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Organization Spotlight - February 2006

In 1996, the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program (MMRS) was created in response to the Sarin gas attack on Tokyo mass transit and the Oklahoma City Bombing. It is currently housed in the Department of Homeland Security.

The mission of MMRS is to assist highly populated areas develop plans, conduct training and exercises, and acquire necessary resources to maximize response to a mass casualty event caused by a weapons of mass destruction terrorist act. It also increases the preparedness of jurisdictions for a mass casualty event caused by hazardous materials, an epidemic disease outbreak, or a natural disaster. For example, MMRS is involved in reviewing and updating guidance revisions for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

The program supports each of the 124 jurisdictions’ activities to increase its response capabilities. This requires coordination of various aspects of emergency response such as first responders, medical treatment resources, public health, emergency management, volunteer organizations, private sector, and other local elements to aid the public in a mass casualty event. It also requires planning integration with neighboring jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, and enhanced mutual aid.

MMRS has 12 MMRS Capability Focus Areas, which include the following:

Strengthen Medical Surge
Strengthen Mass Prophylaxis
Strengthen CBRNE Detection, Response, and Decontamination Capabilities
Strengthen Interoperable Communication Capabilities
Strengthen Information Sharing and Collaboration Capabilities
Expand Regional Collaboration
Triage and Pre-Hospital Treatment
Medical Supplies Management and Distribution
Mass Care (Sheltering, Feeding, and Related Services)
Emergency Public Information and Warning
Fatality Management
Volunteer Management and Donations

MRC units are a key source for volunteers and have the capability to provide assistance in the MMRS focus areas to support a mass casualty event. Therefore, MMRS jurisdictions are encouraged to establish and support MRC units that are within their areas. As of FY06, local MRC units can receive funding of up to $25,000 per MMRS jurisdiction.

For additional information, please visit the MMRS Web site.

Last Updated on 10/19/2006