After so many natural disasters and emergency situations experienced in different parts of the world in 2018, it is a good idea to review the different ways you can help in times of crisis.
There are a number of ways to help-from joining response teams, to disaster training and donating time or resources- check out this DVM360 article, “4 Ways Technicians Can Help When Disaster Strikes” to get informed and inspired to help!
In light of recent disasters, like the wildfires and tornados, Firstline received requests for information on how technicians could help. We contacted contributor Tiah Schwartz, CVT, EMT, from Portland, Ore., to give us the scoop. She says first you must determine which type of position you’re looking for (volunteer, paid, full-time or part-time). Then search the Internet to see if your state has a response team. “For example, I’m on the Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team (OVERT),” says Schwartz. “It’s a volunteer position. However, if your state participates in an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) with other states, veterinary technicians may be paid for their time when deployed to a disaster.” EMAC, by definition, is a congressionally ratified organization that provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid.