Southwest Utah Health Podcast

72 HOUR KITS: SHORT TERM ESSENTIAL SOLUTIONS

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

72 Hour Kits: Short-Term Essential Solutions By Nathan Cleverly, Emergency Preparedness Planner

Narrated by Nathan Cleverly using AI-assisted voice.

Emergencies and disasters can strike without warning, leaving individuals and families without immediate access to essential supplies. Whether you are facing a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or flood, or a personal emergency like a power outage or house fire, being prepared beforehand brings peace of mind and greatly increases your chances of staying safe and comfortable during unexpected events.

A 72-hour kit is designed to be a short-term solution, offering the essentials needed to survive for up to three days. Here are the recommended items to start your emergency kit:

Water - One gallon per person, per day, necessary for both drinking and sanitation. Store it in a cool place and resupply every six months.

Food - Nonperishable food, ideally enough for 3-5 days per person, such as canned food, fruit, vegetables, soups, crackers, granola, and trail mix.

Can Opener - A can opener is essential for accessing canned food items in your kit.

Clothes - A change of clothes for each person, considering different weather possibilities, including sturdy shoes and layers for varying temperatures.

Flashlight - Keep extra batteries on hand or use a hand-crank flashlight to avoid reliance on battery life.

Medications - Include a supply of prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies for common ailments to maintain health during an emergency.

Radio - A battery-powered or hand-crank radio helps you stay informed during an emergency when other communication methods may be down.

Hygiene Items - Some useful items could include soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, moist towelettes, and hand sanitizer to maintain hygiene and prevent illness.

First Aid Kit - Specifically for emergencies, different from your regular kit, including bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other necessary medical supplies.

ACCESSIBILITY AND STORAGE

Store your emergency 72-hour kit in an accessible place for quick and easy access during an emergency. Ideal locations include your car, garage, or a closet near the front door, ensuring you can grab it at a moment's notice. It can also be helpful to have a kit at work in case an emergency occurs while you are there. When choosing a storage location, consider the impact of weather on the kit's contents. For example, if kept in the car, extreme heat or cold may affect items such as liquids and medications.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Regularly check expiration dates on all perishable items, such as food, water, and medications, to ensure they are still safe and effective. Setting a routine, like checking your kit when daylight saving time changes, can help keep your supplies up-to-date and ready for use.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE versus EVACUATION

Shelter-in-place means staying indoors during an emergency, such as a severe storm, chemical spill, or other situation where it is safer to remain inside rather than venture out. During these times, your 72-hour kit ensures that you don’t need to leave your home to meet your needs.

Evacuation, on the other hand, involves leaving your home due to an imminent threat, like a wildfire, flood, or other emergency where staying at home is dangerous. In this scenario, your 72-hour kit will contain all the essentials you need to survive on the go, making the transition smoother and ensuring you have vital supplies readily available.

PLANNING AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Picture this: you have just 10 minutes to grab what you need and evacuate your home. What would you take? This quick exercise helps you figure out what’s really important and what you would want all in one place so you don’t have to search for it under pressure. Your 72-hour kit should be at the top of the list, but don’t forget about important documents like IDs, insurance papers, and financial records - things you may need to get back on your feet after an emergency.

Also, don’t overlook your pets. Make sure you have a plan for their emergency food, water, and medications. Include these items in your kit so they are taken care of too.

Don’t wait for an emergency before you take action. Thinking ahead and planning for different possibilities will make any emergency easier to handle. Having essential supplies ready can make a significant difference in your ability to stay safe and comfortable during challenging times.

BEYOND THE 72-HOUR KIT: LONG-TERM FOOD AND WATER STORAGE

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

BEYOND THE 72 HOUR KIT:

LONG-TERM FOOD AND WATER STORAGE by Andrea Schmutz, Utah State University Extension

Narrated by Tina Hicks using AI-assisted voice.

While a 72-hour kit will help in the initial days of a crisis, preparing long-term food storage will ensure that you and your loved ones have adequate nutrition for weeks, months, or longer if needed.

FOOD STORAGE

STORE WHAT YOU USE AND USE WHAT YOU STORE

Stock up on foods that your family enjoys and will likely eat. For example, if your family prefers canned milk or shelf-stable boxed milk over powdered milk, use those instead. If you are more likely to use granulated sugar than honey, go with the sugar. If you don’t cook with dried beans, consider storing commercially canned beans.

