Disaster Response: Should We Be Involved? Presented By: Mitch Duininck, MD

Disaster Defined Definition of a Disaster – An event causing widespread chaos, destruction and distress which frequently overwhelms the ability of the local population to deal with; a complex humanitarian catastrophe

Types of Disasters Natural – floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, climate shifts Manmade – war, genocide, bombings, terrorism, bioterrorism, chemical terrorism Travel – airlines, trains, mass transit, ships Disease – infectious agents

High Risk Locations Developing Countries - poor communications, poor roads, poor health care, low literacy and education Densely Populated Regions – Central, South, Southeast Asia, Africa, Central America Mountainous Regions Coastal Regions Politically Unstable Regions

Recent Earthquakes

Why Go? Relieve Pain and Suffering Isolated Areas and People Groups Access to Closed Countries Establish Relationships with Underserved Populations and Organizations

Why Go? Support Organizations Working in the Disaster Area Tremendous Openness to Assistance During Times of Distress Medical Care Highly Sought After in Disasters

Why Not Go? Too expensive Too dangerous Too difficult physically and emotionally Inadequate training and preparation Ineffective for outreach Inconvenient - job, family, schedule, etc.

Team Requirements Physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually fit Previous international health and travel experience Financial resources Local national organizations (hospital, church, government, etc.) to collaborate with – logistics, support, translators, housing, etc.

Preparation Appropriate team members Support team at home Knowledge of local customs, language, politics, climate Medical knowledge and training

Preparation BLS/CPR/ACLS ATLS BDLS/ADLS/CDLS First Responder/First Aid/Emergency Responder – Red Cross Wilderness Survival Course

Opportunities Medical clinics Working in IDP camps Working in local medical facilities Assisting in surveys of medical needs Community reconciliation

Pitfalls Not well prepared physically, mentally, medically, spiritually Going solo Partners/family not supportive Interactions with other relief organizations

Organizations UNHCR – United Nations High Commision for Refugees UNICEF WHO – World Health Organization Red Cross USAID

Organizations Doctors Without Borders Oxfam World Vision Samaritan’s Purse Operation Blessing

Keys to Success Being well prepared; team structure Working with likeminded organizations Incredible flexibility and unity of team Daily personal and team support and debriefing Having reasonable goals and expectations

Keys to Success Committed support team Cross cultural and interpersonal communication skill Re-entry planning and support

From everyone to whom much is given, much is required. Summary If not now – when? Tremendous opportunity! Significant challenges! If not us – who? From everyone to whom much is given, much is required.