
presently an MRC volunteer, please contact your local MRC unit to begin
the process to become an MRC volunteer (which will involve a basic check
of qualifications and licensure). For more information on the MRC
program, visit the MRC website:
[www.medicalreservecorps.gov](http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/).

**I am interested in volunteering for more intensive patient care. What
can I do?**

Please note that the MRC and ARC are looking to deploy volunteers in
specific deployment roles - see the position descriptions for further
details. These roles may or may not specifically match volunteer\'s
background and professional experience. MRC volunteers who are health
professionals will only be expected to provide a very basic level of
care.

The MRC program is likely to have another mission soon - to provide
staffing support for HHS Federal Medical Contingency Stations. These
Medical Stations will require individuals to practice at a higher level
of care. MRC volunteers who would rather be matched specifically with
their professional background may choose to wait until these further
opportunities become available. MRC will provide more information about
this second mission soon.

**What is the timeline for deployment?**

Volunteers are needed immediately and are expected to be needed for the
long-term. The MRC and ARC are accepting applications for immediate
deployment. MRC and ARC also understand that the need for volunteers
will be long-term, so volunteers who are not immediately available may
volunteer when they are available. Please remember to provide dates of
availability -- these are very important.

**What is the minimum time commitment?**

The ARC requests two weeks.

**What conditions should I expect during this deployment?**

The conditions are likely to be very primitive and austere. The ARC will
provide room accommodations when available, but many volunteers may
sleep on cots. Volunteers need to understand that there is limited or no
electricity, potable water, phone service, air conditioning, and other
amenities. Food and water supplies, for now, are limited. Expect the
environment and the situation to be stressful emotionally.
Transportation is limited. Volunteers should be able to carry their own
luggage. Please see the application packet \"Hardship Guidance\"
document for further information on conditions to expect.

**Are deployment areas secure?**

Yes. ARC guarantees that all volunteers will be sent to areas where
security can be assured. If safety becomes a concern, ARC will reassign
volunteers.

**If I volunteer, will I be deployed?**

By submitting the application, you are agreeing to be deployed. If you
meet the minimum qualifications, you will be deployed. You should be
sure to fill out their earliest date of availability on the fax cover
sheet.

**Do I have to have** **a prior** **affiliation with the American Red
Cross in order to deploy through the MRC?**

No. The application packet comes from the National ARC and you do not
have to have previous affiliation with a local chapter or national ARC.
The application packet volunteers must complete to deploy will enroll
them as a member of the ARC.

**Are any** **vaccinations** **recommended prior to this**
**deployment?**

Yes. The following are CDC\'s Interim Immunization Recommendations for
Emergency Responders: Hurricane Katrina. For further information, please
see the CDC website: www.cdc.gov

1\. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (receipt of primary series, and Td
booster within 10 years)

2\. Hepatitis B vaccine series for persons who will be performing direct
patient care or otherwise expected to have contact with bodily fluids.

Neither MRC nor ARC are able to cover the costs of the vaccinations.

APPLICATION PACKAGE CLARIFICATIONS:

**Job Descriptions:**

[Mental Health Professionals:]{.underline}

Completion of the Disaster Mental Health Training is waived IF the
volunteer is a currently licensed mental health professional.

[Service Associates (non-clinical role)]{.underline}

Service Associates may fill a wide variety of job duties, including
loading and unloading trucks, working in the kitchens, serving good,
shelter operations, etc.

**Fax Cover Sheet:**

Be sure to list your earliest travel date/availability. Be sure to have
the concurrence of your local MRC unit coordinator before faxing your
application.

**DSHR System Enrollment Application:**

**This form will enroll the volunteer as an American Red Cross
volunteer. A DSHR \# will be assigned to the volunteer during the
paperwork processing at ARC.**

[Group Affiliation:]{.underline} leave this section blank

[Red Cross Training:]{.underline} for this mission, the requirement to
have taken the Introduction to Disaster Services class has been waived.
Volunteers who will be providing patient care must have had CPR and
First Aid training. Volunteers have been granted a waiver for having a
CURRENT CPR/First Aid certificate.

[Life Experience Information:]{.underline} Please complete this section

[Disaster Relief Operation History:]{.underline} Write "Not Applicable"
if you do not have previous experience.

[Red Cross Unit/Chapter Affiliation:]{.underline} Write "Not Applicable"
if you do not have previous experience.

**Pre-Assignment Health Questionnaire:**

If the volunteer does not have previous affiliation with the ARC, then
they will not have a DSHR #. Leave this line blank.

"Name of person obtaining information" Leave this signature line blank