STORE FOODS APPROPRIATELY

Successful long-term food storage depends on the packaging and environment in which the food is stored. Use airtight containers such as sealed #10 cans, Mylar bags, or food-grade plastic buckets with tight-fitting lids. Include oxygen absorbers to help prevent spoilage and insect infestations. Store food in a cool, dry, dark place with a temperature between 50°F and 70°F.

Focus on shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, and easy-to-prepare foods, including:

• Grains: Wheat, rice, oats, and other whole grains provide essential carbohydrates and can be stored for many years if kept in sealed containers with oxygen absorbers.

• Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas provide variety and are high in protein and fiber. They also have a relatively long shelf life when stored properly.

• Canned goods: Commercially canned vegetables, fruits, and meats can last for several years. Rotate your supply every two to five years to ensure freshness (home-canned food items should be used within one to two years).

• Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods: These options are lightweight, compact, and have a long shelf life. Freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and complete meals can last up to 25 years.

• Sugars and sweeteners: White sugar, honey, and molasses store well for long periods and can be used in a variety of recipes.

AVOID GOING INTO DEBT TO BUILD YOUR FOOD STORAGE - You can purchase small amounts of extra food over time until you have the desired amount in your long-term storage. Watch for sales on the items you intend to buy. Consider using a tax refund or work bonus/raise to buy large quantities at once.

ROTATE YOUR STORAGE WITH FIFO (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT)

Frequently rotate your food storage by using and replacing items before they spoil or expire, keeping items with the oldest dates toward the front of the shelf to be used first.

WATER SOURCE

Humans can survive weeks without food but only a few days without water. Consider the following guidelines to build as much water storage as you can, along with having the means to purify other sources in an emergency:

QUANTITY

A quart of water or other fluid per day will sustain life, but most people will be more comfortable with at least two quarts per day. Nursing mothers, children, people with illnesses, and those living in hot climates will require additional water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends storing one gallon of water per person per day for food preparation and drinking purposes. Ideally, another one-half to one gallon per day allows adequate water for personal hygiene and dishwashing. Consider storing a two-week supply for each member of your family. If this is not possible, store as much as you can.

CONTAINERS

Commercially bottled water provides a quick and easy way to build your storage and can often be found on sale at grocery stores. Consider buying one package each time you shop or at regular intervals until you have a three-day supply. Then, slowly build up to a two-week supply if you have the storage space. If you prefer to prepare your own containers of water, FEMA recommends purchasing food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supply stores. You can also re-use storage containers as long as you clean and sanitize them first.

WATER SOURCE

Fill your water storage containers with tap water from public water supplies; it’s already treated and should be free of harmful bacteria. However, as an additional precaution against any organisms that may have been missed during the container cleaning process, you can add 5-7 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water stored. Make sure to use bleach that is within one year of its manufacture date.

OTHER WATER SOURCES

Should an emergency arise and you do not have sufficient water storage, you can use potable water from your pipes, your hot water heater, water softener reservoir, and even ice cubes. If you need to resort to other sources of water, understanding the most effective ways to treat water and having the equipment on hand will provide you with more options:

• Heat treatment: Boiling water is the most preferred method to disinfect questionable water. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute at altitudes below 6500 feet, and three minutes above 6500 feet.

• Chemical treatment: You can treat clear water with ¼ teaspoon (16 drops) of liquid bleach per gallon. Mix it and let it sit for 30 minutes before using it. You can also include water purification tablets as part of your water storage plan. Just be sure to pay attention to the shelf life of the tablets, as most will last 3-5 years when unopened.

• Water filters:

Commercial or backpacking water filters provide another option for water purification.

They may not filter out viruses, though, so it is recommended to add 5-7 drops (about ⅛ teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of filtered water.

Hopefully these basic guidelines will provide you with stepping stones to help you start your long-term food and water storage. Remember that some food and water supply is better than none; the key is to get started!

BUILD A FIRST AID KIT: WHAT DO YOU NEED?

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

BUILD A FIRST AID KIT: WHAT DO YOU NEED? by Austin Smith, Healthcare Preparedness Coordinator; Narrated by Austin Smith using AI-assisted voice.

Building a medical kit for your home or go-bag can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no formal medical training. During my 13 years of service as an Army combat medic, I built many medical kits for different applications, so here are some recommendations to consider when creating your own emergency medical kit:

When I’m starting from scratch on a medical kit, I like to break it down into three categories: Urgent, Non-Urgent & Medications. It is helpful to select a bag or box that has separate compartments to keep your items organized and easily accessible.

