Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vermont Department of Health and what does it do during an emergency?
The Vermont Department of Health provides essential health promotion and disease prevention services across 12 district offices and partners with local health care providers, voluntary agencies, schools, businesses and community organizations. These outreach efforts are necessary for monitoring health needs within Vermont communities and help us all work toward solutions.
In the current global climate, a major threat can surface any time and anywhere. We are prepared to respond to public health emergencies here in Vermont. It may be smallpox, SARS, or another infectious disease, a dirty bomb, or an attack on a water system. Communication planning, practice drills, and collaboration with many Vermont public service agencies strengthens our ability to effectively assist and protect the public.
How much time will I need to spend in order to be a volunteer?
We recommend that volunteers take a short (approximately 45 minute) training prior to or shortly after registering with the Vermont Department of Health.
After this initial training, volunteers can choose their level of involvement in the volunteer program. Some volunteers may choose to take additional trainings and take on additional roles in the volunteer program. Others may choose only to view the introductory training.
When would the Health Department hold an emergency clinic?
The department would hold an emergency clinic when there is a disease outbreak that has occurred naturally or through a bioterrorism attack.
What happens at a Health Department emergency clinic?
Medication at emergency clinics are distributed to prevent people from getting sick. Vaccinations and oral medicines (antibiotics) are provided during an emergency. A health care professional will review medication history for potential reactions, and clinic staff will provide information about the medication and answer questions.
Why does the Health Department need volunteers for clinics?
The Health Department has well-trained staff who plan and set up emergency clinics, but needs help from volunteers to fully staff the clinics so Vermonters quickly get the medication they need. The role of volunteers is vital to ensure the efficient distribution of medication in a time of crisis.
Are these clinics for sick people to receive treatment?
No. The emergency clinics are for people who have been exposed to the disease but do not have symptoms. People who are sick will go to a hospital or other health care facility for treatment.
What will be done to protect me and my family from catching the disease?
Your safety is our top priority. As volunteers, you and your family will be given medications to protect you from possible harm before you begin your volunteer duties. We will also provide you with any necessary personal protective equipment (such as gloves or masks).
What kind of duties would volunteers have at an emergency clinic?
Volunteers are essential in emergency clinics and can perform many different duties, depending on the skills of the volunteer and the needs of the clinic. Duties that volunteers could have include:
- traffic and parking control
- greeting at the entrance of clinic
- handing out forms, or helping people fill out forms
- collecting forms at the end of clinic
- group education or answering questions at an education station
- handing out medications
- restocking supplies
- assisting clients with special needs through the clinic
- answering questions on a telephone information line
You will be provided with all the training and materials you need to do any tasks that you are assigned.
I am a currently licensed health care provider. Will I be called upon to perform medical duties during the clinic?
Maybe – and only if you decide that's what you want to do. The Health Department will review the credentials of all licensed health care providers. After you are properly credentialed, you can - if you choose - perform medical duties (such as medical screening, distributing medications, or reconstituting suspensions) at a clinic. We will provide medical staff with the necessary training and equipment. Credentialed, trained medical professionals will be a tremendous asset that can directly save lives and ease suffering. Clinically trained volunteers are among the state's most valuable resources in a crisis.
I used to be a licensed health care provider. Will I be called upon to perform medical duties during an emergency?
If you are not a currently licensed clinician, probably not. During an emergency, though, the governor may allow persons without a current license to work in medical capacities, such as distributing bottles of pills to individuals or reconstituting pediatric suspensions. Additionally, there are other duties, such as performing contact tracing or simple triage where having a health care background will be helpful.
How will I know when and where to go during the emergency?
In an emergency, we will notify you as to where and when you should report as a volunteer. For your safety, it is important for you to wait for us to contact you and not to “show up” at a clinic site. The volunteer program should always have up-to-date contact information so that we know how to reach you.
How am I protected from liability and by workers compensation during the time I am a VERV volunteer?
During the 2005-2006 Vermont Legislative session, Title 20 was amended to clarify and include liability and worker compensation claims for those persons who are volunteers for the state, when they are training for or responding to a public health event or emergency. If you would like additional information about liability and workers compensation, please read the document below:
I would like to receive additional training. Where can I find resources to learn more?
We suggest that you start by viewing the VERV website which provides links to additional resources. For further training, you can contact verv@vdh.state.vt.us to discuss more options. We will notify you, and encourage you to participate in drills or exercises that will strengthen our emergency preparedness. The drills - though infrequent - provide realistic tests of our readiness and will reveal weaknesses that need to be addressed. Expanding the knowledge of individual volunteers is a key element of building and implementing an emergency response plan.
I would like to be involved, but do not want additional training. What is the minimum I have to do to stay involved?
We understand that many volunteers are busy and unable to devote many hours to training and participation in exercises or drills. After the initial recommended training, we do not require any additional training sessions. We will let you know of any drills or exercises if you would like to participate, but this is not required. For more information about training please go to this link - http://healthvermont.gov/emerg/verv/resources.aspx
I already volunteer with the American Red Cross (or other volunteer organization). Can I also volunteer for the Vermont Department of Health?
Yes. When you register, we ask you to list other volunteer organizations that might call you during an emergency situation. On the Volunteer Registration form, please be as specific as possible about when you think you will be available during an emergency to help the Vermont Department of Health. We are also working with other volunteer organizations to coordinate volunteer activities so that we can best use the talents of people who want to help during an emergency.
I go away for the winter. Can I still volunteer?
Yes. When you register, please tell us if there are times that you will not be available. We will record this information and only call on you during the times that you say you are available.
I have moved. How can I update my contact information?
You can update your contact information on the VERV registration site - http://vthan.org/volunteermobilizer or by emailing verv@vdh.state.vt.us
I cannot stand for long periods of time or lift heavy objects. Can I still volunteer?
Absolutely. We have a volunteer position that works for everyone. Please let us know if there are any activities that will not work for you and we will find a more appropriate role.
How can I get more information about the volunteer program?
Our website provides additional information about the volunteer program, a list of training opportunities, and tools for registering for the program. You can also receive these materials through the mail and find out information about in-person orientation sessions in your area by emailing verv@vdh.state.vt.us