PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING AND CHECK

TRIP BRIEFING CHECKLIST

The Team Leader must provide a trip/mission briefing before each trip to the field.

The pre-departure briefing must cover:

Where you are going.
Why you are going.
How you will get there (route details and stops).
The risks on route and at the destination.
What is expected from you in case of accident or incident.
The communication plan and how to use the equipment (radios, phone, etc.).
The supplies and equipment you need to bring.
Your role and responsibilities.

Remember! Express your concerns and ask questions. The more you know the safer you and your colleagues will be.

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Make sure everything works before you go.

You should do a pre-departure check at least an hour before you depart. Here is a list of things you should check whether you are going by road, boat or chartered aircraft.

Confirm that the fuel, equipment and standard safety checks have been completed, as detailed in the IFRC fleet manual.
Test communications equipment.
Check that first aid and emergency supplies are packed.
Update the mission order if there are last-minute changes to the route, timing or passengers.
Check that all passengers have the identification, equipment and supplies they are supposed to bring.
Make sure that someone has been designated as team leader for the mission and that everyone is aware of who it is.
Ensure that you have the necessary travel permits and documentation to pass through checkpoints.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DRIVER

You life may depend on it.

Field missions tend to be hard on drivers. Long drives, poor road conditions, traffic and bad weather, etc. can quickly exhaust drivers and make them more susceptible to accidents.

Drivers should take breaks frequently, especially in challenging driving conditions and when driving in higher-risk areas. We recommend taking a short driving break at least every 2 hours. Make sure to plan this into your schedule.
The driver must be able to take proper meal breaks to maintain energy.
Passengers should assist the driver with navigation, communication and to spot risks along the way. Passengers must play an active role on field missions.