As required, we have reviewed the MRC Manual for both Peoria and Marshall County's MRCs making necessary changes.  There were no major changes made, however a list of the signifigant changes is below:

• History section removed
• EMA Oath Form removed
• Clarification of active and inactive medical professionals under Licensure and Credentialing
• Change in volunteer recognition awards
• EMA Oath portion of Liability Protections removed

The updated Manuals will now be made available directly on the website.  To view them just click the appropriate one below:

Peoria MRC

Marshall MRC

We are continuing to make improvements to the MRC.  Recently we ordered supplies for the MRC and organized two shelves in the Peoria City/County Health Department's Emergency Preparedness storage room strictly for the MRC.  Take a look at the pictures below!

During MRC meetings questions were asked about liability protection and mal-practice insurance.  Jason and I asked the question of the state's attorney and this is the response we recieved:

Volunteers assisting the health department are provided some protection from liability under both Federal and State Law. The Local Governmental Tort Immunity Act 745 ILCS 10/1-101 et seq. applies to volunteers as well as employees making an employee/volunteer only liable for acts or omissions of a willful and wanton nature (intent to harm or reckless indifference). The Illinois Good Samaritan Law 745 ILCS 49/1 provides some additional protections when licensed individuals act in an emergency situation that they are not being compensated for. The Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 42 U.S.C. 14501 also provides protection similar to Local Governmental Tort Immunity Act in that there is no liability for volunteers of a governmental entity or non-profit agency acting within the scope of their duties unless their act or omission is of a willful and wanton nature.

 

All that being said I can give no specific legal advice to a volunteer as to whether or not they need to carry malpractice insurance. Please contact me if you have further questions or need clarification. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you.

Over the past couple months I have been talking with people in the fire services about the MRC.  Specifically I've been trying to improve our collaboration with them for cross-training, to help with exercises, and to provide assistance during an actual response.

The first group I talked with was a Fire Chaplain group.  This group looks at the mental health side of fires.  They are looking for resources who would be available to talk with firefighters or victims after a fire.  Just providing emotional support to people during a difficult time.

The second group I talked with was the West Peoria Fire Department.  I talked with them about cross-training with them during their meetings (which are held on wednesday evenings and sundays).  I also talked about assisting them and playing with them in their exercises.  I also brought up that we have volunteers who could assist in an actual response with simple things such as traffic control all the way up to pre/post medical screenings for their firefighters.

Both of these groups seemed very receptive to working with the MRC so in the future more information will be coming down to members about collaboration with these groups!