Medical Reserve Corps
A medical reserve corps (MRC) is team of volunteers who help in times of emergency or a public health disaster. Radiation Response Volunteers (RRV) is one of more than a dozen Colorado MRCs. In the event of a radiation emergency, our role is to set up and operate a Community Reception Center (CRC).
At a CRC, people and pets who have come into contact with radioactive materials are screened with specialized radiation detection equipment and decontaminated using appropriate methods. People may be referred for follow-up care or other services as needed.
Our volunteers also partner with other Colorado MRCs to coordinate delivery of emergency services to the community.
What You Can Do In a Radiation Emergency
If you are outside, cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth, or towel. This can help reduce the amount of harmful particles you breathe and minimize your internal contamination. Click here for video instructions.
Versions of this picture translated into other languages is available here.
You should seek cover. Leave the area or get inside a building and take shelter there for a period of time. The walls of buildings and your home can block much harmful radiation. Cars do not provide good protection from radioactive material. Click here for video instructions.
Versions of this picture translated into other languages is available here.
If you can, carefully remove your outer layer of clothing before entering the building or your home. Radioactive dust or mud can settle on your clothing and your body. Gently wash with water the parts of your body that were uncovered when you were outside. Then put on clean clothing, if available. This action is called "self decontamination". It will help limit your radiation exposure and keep radioactive material from spreading to others. Click here for video instructions.
Versions of this picture translated into other languages is available here.
As officials learn more about the emergency, they will communicate the latest information and safety instructions to the public. Stay tuned to the news, official social media accounts or the radio. Local emergency officials will provide instructions on what you should do next to keep you and your family safe.