As far as natural disasters go, California is known for its earthquakes, Florida and Louisiana are infamous for hurricanes and Kansas (remember "The Wizard of Oz"?) for tornados.

Compared to residents in those states, Utah residents haven't had much reason for concern over natural disasters until the Nevada earthquake last week brought the "disaster scare" closer to home.

While some people are sitting at home worrying about the possibilities of impending earthquakes, 30 volunteers are preparing for emergency action when disaster strikes.

Working behind the scenes, the Utah County Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer-based organization, routinely plans emergency responses for disaster situations that might affect Utah County.

The corps was created in 2004 and provides for volunteer training that will maintain disaster management structure and improve the timely response of Utah County agencies. Part of this effort includes deploying medical and public health personnel.

The corps efforts will be augmented by a $10,000 grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials as announced in the Utah County Commission meeting recently. The one-time grant will be used for training, equipment and program costs for volunteers in the Corps.

Formed in the aftermath of Sept. 11, the Corps answered President Bush's 2002 State of the Union address call for Americans to participate in disaster planning and services.

"America needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies ... volunteers to help police and fire departments, transportation and utility workers well-trained in spotting danger," Bush said.

Specifically answering the president's call, the Corps formed with an emphasis on efficiency and coordination.

"Federal responders have found [in the past] that there was a disconnect with local responders," said Jan Rogers, coordinator for the Corps. But now with the uniformity provided by the National Incident Management System, a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, all responders are on the same page.

Volunteer training includes an orientation followed by online and in-class training. The volunteers are prepared primarily for basic emergency situations, but also to handle specific crises such as an earthquake or a pandemic.

"We do an all-hazards approach," Rogers said. "We're trying to be ahead of the curve."

Amy Cornell-Titcomb, a logistics adviser for the Corps, emphasized the importance of volunteers being trained in the Incident Command System. The system provides a direct chain of command so volunteers know exactly who to report to for assignments and information.

"If they're not trained in Incident Command, they can cramp the rescue operations." Cornell-Titcomb said.

To ensure that emergency response goes smoothly, the Corps is working with the Utah County Health Department, Intermountain Healthcare's Orem Central Clinic and Orem Community Hospital to plan a mock disaster drill in the spring.

The planned mock drill focuses on what would need to be done in the event of a pandemic influenza. The Corps' mock drill will train volunteers to help flu victims should the hospital reach capacity.

More drills have been planned for the rest of the year, including a statewide mock disaster drill in September.

"Reading it on paper without having the drills, you don't get a full understanding of how it comes together," Rogers said.

In the last two years, the number of Medical Reserve Corps units across the country has increased from 400 to 700 units. Thirteen of those units are in Utah - one being the Utah County Medical Reserve Corps with 30 volunteers currently participating.

"We're in our infant stages, and were trying to grow. ... I see great things coming from it [the Corps]," Rogers said.

The Corps is always looking for volunteers to join the ranks. They especially need medical personnel including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical assistants, translators, dentists, chaplains, EMTs and other health-related specialists.

People without a medical background who would like to volunteer are encouraged to get training in first aid and emergency skills before joining the Corps. Visit www.ucmrc.com for volunteer information.

Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Mar 2008