Leading a STM Medical Team

Mid Pre-Trip Tasks

Medical Supplies

Ordering medical supplies primarily falls within the scope of responsibility of the medical and nursing directors rather than the trip leader per se. However, it is the wise trip leader who remains aware of the progress toward the ordering and receipt of the medical supplies that will be needed for a successful trip. The trip leader should not be shy about pushing the medical folks to action. The entire process of making decisions about the exact drugs to be stocked and the other supplies to be carried with the team can stretch out over many weeks, especially once budgetary constraints are considered. The original "wish list" might require pruning, and this can result in much back and forth discussion with the national host, the medical director, the nursing director and you.

There are many sources of medicines which are specifically geared toward this type of mission work (see links below for two of the more popular ones). They do require that you complete an application certifying that the medicines will be used for humanitarian purposes. This can result in a delay of a week or more. Please begin the process early! In order to avoid panic at the last minute, this cannot be overemphasized.

Attention needs to be given to the team medical bag. This should be kept separately from the medicines used for patient care and this bag should be carried with the team physician everywhere. Illness or injury can occur anywhere along the way - even during your "day off"! Below is the link to a Team Bag Ideas list.

Included in the category "medical supplies" are those items that can ease the job of the providers in the field. Secretarial supplies such as pens, sharpies, paper, note cards, clipboards, etc. can make documentation much simpler. Plastic baggies for dispensing pills, little paper cups for patients to take their first dose of medicine, and cheap plastic table cloths to cover old tables all can be extremely useful. Hand sanitizer (lots of it) is always welcomed! Of course, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, a tape measure, and a scale can come in handy, depending upon the nature of the trip.

Gently reminding the medical and nursing director to get this done is your role in this facet. The medical people need to be the ones making the decisions. Having them decide who is ultimately in charge of this area might be helpful. It's easy to say, "I thought he (she) was doing it!" if things ultimately fall through the cracks. Having a weekly check-in call with the responsible person might help them stay on target.

Downloads or links available:

1. MAP International
2. Blessings International
3. Team Bag Ideas

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