FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If we have not answered your question here, please feel free to submit your question to timc@imert.org or call IMERT at (630)495-6403 X202.

Why join IMERT?

Have you ever watched terrorist events or devastating acts of nature on television and wondered what you could do to help?  Joining IMERT gives you the opportunity to collaborate with other medical professionals to assist those in need in our own state and nation.

What are the training requirements for team members?

Training and education requirements include completion of a Weapons of Mass Destruction/Mass Casualty educational session, National Incident Management System training, Incident Command System training, and an IMERT Boot Camp course.  Members must complete the required training courses and educational seminars within 1 year of becoming a team member.  Most training can be completed independently online.  After becoming a team member, individuals are required to attend 2 training sessions, educational events, and/or drills a year to remain active as an IMERT member.

Members:

Find online courses to meet most of your training requirements in the Online Training section.

More detailed required training information can be found in the Team Members section.

Register to attend an IMERT Boot Camp course in the Upcoming Events section.

Register to attend a regional educational and/or training session in the Team Members section.

What is the time commitment for team members?

You can give as much or as little time as you are able to trainings and drills.  To maintain active status on the team members are required to attend 2 training sessions and/or drills yearly. Additionally, members are required to commit to being available (on call) to be activated for 4 weeks per year. Individuals schedule call time according to their schedules.

What if a team member has a conflict during call time?

If a member is somehow unavailable or needs to be out of state during a call period, it is that individual members’ responsibility to contact the IMERT Office to arrange for a back up on call person.

How is a team member activated?

Each team member is required to maintain a text receiving wireless device (cellular phone/text pager/PDA) in order to receive activation and other notices from IMERT.  IMERT runs communications drills for new members to ensure text capabilities.

How does a team member get to the disaster site?

IMERT has established transportation assistance to get team members to the disaster site, including ground and, if necessary, air transportation. At the time of the incident IMERT will designate an assembly point for the team. It is the individual member’s responsibility to self transport to an assembly point . Secure parking for personal vehicles will be available at a team assembly point.  From the assembly point, IMERT will use the established transportion method to get the team members to the disaster site.

What if the disaster is in my area?

IMERT will not activate personnel within the area of the disaster. Teams from other regions of the state will be activated to assist in the affected region.

What do I do if I can no longer participate in IMERT?

You should notify the IMERT Office immediately, then return all equipment and uniforms issued to you by the team.