Self-paced and classroom training opportunities will be available throughout 2006. This section will be updated whenever new classes are added.

Click here to see the calendar of scheduled programs.
Click the links below to skip to each area of courses:

I. ARC BASIC TRAINING SCHEDULE

II. COURSES OFFERED THROUGH AFFILIATES

MRC Training Curriculum

The MRC is proud to offer continuing education programs for its members. Information Sessions count as an orientation.For EMTs at all levels, the sessions also provide two (free!) OEMS credit hours. Information Sessions will be scheduled over the next few months.

The “core curriculum” for the Upper Merrimack Valley MRC is a four-module series of classes being offered through the American Red Cross. Additional courses are provided by affiliates and the MRC itself, with classes to be added over time.

I. AMERICAN RED CROSS - FOUR-MODULE BASIC TRAINING

Members of the MRC are among those who qualify to take ARC disaster classes, and can apply this knowledge during an actual emergency. Volunteers with a medical background who complete all four modules of the course are certified to staff an emergency shelter anywhere in the U.S. (Non-medical volunteers are advised to take Shelter Operations and Shelter Simulation instead of the two DHS classes.)

While it is usually best to take the four modules in sequence, individual modules can be taken separately, if required to accommodate busy schedules.

WINTER 2006 COURSE SCHEDULES

I. Intro to Disaster (prerequisite for other disaster classes)

The Red Cross began updating its disaster curriculum after lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. A version of the introductory class is available online:  http://www.redcross.org/flash/course01_v01/ The UMV MRC is working with the ARC to determine the best way of presenting this material to members, possibly also in a classroom format. Check this section later for scheduling updates

.II. Community Services Overview (formerly Mass Care)

This three-hour course was revised in early November 2005, and classes are being scheduled for the coming months. The course can be taken anytime after completing the Introduction. Check this section later for scheduling updates

.III. Disaster Health Services Overview (for medical volunteers)

This four-hour course provides an overview of the role served by the DHS function at emergency shelters and many other service areas. Continuing education credit hours for nurses (CEUs) and EMTs (OEMS) are available. This class is the prerequisite for the Simulation, which completes the four-module series. Check back for scheduling updates.

IV. Disaster Health Services Simulation

This course -- offered in four and eight-hour versions -- provides exercises that simulate the DHS function in numerous service areas, especially shelters. The number of continuing education credits assigned depends on the version of the course being offered. Completion of this fourth and final module certifies volunteers to staff an emergency shelter and otherwise support the DHS function, anywhere in the United States. Check back for scheduling updates.

Ways to register for classes:

• Send e-mail: (nburns@westfordma.gov),
• sign up on the web site
• or call Nancy Burns at 978-399-2549 (office).

REASONS FOR OFFERING ARC DISASTER CLASSES

Some reasons why we chose the Red Cross classes as a curriculum for the MRC:

As a bonus, this curriculum offers free continuing education credits: 6 to 9 OEMS hours for EMTs, or 7 to 10 CEUs for nurses, depending on whether the accelerated or standard version is offered.

ADDITIONAL CLASSES

Members are encouraged to sign up for supplemental classes, to increase their knowledge of disaster.

Optional Red Cross classroom courses:(schedule varies; TBD for 2006):

Weapons of Mass Destruction
Mass Casualty Incidents
Shelter Operations (non-medical)
Shelter Simulation (non-medical)
Family Service Overview
Family Service Simulation

MA Dept. of Public Health Courses:(schedule varies; TBD for 2006):

Mass Dispensing Training
Smallpox Training

Recommended courses, available from the web site:TBD

Click here for online course information

NIMS: National Incident Management System
Terrorism and Public Health
FEMA All-Hazards courses (see web site for list)

Courses offered by the American Red Cross are designed with health care practitioners and volunteers in mind.

Candidates for DHS Courses:

Disaster Health Services staff are assigned in accordance with professional training and experience and with state practice acts. All persons recruited for the DHS function must agree not to exceed the DHS protocols. Individuals with the following disciplines may be recruited to serve in this function:

• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVP)
• EMTs and Paramedics
• Physicians Assistants or Associates (PA)
• Allied Health Workers. Nurses aides, orderlies, home health aides, and Red Cross "first aides" must have current certification in Red Cross first aid and CPR to accept an assignment in DHS. They may only be assigned to a relief operation within their own unit and may not serve in supervisory positions. They must work under the supervision or direction of a registered nurse or physician.

1. Disaster Health Services: An Overview
This overview of Disaster Health Services is recommended for all disaster volunteers. The course explains the various roles involved in a disaster operation, and when it is appropriate to refer clients to DHS.

This course can be taken in either online classroom or self-paced format. Members opting to take the course on their own can contact the MRC Coordinator for a video and workbook.

The class provides basic information about the activities of the Disaster Health Services (DHS) function of the American Red Cross. Participants will learn more about knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by Disaster Health Services staff, as well as how they can get involved with the local chapter. Some of the learning objectives include explaining the commitment and values of DHS, describing the various assignment settings, and identifying resources and protocols that assist DHS staff.

This course is a prerequisite to all other Disaster Health Services (DHS) classes.

2. Community Services: An Overview
This course focuses on the activities of the Mass Care function, including service opportunities and career paths in a local organization. The course enables members to:
- Describe the role of Community Services in relief operations, and the services provided by this function.
- Explain how these volunteers workers deliver quality services to clients.
- Match the provider's interests, abilities, and skills with those needed in each Mass Care activity.
- Consider a plan of action for personal involvement in Community Services activities.

3. Disaster Health Services Simulation
This training provides an opportunity to practice the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work in Disaster Health Services (DHS) on a disaster relief operation. The course also completes basic Disaster Services preparation to work on local and national relief operations. The learning objectives include: describing how a disaster transitions from the local to the national level; demonstrating appropriate communication and documentation skills; identifying internal and external partners or resources that work with the Disaster Health Services function.

How to Register for ARC Classes:

1. If you have not yet enrolled in an Introduction to Disaster Services class, which is the prerequisite for all other Disaster courses, you may sign up for your choice of either self-paced or classroom format, through the MRC Coordinator. Call Nancy Burns at 978-399-2549 to make the appropriate arrangements.

2. After you have completed Introduction to Disaster Services, you may register for the Disaster Health Services classes directly by calling 617-375-0700, ext 433. Please advise that you are affiliated with the Upper Merrimack Valley MRC. (Be sure to notify the MRC Coordinator of your status. If you prefer, you may register through the MRC.)

If you have any further questions about ARC courses, please contact Peggy Jimenez at 617-375-0700 ext. 433 or by e-mail at jimenezp@usa.redcross.org.

III. COURSES THROUGH AFFILIATES

When we hear of courses that may be of interest to our members, we are happy to pass along the information. Check this section periodically for notices. However, be aware that the MRC is not responsible for courses offered by other groups. Please contact the affiliates directly for details.