URGENT includes tools to treat immediate life-threatening injuries. Arrange these items so that they’re the easiest to find and access in your kit:

TOURNIQUET, COMBAT GAUZE PADS AND GAUZE ROLLS (like Kerlix), ACE WRAP OR PRESSURE DRESSING, OCCLUSIVE DRESSING (air and water-tight), EMERGENCY BLANKET, TRAUMA SHEARS, MEDICAL GLOVES, LIFE-SAVING MEDICATIONS LIKE AN EPIPEN (to treat dangerous allergic reactions) OR NALOXONE (for opioid overdose)

NON-URGENT includes basic household first aid components to treat smaller cuts, bumps, and bruises:

SMALL ADHESIVE BANDAGES (like Band-Aids), GAUZE PADS, SALINE FLUSH, ANTISEPTICS (like hydrogen peroxide), ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT PACKETS, COBAN (self-adherent) WRAP, MEDICAL TAPE, MOLESKIN, TRIANGULAR BANDAGES, INSTANT COLD COMPRESS, SPLINTS, TWEEZERS, EMERGENCY FIRST AID, INSTRUCTIONS/MANUAL

MEDICINE

Include reserve prescription medications as well as commonly used over-the-counter medications. I save space by placing a few doses of pill-form medicine in a small fly fishing case and using a label maker to identify the drug and the dose. Consult your doctor if you’re unsure about taking any of the medications you’re including. If you are unsure at all about whether you can take a certain medication, consult your doctor before adding it to your kit.

Here’s a basic list:

EXTRA PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, PAIN / FEVER RELIEVERS, COLD / FLU MEDICINE, ALLERGY MEDICATION, ANTACIDS, COUGH DROPS, SLEEP AID, LIP BALM, SUNSCREEN,

ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT POWDER

Write down or print cheat-sheets describing recommended dosing and intervals of medications; it can be a lot to remember! It’s better to have something to reference than accidentally causing a new issue by getting a dose wrong.

Also, I recommend getting these supplies from a reputable vendor. Cheap knock-offs can easily be found online but are much more likely to fail.

Having a kit, along with basic knowledge of first aid principles and techniques, can be invaluable, especially during a disaster. The main cause of preventable pre-hospital death in trauma victims is uncontrolled extremity bleeding, so being able to quickly stop blood loss is vital. Consider taking a STOP THE BLEED® course, along with basic or wilderness first aid, CPR, and AED training (see page 26).

GET TRAINED! YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

GET TRAINED: YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

Narrated by David Heaton using AI-assisted voice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45. Since emergency responders aren’t always nearby when people get hurt, you may be able to save a life by taking these simple actions immediately

CALL 911 to get help on the way.

DID YOU KNOW? You can text 911 if you can’t hear or speak, service is poor, phone lines are jammed, or a voice call would be dangerous. Just include your name, location, and situation. Put your phone on silent if needed.

KEEP YOURSELF SAFE by checking the scene for hazards. Don't become another victim.

DON’T MOVE THE VICTIM unless they are in danger of further injury or it’s the only way you can provide assistance.

STOP THE BLEEDING. Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, making bleeding the most common cause of preventable death in trauma. Is there life-threatening bleeding? After calling 911, compress the source of bleeding with bandages or clean clothing, using firm, steady pressure. Place gauze inside the wound if it is deep. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, a tourniquet can be placed and secured over clothing, 2-3 inches above the wound. Everyone should get trained on the details at stopthebleed.org/training (click “Online Course”).

Recovery positioning helps a semiconscious or unconscious person breathe better after you’ve done all you can while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Gently roll the person onto their side, stabilizing them with the top arm and leg bent. Do not use the recovery position if the person has a major injury (back or neck).

PROVIDE COMFORT and keep them warm. Learn more at tinyU R L.com/YouAreTheHelp.

You never know when you might become the first responder on the scene of an accident or injury. Here are some essential trainings to consider:

First Aid

CPR

AED Training

Basic first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training can be vital for saving lives, preventing injuries from worsening, and helping people recover. First aid training can also help you feel more confident and prepared to handle unexpected situations. Many of these courses now include the basics of using an AED (automated external defibrillator). AEDs are portable medical devices that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped working. They are often installed in stores, government agencies, and workplaces.

Local first aid and CPR courses can be arranged through:

ThePulseCPRTrainingCenter.com

SouthernUtahCPR.com (for group classes)

City of St. George (sgcityutah.gov)

Dixie Technical College (dixietech.E D U)

MRC (Medical Reserve Corps; see page 30)

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team; see page 31)

OTHER TRAININGS TO CONSIDER

LOCAL GROUP TRAINING

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department offers a no-cost emergency preparedness presentation for organizations and groups of families, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You’ll learn about risk assessment, making emergency plans, getting necessary supplies, communications, and what to do during evacuations. In under 45 minutes, emergency management experts will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to proactively safeguard themselves and their communities. To schedule this presentation, visit swuhealth.gov/prepare and click the “Free In-person Training” link.

EARTHQUAKE TRAINING

Participating in the annual Great Utah ShakeOut, held every April, is a great way to prepare and practice what to do when an earthquake strikes. The drill emphasizes the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique, which is proven to significantly reduce the risk of injury during an earthquake. Go to shakeout.org/utah for more information on how to plan your drill ahead of time and take measures to quake-proof your home. The ShakeOut can be a fun learning experience for families, school classes, and workplaces!

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR: Social Connections & Community Resilience

By Daniel P. Aldrich, PhD, Guest Columnist

Narrated by David Heaton using AI-assisted voice.

We had moved to New Orleans in July 2005, fresh out of graduate school in Boston. We had a new house, new car, and had enrolled our children in nearby schools. Monday, August 29th would be the first day of my new job at Tulane University. That Monday never came, because Sunday morning, at 4 a.m., with a million other people, my wife and I and our two young children got in our van and evacuated just as the rain began to fall ahead of Hurricane Katrina.

We drove about 14 hours west to Houston, where we spent several days wandering around in a daze as it began to dawn on us that we couldn’t go back. Our house had been destroyed along with our other car, and all of our stuff was gone. We had some interesting things to think about - what are we going to do next? I’m unemployed now, so how do we get by for the next few months? Having no private insurance, we applied for FEMA aid as soon as we possibly could and anxiously waited for help from the government. The response came six months later, and it was a no. After a big fight over paperwork, we finally received a check to help cover the personal losses.

It was during the waiting period, however, that phone calls started coming in, some from people we’d never met before but linked through friends who wanted to help. Children sent us proceeds from a school bake sale. People in Detroit and in New York offered us places to stay. Tuition for the kids to go to school from a community in Tennessee. We were just normal people who soon learned that what was really going to help us, both in the short and long term, were these connections. I had a sort of light bulb moment when I realized I had the wrong set of expectations. I had believed that the government was this fix-all entity, a sort of “white knight” that would swoop in immediately and save us after the disaster. But the reality for us was this: it was friends, friends of friends, family, and people from faith-based organizations and schools who came through for us after that disaster.

The devastating 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, not only left damage and casualties from the quake, but many fires started from ruptured underground gas lines. One such fire threatened the adjacent neighborhoods of Mano and Mikura. Narrow, debris-filled streets made it impossible for any firefighters to approach. The residents of Mano had worked together in the past and quickly organized a bucket brigade and put the fire out on their own. In contrast, the people of Mikura didn’t have that type of relationship. They were unable to work together and their neighborhood burned down. It didn’t have to do with how well-built things were or who had insurance, but how well they had cooperated in the past and how well neighbors knew each other.

Social capital, which is a fancy way of saying the connectedness we have with other people, is being able to work together as a group. That takes familiarity and trust. Without trust, you’re not going to guard each other’s homes. You can’t form a community patrol if you don’t trust your neighbor to be awake during his shift. Getting to know your neighbors’ names and being able to get along in stable times will pay off in the crisis moments.

Social capital also builds mutual aid, or informal insurance, meaning if I need information, equipment, transportation, or a place to stay, we’ve met before, and you trust me. You know I’ll use your resources properly. Shaking someone’s hand for the first time after a disaster is never a good time to say “Hi, can I borrow something from you?”

Another barrier to connecting with others is our addiction to virtual life, where we stare at screens as a substitute for building actual human ties. Five hours on social media are five hours not having real conversations and nurturing real relationships, and you can’t get those back. I’m a little worried about how much of our lives take place online. We know fewer of our neighbors’ names and spend less time interacting with them. When technology stops working, that’s the moment when geography becomes destiny. You have to rely on what we call the “sneaker-net”: walking to a neighbor’s house, a store, or a distribution center. If you’ve already made local connections and built that social capital, then it will be easier to get mutual aid and information. You can quickly form a neighborhood patrol or crew to remove heavy debris. It’s dangerous to become over-reliant on virtual connections while ignoring the realities of day-to-day consciousness.

Get to know the shut-ins in your community. Organize block parties to get to know each other. Who is on oxygen? Is anyone confined to a wheelchair? Who has pets that will need care? The truth is, the first responders are us. After Katrina, it took almost six days until people were able to get food and water from the Red Cross. It took just as long for official responders to provide relief in the Kobe, Japan quake.

