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.

Team Leads

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 current or retired healthcare workers who live or work on Bainbridge Island. The team is always open to welcoming new members who are interested in volunteering their services during a disaster or public health emergency. Their responsibilities extend to setting up disaster medical clinics, providing a next level of 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

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Click to access team overview video. Use the password s5?U#%Uk to access.

Resources and Questions

  • The BIMRC prepares for a major disaster by training its members in disaster preparedness and response and maintaining up-to-date professional certifications. The team also sets up disaster medical clinics to provide care beyond what our community’s Disaster Hubs can offer.

    In addition, BIMRC contributes to community events by setting up first aid tents and providing 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.

  • During an activation, the BIMRC "stands up" a disaster medical clinic 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.

  • The BIMRC is activated in the event of a public health emergency or disaster when the usual healthcare infrastructure may be overwhelmed or inaccessible.

  • If your organization needs N95 fit testing or other medical support during a public event or health emergency, you can contact the BIMRC.

  • Current or recently licensed medical, public health, and other allied health professionals are all encouraged to apply to join the BIMRC. This includes:

    -Physicians (MD, DO, ND) |
    -Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs)
    -Physician Assistants (PAs)
    -Registered Nurses (RNs)
    -Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
    -Medical Assistants
    -Certified Nursing Assistants
    -Dentists
    -Dental Technicians
    -Pharmacists
    -Psychologists
    -Veterinarians
    -Emergency Medical Technicians


    If you fall into any of these categories, you are eligible to apply. Please follow the prompts below to sign up as a volunteer.

  • Where to start?

    1. 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.]

    2. Fill out the City of Bainbridge Island volunteer application.

    3. Contact Anne LeSage for your badge with your current credentials.

    4. Attend trainings in person and join in activations!

    Our volunteer requirements are straightforward. After you complete the onetime 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)

    • 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.