Personal Gear

Not all deployment will require field living conditions. However, a significant possibility exists that you will be required to "rough-it" for an extended period. Many disaster situations will cause a lack of power, safe food and water, sewage, garbage removal, and proper housing. Preparing the team to survive and operate in these conditions is a must for at least 3 days. After the three day period, supplies such as food, water and medicine should be adequately resupplied by the MSU of the Public Health Service. It is of utmost importance that the team care for its own. A team member sick from improper food or water will do the team no good and will add additional burdens on the team.The NDMS has established a minimum Personal Equipment List or PEL that all teams have been provided. This is considered part of their basic load of equipment and all members should already have a copy. If you don't already have this list, get it! Many of the list items are critical while other items are just plain good to have. Use this list as a check list for maintaining your personal gear. Have your gear, if possible, packed and ready to go.

  • Gear Containment
  • Bag-in-Bag
  • General Items
  • Warm Weather
  • Cold Weather
  • Shoes and boots
  • Canteens




    • Gear Containment

    There are many way to transport your gear. The military use two basic personal bags. The duffel bag carries a great deal of equipment. Some duffel bags have shoulder straps and/or compartments. Flight bags are also a good choice. Backpacks allow for good separation of and organization of equipment but may not carry as much as the duffel bag. Some backpacks convert into travel bags, such as the Jansports China Clipper. Hard packs and suitcase have been used but are not as flexible in their use. Whatever you use, make sure that you put your name and team identification on it. Use permanent markers so that it can be seen from a distance. This will help you in sorting out your equipment from others. Water proof your gear by putting items into ziplock bags. Don't stop with one bag though, double bag items as water will find any little holes that have found their way into your bags. You can pack a days change of cloths into a large bag. Yes, bags can be bought that are twelve inches square. Carry extra bags with you as you will find many uses for them.



    Bag-in-Bag System

    Packing smaller bags then putting them into your large bags allow you to organize you supplies. These smaller bags can be used to keep similar items together. Keep items in water resistant bags. If you have to pull supplies out of a duffel bag looking for an item, if items are contained and organized well, they will go back into the back easily.



    General Items

    You may also place items of complete changes in a single bag such as; Shirt, pants, socks,underwear. Nylon stuff bags from any camping outlet are very useful in organizing personal gear for your pack. Don't forget the nylon mesh laundry type bag. Damp clothing can hang and air out instead of clumped on the floor.



    Warm Weather

    To this point in time, DMAT missions have been conducted in warm to hot weather. Almost all deployments to hurricanes have resulted in hot steamy weather once the storm had moved out. The heat is so intense that night crews trying to sleep during the day found it very difficult. Medical services conducted in tents found the hot muggy weather hard to deal with. Team members must watch for heat related illness among its members. Efficiency will also fall greatly. Evaporation of sweat is an ally and is enhanced by loose,. light colored clothing. Cotton and cotton blends wick moisture well and are desirable.Keep in mind the following:



    Cold Weather

    While it is true that most DMAT deployments have been in mild to hot weather, it is possible that a team

    could deploy in cold weather conditions. Exposed skin releases the largest amount of heat. The head and neck need the most attention as this is where most heat lost occurs. Wet skin and clothing can increase heat loss dramatically. Contact with damp clothing can result in an increase of 15% in heat losses while evaporation of wet clothing can increase the heat loss another 20%. Moving air on body surfaces also increases heat loss. Things to remember about preparing for cold weather are:

    It is extremely important that you select a sleeping bag rated for the temperatures that you will encounter. Mummy bags may be more restrictive, but they are much better in temperatures below30 degrees. The colder the weather the more insulation thickness you will need. Down is unmatched in efficiency, but man-made insulators, such as Hollofil II, do much better if they get wet.



    Shoes and Boots

    When you are on your feet a lot, a good pair of boots or shoes are a must. Protect your feet with boots that have ankle protection, good tread, and thick soles. You need to change you socks often and increasingly if you sweat a lot. I prefer wool, but as many people don't care for the scratchy feel, a good cotton sock may be your best choice.



    Canteens

    Your canteen needs to be with you or at hand most of the time. It is an important part of your supply system. To keep it with you, use a pistol type belt with a military style canteen. You can keep you canteen cup and canteen in the canteen cover. Remember to keep only water in the canteen as the acid in juices and drinks may react with the metal. Always clean it before you use it for the first time. Start with a teaspoon of bleach in water. Let the canteen sit full for at least 5 minuets. Drain then wash thoroughly with soap and water and rinse with hot water. Clean once more at the end of the deployment. Try to keep the inside as well as the outside clean as it sits in your cup. The fleece of the cover can be wetted with water which will help cool the canteen through evaporation.



    Field Living

    Safety

    Practicing safety is important to deployments that require field living. Each member is responsible for their own safety as well as being aware of potential problems which may affect their team mates. Here are few items to remember: