Become a GP Volunteer
Our region is prone to a variety of disasters and emergencies which at time force residents to evacuate their homes to designated evacuation centres. We maintain a register of GPs willing to assist in a disaster or emergency situation. These GPs would be contacted in the event of a disaster to provide medical assistance at a designated emergency evacuation centre.
In all disaster situations, it is acknowledged that GPs are often members of the same community and can therefore be impacted at a personal level by the disaster. Expressed availability is therefore voluntary and continually assessed throughout the disaster/emergency situation.
The GP would medically assess people attending an evacuation location, on an as-needs basis, and may provide:
- Prescriptions for medications
- Basic first aid as needed
- Psychological first aid
- Referral to a GP practice or the nearest Hospital Emergency Department
- Referral of patients to other responders on site
- Brief written event summary of patients treated
What is provided?
- Pre-Emergency Information and training opportunities
- A high-visibility tabard (vest) with ‘Doctor’ emblazoned on the back
- Resource Kit with basic clinical supplies at each evacuation centre. It is expected that GPs bring their own doctors bag including stethoscope and script pad
- Debriefing session at an appropriate time following the incident
I’m interested in volunteering, what next?
- Complete the online form below.
- You will receive a Pre-Emergency Information Pack with the resources you need.
- In the event of a disaster, you may be contacted by the PHN to fill shifts at Emergency Evacuation Centre/s.
- Once at the Emergency Evacuation Centre, further direction will be provided.
For questions, contact our Disaster and Emergency Coordinator via email or call 4708 8100.
