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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Recent Earthquakes

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

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

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

10. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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.