Background of the MRCSA

The Oklahoma City and New York City disasters and recent devastating hurricanes demonstrated how quickly communities become isolated from one another and how quickly our first responders can become overwhelmed. In response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters and public health emergencies, the medical community of Pima County, Tucson and Southern Arizona indentified a need for the development of an appropriate response structure. As such, the Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Arizona was established to work in conjuction with the Pima County Health Department, the Pima County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the City of Tucson. Activities of this partnership will include:

• Recruiting health care volunteers from existing lists created by the MRCSA, The Pima County Health Department and Arizona Department of Health.
• Recruiting health care volunteers from various health disciplines to include, but not limited to, retirees.
• Partnering with the Pima County Medical Society, local and regional hospitals, Tribal clinics, Emergency Medical Services and the public health community to develop medical command and control procedures to be implemented when requested through Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF) under the Pima County Emergency Operation Plan.
• Pre-registering all emergency health care volunteers as emergency workers. This will address liability issues.
• Developing an orientation, planning, training and exercise program for volunteers.
• Providing necessary materials and equipment for deployment.