Deployment Personal Preparedness | Mary Ellen Winterhalter and Libet Streiff

For National Preparedness Month, Mary Ellen Winterhalter interviewed Libet Streiff. Here are the seven questions posed and Libet’s responses when considering and preparing for an emergency response deployment.

Question 1

What steps do you take in advance to ensure you are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice?

I have a separate small suitcase in which I store my general deployment supplies – mostly pre-packed and ready to go.

• Prepare/update a packing list ahead of time (varies related to organization and type/location/season of the disaster).
• Commit to/sign up for a block of time you’re available, when possible, and keep that time open (even if you don’t initially get contacted to deploy).
• Well before deployment, discuss possible needs while away with friends/neighbors/family.
• Have the post office hold mail if no one else will be home to collect it.
• Set up an automated payment schedule for regular bills.
• Have at least 2 weeks of medication set aside to grab and go, if needed.
• Keep a separate set of charging cords/plugs/thumb drive/power bank for travel.
• Back up laptop every week or two and if you take it, keep it with you (in a daypack – same for your cellphone).

Question 2

What types of emergency supplies do you take with you on a deployment?

• N95 respirators (masks).
• Nitrile gloves (ones that fit my little hands 🖐️).
• Stethoscope & automated blood pressure machine (for when it’s noisy).
• Insect repellent.
• Sunscreen.
• First aid kit + tourniquet, shears, Sharpie.
• Sleep sack & pillowcase (ear plugs).
• Nuts & dried fruit – so there is always something I like to eat.
• LifeStraw/water filtration (likely not needed but makes me feel better).
• Hat for sun &/or rain.
• Lightweight rain jacket (with hood).

Question 3

Does your Go Bag differ based on the incident you are responding to, and if so, how?

• Somewhat – related to the weather and type of disaster, etc. Also, varies with the assignment (what you’re likely to be doing – healthcare, sheltering, staff health, reunification, community outreach, etc.).
• Uniforms vary.
• Also, what you need to take is different if you’re in a staff shelter, a hotel room, or need to camp out.

Question 4

How do you personally handle the mental/emotional stress of a deployment?

• Try to get enough sleep (always bring/use ear plugs).
• Get some kind of exercise. Remember, it’s not safe to walk everywhere. Finding a walking ‘buddy’ helps.
• Make time to eat dinner with co-workers, when possible.
• Avoid eating junk (when possible).
• A few minutes of meditation can help a lot.

Question 5

What actions do you take when you return from a deployment that help you reintegrate into your ‘normal’ life?

• Taking the day off after deployment to rest (& do laundry) plus readjust to the time zone, if needed.
• Soak in a bath.
• Try to catch up on sleep.
• Vent with colleagues/friends (ideally before leaving the disaster) so you don’t take that home.
• Water the plants.
• Know it may take a week or two to feel ‘back to normal.’

Questions 6

What skills do you have that you think contribute to making you such a valuable responder for both the MRC and the Red Cross?

• Have adequate training.
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Maintain an interest in learning (always).
• LISTEN – especially before speaking.
• Take changes in stride – expect them – because what you were told you would be doing may be something completely different from what you end up doing.
• Keep the ego in check. It’s okay if the most competent person isn’t in charge. 😉

Question 7

Do you have any final advice for someone who may be deploying for the first time?

• Be sure you’ve had the required training to do your job. Just-in-time training is great, but it doesn’t replace basic knowledge.
• Check to be sure the hardships of the disaster are compatible with your situation/health/needs (Example: Avoid a wildfire response - or deploy virtually - if you have respiratory challenges like asthma.).
• Only take what you can carry in one trip.
• Remember to take your badge & print out/take your deployment instructions.
• Take only the minimum/simplest jewelry (like a single ring and/or one pair of earrings). Nothing ‘flashy.’
• Take only valuables you can carry with you all day (or night) – like a laptop or iPad or cellphone.
• Consider taking more underwear than you think you will need – be prepared to do laundry in your sink.
• If you don’t know what Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap is, it’s biodegradable, cleans in cold water, works for handwashing, too.
• Be sure your shoes/boots are broken in & comfortable. More than one pair is ideal.
• Consider not wearing red because it’s a trigger for some people, especially in a mass casualty situation.
• If you can, find a buddy with experience and learn with them.
• Ask any questions you have. Don’t pretend you know something you don’t.
• Keep a positive attitude. Remember why you’re doing this.
• As you know, deployment is not a vacation, but you still are allowed to have a little fun.
• Congratulations on doing something to make the world a little better.

As a SERV-OR volunteer Libet Streiff is a member of the State Managed Volunteer Pool (SMVP) and multiple Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units. She has three decades of primary care experience in public health including a community health care center family practice. Her well-rounded family-care background includes women’s health/prenatal care, pediatrics, chronic disease management, and health education. She holds degrees from Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan. She most enjoys providing services to and for women and children who might not otherwise receive top-quality care. She has worked in Guatemala with Nuevas Sonrisas, a pediatric oral health team, where she served as Health Officer for several years. Libet was on the executive board of the Washington County Medical Reserve Corps and regularly volunteers with several Oregon MRC units and the American Red Cross (providing disaster healthcare, working in staff wellness, and emergency preparedness), and is an active local CERT member. She has provided care with the Clackamas Free Clinic-Volunteers in Medicine (formerly known as the Founders Clinic) since 2016. Libet enjoys travel, art, music, languages, volunteer work, and spending time with friends and family, especially outdoors.