Before my own experience, I had thought of myself as a well-informed person. Then, over the next six months, I came to the realization that I had believed in the wrong model for disaster relief. FEMA and other agencies provide a great service, but their mission and scope is limited and often bare bones. True personal and community recovery doesn’t come from the top down, but from within. That vision only comes from people who are willing to talk, work, and cooperate with each other. We are the ones to help and save each other. If disaster should strike your community, may your story be one of people who had cohesion and experience working together beforehand, so that you will have strength when the storms come.

Dr. Aldrich is a full professor and Co-Director of the Resilience and Security Program at Northeastern University. He has authored five books, including “Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery”. The original version of this article (titled “Before the Storm”) was published in the Winter 2016 issue of HEALTH Magazine.

VOLUNTEER LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: AMERICAN RED CROSS

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

Volunteer Local Opportunities: American Red Cross by Itza Prieto, MPH, Community Disaster Program Manager

Narrated by Tina Hicks using AI-assisted voice.

Known worldwide for its dedication to humanitarian work, the Red Cross offers volunteers an opportunity to be part of an organization that truly changes lives, from local neighborhoods to other regions in need.

Volunteers can be found assisting in

disaster response

organizing blood drives

teaching preparedness classes

or supporting community initiatives.

Many volunteers work behind the scenes, helping manage resources or supporting fundraising efforts, while others engage directly with those in need, providing comfort and essential resources.

Red Cross volunteers gain valuable skills, like leadership, crisis management, and teamwork, all while joining a network of compassionate people dedicated to making a difference. Ultimately, it's about being there when it counts. If you’ve ever felt the urge to help and contribute to something larger than yourself, consider joining the Red Cross—it might just be one of the most fulfilling choices you ever make. Find out more and sign up at redcross.org/volunteer.

VOLUNTEER LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: SEARCH AND RESCUE

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

VOLUNTEER! LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES: Search & Rescue

Narrated by David Heaton using AI-assisted voice.

Utah search and rescue (SAR) teams embark on hundreds of missions every year. With steadily growing numbers of backcountry hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and snowmobilers, adventurers occasionally become lost, injured, or trapped. In these situations, volunteer search and rescue teams with special skills can be mobilized to get the job done.

Search and rescue scenarios include wilderness areas, mountains, avalanche fields, and bodies of water. SAR teams often rely on volunteers that are trained - or can be trained- in high-angle rope techniques, scuba diving, swift water rescue, K-9 operations, emergency medical services, and other specialties.

The goals of SAR missions are to rescue the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time; get the walking wounded and ambulatory survivors out first; rescue lightly trapped survivors next; and keep the rescuers and survivors safe.

Residents interested in joining their local search and rescue team should start by contacting their county sheriff’s office.

MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS

HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025
Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation

This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article.

The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode.

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

By Suz Roam, Southwest Utah MRC Coordinator

Narrated by Suz Roam using AI-assisted voice.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a nationwide volunteer organization that is usually sponsored by local public health agencies. We are medical and non-medical volunteers coming together to improve the health and safety of our communities. The Southwest Utah MRC covers Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, and Washington Counties. We support public health by training, educating, and deploying our volunteers to assist in emergencies and health-related events.

The need for the MRC became apparent after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when medical and public health professionals, eager to volunteer in support of emergency relief activities, found that there was no organized approach to channel their efforts. As a result, the MRC was established to provide a way to recruit, train, and activate medical and public health professionals, along with other volunteers, to respond to community health needs during disasters and other public health emergencies. Examples of activities that MRC volunteers participate in include:

• Emergency preparedness and response trainings and exercises

• Emergency shelter operations and medical care

• Disaster medical and behavioral health support

• Mass dispensing efforts (medication, water, other supplies)

• Disease testing and surveillance

• Community vaccination clinics

• Support services to disaster call centers, family assistance centers, and reception/evacuation centers

• Emergency operations center and communications support

• Patient movement support

• Disaster clean-up and recovery support

• First aid and medical support during large public gatherings

• Community education and outreach

Since you've worked hard in your career to master healthcare skills, volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps is an effective way to keep those skills current and useful. You’ll be part of an organized team that trains for response capabilities that bolsters local emergency planning while helping to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe, along with the most vulnerable members of your community.

Our MRC membership includes nurses, doctors, pharmacists, therapists, public health officials, and other professionals who are currently working in their fields or retired. Those without medical training can assist with administrative, logistics, and other essential support functions. Following registration and orientation, you’ll have the opportunity to join monthly trainings, annual conferences, and emergency response exercises. To register, go to UtahResponds.org.