Medical Reserve Corps
The Bainbridge Island Medical Reserve Corps (BIMRC) is a dedicated unit of reserve volunteers focused on public health.
The BIMRC operates during public health emergencies and disasters when the island might be isolated, working in collaboration with Bainbridge Prepares, the City of Bainbridge Island, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, the Kitsap Public Health District, and the Northwest Health Response Network.
Mission and Community Impact:
The mission of the BIMRC is to fortify public health on Bainbridge Island, reduce vulnerability to disasters, and build resilience within the community. They play a crucial role in enhancing the island's disaster preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. In recent times, the BIMRC has played a key role in providing staffing for COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites throughout Kitsap County. Through their efforts, they help ensure that essential medical services remain accessible even during challenging times.
About the Team:
The BIMRC is made up of individuals with backgrounds in healthcare and public health, current or retired healthcare workers, who live or work on or around Bainbridge Island. The team is open to welcoming new members who are interested in volunteering their services during a disaster or public health emergency. During blue skies, MRC volunteers assist in community events by providing first-aid at events, vaccinations, community response, and training the public in preparedness. During or after a disaster, the MRC team is preparing to assist in basic medical care at the community Disaster Hubs, and stand-up a Disaster Medical Center (DMC), providing next level care beyond the capabilities of our community’s Disaster Hubs. The BIMRC also manages the N95 Fit Test Team, essential during a respiratory pandemic. Membership in the BIMRC comes with opportunities for valuable training in disaster preparedness and response, along with the ability to contribute to the community meaningfully.
Learn more about their pandemic work in this 5-minute inspirational story from Seattle’s ABC affiliate.
Team Overview Video
Click on below video and use password s5?U#%Uk for access.
Resources and Questions
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The BIMRC prepares for a major disaster by providing routine trainings for MRC volunteers in disaster preparedness, medical & austere wilderness skills, and having volunteers stay up-to-date on professional certifications. The team is preparing to assist during and after a disaster by providing basic medical care at the community’s Disaster Hubs and a higher level of medical care at the Disaster Medical Center (DMC).
In addition, BIMRC contributes to community events by setting up and assisting at first aid stations to provide medical support in collaboration with Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD). This regular engagement keeps the team's skills sharp and builds strong relationships within the community.
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During an activation, the BIMRC will assist at the community’s Disaster Hubs and “stand up” a Disaster Medical Center (DMC) to provide an advanced level of care beyond the capacities of the community’s Disaster Hubs. They have previously provided staffing for COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites.
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The BIMRC is activated in the event of a public health emergency or disaster when the usual healthcare infrastructure may be overwhelmed or inaccessible.
During blue sky days, the BIMRC assists the community by providing Stop-The-Bleed training, providing first aid services at numerous events, and assisting with mobile health clinics and community care.
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If your organization needs N95 fit testing or other medical support during a public event or health emergency, you can contact the BIMRC.
Contact the leads at mrc-leads@bainbridgeprepares.orgIf you need event support, check out the Event Support page.
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Individuals with a background (certifications, licensures, experience) in healthcare, medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health, social services, epidemiology, and other allied health professionals are encouraged to apply to join the BIMRC.
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Where to start?
Sign up with WA Serv. [For the first part of the application, click “+Add Organizations”, then choose Medical Reserve Corps, then tick the box next to Bainbridge Island MRC.]
Fill out the City of Bainbridge Island volunteer application.
Contact Anne LeSage for your badge with your current credentials.
Email the MRC leads to let us know once you have joined, so we can update you on the latest info! mrc-leads@bainbridgeprepares.org
Attend trainings in person and join in activations!
Our volunteer requirements are straightforward. After you complete the one-time application process, you will need to:
Complete & maintain an active BLS/CPR and AED certification.
Complete & maintain a personal/family preparedness plan.
Complete two easy/fast online training courses: FEMA IS-100 and IS-700.
Participate in ongoing skills trainings offered through the Bainbridge Prepares partnerships!
Recommended
Trainings/refreshers: many trainings are free, while some larger-scale trainings may have a reduced fee if taken through the BP/COBI/MRC partnership offerings.
Blood borne pathogens (free online course)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA)- renews every 2 years.
Stop The Bleed training.
Radio Ops training.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) training (free online)
To learn more about the team, please email the Team Leads listed above.