Medical missions are rewarding because they offer an opportunity to be of use to underprivileged communities. More so, people with specialized skills get to gain hands-on experience by working out of their comfort zone. In return, they can get to see the world in a new light.
Before going on a medical mission, it is crucial to prepare for the trip. It ensures that the trip is a success and that the medical teams can provide relief and care to patients. Below are a few things to consider for a successful medical mission.
Plan Early
Anyone who’s planning for a medical mission needs time to gear up. To ensure that there is ample time, always begin planning at least six months before the mission. This helps to assess all travel warnings and alerts for the destination.
Likewise, during this time, one should contact the local organizations to understand the regulations. Approaching the ministry of health and the embassy can also help obtain an invitation letter to the destination country.
When traveling to another country, everyone on the medical mission should have a valid passport and paperwork. Furthermore, it would help if you had routine vaccinations and extra vaccinations like rabies, polio, hepatitis, and typhoid.
Choose What to Take
If the medical mission is long or short term, one must know what they need for the mission’s success. To begin with, everyone needs to have clothes that will work depending on the weather, climate, and cultural norms. Besides, don’t forget to carry something that abides by the healthcare regulations.
When packing clothes, remember to have something durable, quick-drying, and lightweight. Furthermore, the entire medical team ought to have some scrubs. On the other hand, accessories and footwear are crucial depending on the destination.
A good rule of thumb is to carry bandanas, sunglasses, hats, and gloves. These can help anyone brave any extreme weather conditions that they might encounter. Furthermore, having a pair of each ensures that everyone ends up comfortable. Additional accessories to consider include:
- Waterproof shoes
- Shower shoes
- Sandals
- Trekking boots
- Sneakers
When attending a medical mission, one should consider these tips for the mission’s success. They can help anyone have some peace of mind and focus more on their volunteer work.