Disaster Health Services Responder- Northern Ohio Region

Disaster Health Services Responder

Disaster Health Services Responders are licensed healthcare professionals who provide hands-on health support to individuals and families affected by disasters. Volunteers may serve in disaster shelters locally or during larger regional or national disaster responses.

What volunteers do:

• Provide basic hands-on care, including wound care, assistance with daily living and functional needs
• Conduct health assessments and determine when a higher level of care is needed
• Help clients replace medications, medical equipment and medical supplies lost or left behind during a disaster
• Provide health education and advocate for clients' healthcare needs
• Support maternal and child health needs when necessary
• Complete approximately 9 hours of required training

Who can volunteer:

Volunteers must be 18 or older and have a current, unencumbered license as an:

• RN, LPN or LVN
• EMT or Paramedic
• MD or DO
• Physician Assistant
• Nurse Practitioner or APRN

Commitment: Approximately 1 to 5 hours per month for general participation. During an active disaster response or deployment, volunteers may sign up for 8 or 12-hour shifts on consecutive days.

Additional requirements: Background check required.