The very nature of a disaster means that it is unexpected, involves many victims, and could arise in any number of forms. This is why units such as the UMV MRC train for an "all-hazards" response, to work with existing agencies as "surge capacity" in addressing the crisis at hand. Note that all MRC response is intended to supplement existing services, and would never replace current staff.

Public health emergencies could include a disease outbreak; such as a flu pandemic, smallpox or SARS epidemic, or the threat of exposure to Hepatitis A. In these types of situations, massive numbers of people may need to be inoculated on short notice. A well-organized MRC unit could be assembled rapidly to conduct local vaccination clinics on a large scale.

Mass-casualty incidents include any type of catastrophe resulting in a large number of injured victims, or events that put many people at risk. These events could include a building collapse; terrorist attack; natural disasters such as floods, tornados, hurricanes, or snowstorms; or fires that injure or displace many individuals. These situations may also require staffing at shelters for several days or weeks. MRC members who are trained and equipped long before a crisis occurs can provide the most effective response to these events, while ensuring the safety of themselves and those with whom they interact.

Display of UMV MRC activities to date (click on image for larger view)

Community service projects are at the discretion of the members of the MRC. Involvement depends on the needs of the community and on the interests and abilities of the membership. Some units choose to participate in ad-hoc events, such as health fairs, festivals and road races. Others can play a key role in ongoing initiatives, such as health education programs. These non-emergency functions invite members to make their world a better place in which to live.