Supplies
This is a general list for reference. Always check with your host for site-specific variations in supplies requirements.
- Must have: ID and Regular Passport
Keep your passport on your body at all times. Sleep with it. - Must have: Contact names, addresses and phone numbers.
Have a clear communication plan for where, when and how to meet on first arrival, with contingencies for early departure, late arrival and missed contacts. - Bottled water and water purifier/tablets
- Food (for 2 meals a day if your sponsor cannot provide)
- Snack bars/energy bars
- A thermapad or a lightweight sleeping bag and pillow to sleep on
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable shoes you could walk 5 miles in.
- Broad spectrum antibiotic for treating intestinal disorders
- Malaria pills (start taking 2 weeks prior to your deployment)
- Mosquito netting
- Strongest anti-mosquito liquid that you can find (DEET is best)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Flashlight for power outages in hotel/accommodations.
- Only essential jewelry (wristwatch)
- US dollars and money belt
- Towel
- Notepad and pens
- Ziploc bags
- Duct tape
- Cup/bowl/flatware – plenty of plasticware available at some sites. Ask your host.
- Toilet paper
- Work gloves
- Translator is a must.
- AT&T cell phones work in Haiti. AT&T still has a "Haiti plan" offering reduced data text and voice rate in the country. They will activate it instantly and they are willing to pro-rate it for part of a month. Check with your wireless provider if your phone/Blackberry will work onsite.
- Medical supplies—everything from disinfectant and bandages to operating room supplies and surgical equipment. Check with your host for site-specific needs.
- Eye protection
- Masks
- OR shoes
- Shoe covers
- Headlight like used for camping. Operating rooms are often dark or rely on natural light, and power cuts are routine.
- Disinfecting wipes
- Self-drilling pins (conical pins are not ideal in an environment with no X-ray equipment)
- Appropriate screwdriver to feel cortex
- External fixator and wrenches.
- Dressing materials – may vary by location. Ask your host.
- Heparin (a lot of pulmonary emboli patients)
- Rechargeable shop drill
- Cleaning gel
