Deployment Pitfalls and Lessons from USNS Comfort: A Candid Look at Humanitarian Missions

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Join Derrick Tin, disaster medicine specialist and Harvard faculty member, in this eye-opening World Extreme Medicine webinar on the realities of humanitarian deployments. Drawing from his experiences aboard the USNS Comfort and other missions, Tin offers a candid perspective on:

Pre-deployment pitfalls and essential preparation strategies.
Physical and psychological risks in austere environments.
The gap between romanticised notions and real-world challenges of humanitarian work.
Navigating complex mission goals and potential moral injuries.
Critical importance of situational awareness and risk mitigation.
Post-deployment considerations and mental health support.
Ethical considerations and accountability in humanitarian missions.

Whether you’re an aspiring humanitarian worker, seasoned professional, or simply interested in the complexities of disaster response, this webinar provides invaluable insights into the often-overlooked challenges of deployment. Learn how to approach humanitarian missions with a more informed and realistic perspective. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of humanitarian work from an experienced practitioner!

More Information

Length: 49m

Guests: Derrick Tin

Host: Eoin Walker

Categories: Humanitarian & Disaster Medicine

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common pre-deployment pitfalls and develop strategies for thorough preparation, including personal risk assessment and due diligence.

2. Critically evaluate the credentialing and onboarding processes of humanitarian organisations, recognising potential red flags and areas for improvement.

3. Explain the importance of understanding mission goals and how they can impact personal expectations and experiences during deployment.

4. Describe the potential for moral injury in humanitarian missions and strategies to mitigate its impact.

5. Analyse the complexities of risk assessment in austere environments and develop personal strategies for enhancing situational awareness.

6. Compare and contrast the approaches of different organisations to deployment preparation and support, identifying best practices and areas for improvement.

7. Discuss the challenges of maintaining professional standards and accountability in humanitarian settings.

8. Evaluate the current state of mental health support in humanitarian deployments and identify areas for improvement in pre-, peri-, and post-deployment care.

9. Explain the concept of ‘expecting the unexpected’ in humanitarian missions and develop strategies for adaptability and resilience.

10. Critically assess the role of social media and public relations in humanitarian missions and their potential impact on mission dynamics.

11. Discuss the legal and ethical considerations surrounding medical practice in humanitarian settings, including issues of indemnity and accountability.

12. Develop a personal framework for deciding whether to accept a deployment opportunity, considering individual goals, risk tolerance, and ethical considerations.

13. Explain the importance of mentorship and professional networks in navigating the challenges of humanitarian work.

14. Identify potential sources of support and resources for addressing physical and psychological challenges during and after deployment.