The SEMRC serves as a crucial resource for local health jurisdictions (LHJs), hospitals, health care facilities, and other organizations across Washington state. By deploying trained and credentialed volunteers, SEMRC supports and enhances medical and public health operations during emergencies when local resources are overwhelmed. The SEMRC maintains specialized response teams, enhances coordination with LHJs, and ensures flexible deployment tailored to specific needs.
Partners can ask for SEMRC help from Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Deployed SEMRC volunteers work with local and state emergency response operators. They stick to procedures and openly communicate to ensure an effective, locally led incident response.
Why Partner With SEMRC?
At DOH, we manage requests for SEMRC assistance. Volunteers seamlessly work with local and state emergency response teams, ensuring collaboration without replacing local efforts.
SEMRC enhances emergency response efforts by:
- Deploying skilled volunteers to address urgent needs.
- Supporting hospitals, health care facilities, and local health agencies.
- Coordinating with LHJs and adapting to specific emergency requirements.
How It Works
To get help from the SEMRC, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Need
Local resources cannot meet the needs of an ongoing emergency. Emergencies include disease outbreaks, natural disasters and other public health threats. Determine the following as best you can.
- What is the nature of the emergency?
- What specific resources do you expect to need?
- How long do you expect to need the resources?
2. Submit a Support Request
Contact us at hanalert@doh.wa.gov or 360-888-0838 to request SEMRC help.
3. Coordination and Assessment
We will work with the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and other partners to identify the right response team. We will ensure all partners align efforts and send the right resources.
4. Deployment Planning
Once the request is accepted, we write contracts, manage logistics, and ensure all medical and administrative oversight is in place. We will set travel and housing for volunteers if needed.
5. Volunteer Notification and Response
We notify volunteers of the deployment request. They tell us if they are available. We set a list of available and qualified volunteers.
6. Deployment Execution
Available volunteers deploy based on their skill. The will do the work they are licensed to do. We will make regular updates and report on the situation to ensure effective coordination.
7. Demobilization and Review
Volunteers demobilize after the deployment period. We will receive pay and expense paperwork. We will have after-action reviews to rate the response. From those, we will learn how to better plan future deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of support can the SEMRC provide to partner organizations?
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We can deploy trained volunteers to support a wide range of activities. Responses include:
- Public health aide.
- Logistical tasks.
- Emergency medical care.
- Vaccination clinics.
- Shelter management.
- Mental health support.
- Are there any costs associated with requesting SEMRC support?
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We evaluate the financial responsibilities on a case-by-case basis. There are generally no direct costs for requesting SEMRC support. Requesting agencies may need to cover travel and accommodation expenses for nonlocal deployments. In some cases, volunteers may be paid directly for their service, depending on the deployment specifics and available funding. SEMRC staff will work with you to find a solution that works for you.
- What kind of training do SEMRC volunteers receive?
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SEMRC volunteers undergo comprehensive training. That includes mandatory orientation, and basic emergency response training courses like ICS-100 and ICS-200 and role-specific training. We verify medical volunteers’ credentials to ensure they work within their scope of practice. We also do background checks on all volunteers. Nonmedical volunteers get HIPAA training before handling any personally identifiable information. We also require ongoing training and skills assessments to maintain readiness. And we provide Just-In-Time-Training (JITT) as needed for specific deployments.
- How does the SEMRC coordinate with local health jurisdictions and other agencies?
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We work closely with local health jurisdictions, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), and other key partners to ensure all efforts align and that we properly allocate resources. Pre-deployment communications, role definitions, and safety briefings ensure seamless integration with existing response operations.
- How are volunteers notified and selected for deployment?
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We notify volunteers of deployment requests via email, phone calls, and/or text messages. They respond to indicate their availability. And we create a roster of qualified volunteers. We then select volunteers for deployment based availability, skills, and needs of the deployment.
- What kind of follow-up or evaluation does SEMRC conduct after a deployment?
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After each deployment, we debrief each volunteer to review experiences, challenges, and successes. They submit documentation for compensation and reimbursement. And we evaluate the response with an after-action review, from which we learn lessons to improve future planning. We share outcomes with all coordinated partners to ensure continuous improvement.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at semrc@doh.wa.gov.