Preparing yourself for an ERU Mission

Disaster response missions always come when they are least expected - that's the nature of disasters. In order for you to deploy within a few days or sometimes hours, you need to be prepared. Below are some basic instructions of what you need to have ready in order to be deployed, as well as some suggestions on how to prepare.

WHAT YOU MUST HAVE READY:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months; make sure this is uploaded to your REST profile.
• An international driver's license. For more information, go to www.autoliitto.fi. The license costs around 40 €/year. Save the receipt, you will be reimbursed when you go on a mission.
• Basic vaccinations up-to-date. Note that some for some vaccinations multiple shots are required over a certain period of time (A & B hepatitis take 6 months, for example).
• If you are deploying as a health professional: educational diplomas and licenses to practice medicine (from Valvira). They are needed to apply for permission to work in the country of assignment. Make sure you have these on your REST profile.

THESE DOCUMENTS ARE MANDATORY TO BE ABLE TO DEPLOY!

PRACTICAL HINTS:

• Make sure that you have what you need in terms of field equipment (shoes/rubber boots, suitable clothes, flashlights) ready. From us you'll get t-shirts, an ERU west, first aid kit, mosquito net.
• Discuss your availability with your employer and explain in detail what an ERU / Rapid Response deployment is about as soon as you enter the Reserve or change jobs. This helps in a situation where you ask for a leave for quick deployment.

Ideas what to pack
(These are just suggestions and depend on the context; in the end, it's your responsibility to pack everything you might need)

• Ear plugs
• Sleep mask
• Backpack or some other small bag for daily use
• Headlamp and spare batteries
• Swiss army knife or a similar pocket multi-tool
• Cable ties and some thin robe (e.g. for hanging laundry)
• Lock for your bag
• Slippers/flip flops
• Sleeping bag (suitable for local temperatures)
• Towel
• Washing bag (handy when sharing public washing facilities)
• Pillowcase
• Adapter (check before what sort of outlets there are!)
• Music, TV series, movies downloaded on your phone
• A book or two
• Water bottle (for hot and cold drinks)
• Protein bars and/or non-perishable comfort food; plastic boxes to keep them safe
• Good shoes (sneakers, trekking boots, work shoes)
• Rubber boots in rainy areas
• Sunscreen lotion
• Mosquito repellent
• Hand disinfectant
• Medical kit (first aid and personal medication)
• Personal hygiene items
• Clothes for different kind of events and climates (field, casual, smart depending on the mission)
• Chewing gum
• Wet wipes

If you have more practical hints or want to share how you are prepared for disaster response missions, please email recruitment@redcross.fi so we can share your ideas!