The SEMRC’s mission is to create a network of trained volunteers ready to support communities during public health emergencies and natural disasters. Our vision is a safe, resilient Washington state where everyone gets the help they need when it matters most. Volunteers like you are essential to achieving this goal. By joining SEMRC, you can directly contribute to the health and safety of your community, making a real difference when it counts.
Why Should You Care About SEMRC?
Because it's all about neighbors helping neighbors! SEMRC makes sure that, no matter what happens, our community has the support it needs. It's comforting to know that there's a plan in place to take care of us during tough times.
Volunteer Activities
SEMRC volunteers engage in a wide range of activities that support public health and emergency preparedness in your community. Volunteers help with vaccination clinics, health fairs, and community outreach programs to educate the public on health and safety practices. During emergencies, SEMRC volunteers provide medical support, assist at shelters, and distribute essential supplies. Volunteer teams may be called to deploy in their community or anywhere in the state, depending on need. Activities include setting up emergency response operations, providing mental health support, and working alongside other dedicated volunteers to address various public health challenges.
Join the State Emergency Medical Reserve Corps
1. Register Online
If you already have a WAserv account:
- Log into WAserv.
- Go to the “Organizations” tab.
- Click “All Organizations.”
- Select “State Emergency Medical Reserve Corps.”
- Click “Join.”
If you do not have a WAserv account:
- Register for an account on WAserve.
- Select “State Emergency Medical Reserve Corps” as your organization.
- Provide basic information about yourself, including contact details and any relevant medical or emergency response experience.
2. Pass a Background and Licensing Check
Once you join the SEMRC on WAserv, we will complete a background and licensing check. This can take up to 2 weeks. We will notify you once you are cleared to proceed.
3. Complete Orientation and Training
Participate in an online or in-person orientation session to learn about the SEMRC’s mission, values, and volunteer roles.
We will provide you with access to mandatory training to ensure you are prepared for an emergency response.
4. Get Volunteer Credentials, Stay Informed and Ready
Congratulations, you are now an SEMRC volunteer, ready to deploy to emergencies!
Look for your volunteer credentials in the mail and keep an eye on your email inbox for upcoming training, events, and deployment opportunities.
Be prepared to respond when called upon during an emergency or public health event.
Eligibility Requirements
To join the SEMRC, potential volunteers must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old.
- A resident of Washington state.
- Able to successfully pass a background check.
- Professional licenses must be in good standing.
- Willing and able to deploy within your community or throughout the state as needed.
- Complete all required training sessions provided by the SEMRC.
- Maintain a level of personal health that allows safe participation in potentially physically demanding tasks.
- Demonstrate a commitment to serve in both emergency and non-emergency activities.
If you meet these requirements and are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to join the SEMRC!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time commitment does SEMRC expect from volunteers?
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We expect volunteers to complete required training sessions and participate in emergency and non-emergency activities. But you do not have to participate in every activity. The time commitment can vary depending on the nature of the deployment, ranging from a few hours for a local event to several days for a statewide emergency. Ultimately, you get to decide your level of commitment and can choose to participate based on your availability when a request for volunteers is made. We appreciate any time you can dedicate to being prepared and ready to respond.
- What training does SEMRC require for volunteers?
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All volunteers must complete a mandatory orientation session and basic emergency response training courses, including ICS-100 and ICS-200. Nonmedical volunteers also need HIPAA training before handling personally identifiable information. Ongoing training and skills assessments are required to maintain readiness, which may include Just-In-Time-Training (JITT) specific to certain roles and deployments.
- Will I need to travel to different parts of the state to volunteer?
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It depends on the deployment. We may need volunteers within their local community or anywhere in the state. You can choose which deployments you accept. And the SEMRC will assist with planning and housing when travel is necessary.
- Do I need to have a medical background to volunteer with the SEMRC?
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No, you do not need a medical background to volunteer. While we do need medically licensed volunteers, there are many roles that require nonmedical skills, such as logistics and administrative support.
- How are volunteers notified when they are needed?
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We notify volunteers through email, phone calls, and/or text messages. Keeping your contact information up to date is important. Be sure to respond promptly to deployment notifications.
- What types of activities will I be involved in as an SEMRC volunteer?
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As an SEMRC volunteer, you may work in vaccination clinics, health fairs, and training exercises. During emergencies, you might provide medical support, assist at shelters, distribute essential supplies, set up emergency response operations, or offer mental health support.
- Are there any costs associated with volunteering for the SEMRC?
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No, there are no costs to become a SEMRC volunteer. We provide training and necessary equipment at no cost to you. For long-distance deployments, we do not expect volunteers to pay for travel. And any necessary housing is arranged by SEMRC.
- How does the SEMRC handle volunteer safety during deployments?
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Volunteer safety is a top priority. We will provide necessary training and personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, we follow strict safety protocols and guidelines during all activities and deployments.
- Can I choose the types of activities or emergencies I want to volunteer for?
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Yes, you can choose the types of activities or emergencies you volunteer for, although flexibility is essential during emergencies.
- What should I do if I’m unavailable when called to volunteer?
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If you’re unavailable when called to volunteer, please notify us as soon as possible. Volunteers can decline a deployment. And understanding your availability helps us with planning and resource allocation.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at emrc.volunteer@doh.wa.gov.