This list is based on a Region V list prepared by Sue Atwood and Mike Gedert and a list prepared by DMORT (in 2000) together with some personalsuggestions from Frank & Julie Saul based on 40+ years of field work in Central America.

You should prepare for a minimum of 2 weeks, but one week more is suggested.

BASIC DEPLOYMENT PACK

*A backpack that can remain with you at all times if need be.
*A larger bag (we prefer a rolling duffel ­ 30² or less in length) that can be left at the ³lodging² location or DMORT base of operations.
* Your DMORT photo ID card on lanyard or in DMORT card holder.
* Enough cash for at least 2 weeks (ATMıs may not be available) and a few credit cards.
* Uniforms (One ³blouse²/jacket [with appropriate patches], several
sets of trousers, multiple green T-shirts
* Belt
* Hat for protection from sun
* Underwear and socks.
* Lightweight leather gloves
* Boots (steel shank) and other footwear (broken in prior to deployment).
* Heavy duty rain suit jacket and trousers Goretex or similar if possible.
* Small or medium size flashlight and extra batteries.
* Any prescription medications (3 weeks supply in original containers with label)
* Spare eyeglasses.
* Watch
* Laxatives, anti-diarrhea medications, pain relief medication (Tylenol,Ibuprofen, etc) vitamins ­ especially multi.
* Toiletries including soap.
* Towel (that very thin very absorbent type for campers if possible ­ otherwise bring an old one) and washcloth.
* Detergent for washing clothing (there may be no laundry facilities)
* Small first aid kit.
* Sun screen
* Insect repellant ­ sprays have previously been mentioned but they may not be ³legal² on aircraft. We use Ultrathon cream (3M) but there are others with DEET and there is something new that is less ³toxic² than DEET, but we canıt remember what it is Try for something that is good for 12 hours like Ultrathon or at least 8 hours.
* Foot powder and baby powder (for chafing)
* Casual clothes and shoes
* Lightweight laundry bag
* Several large garbage bags for excessively dirty laundry ­ these are also useful for putting your stuff in when shipping your stuff in your duffel bag sometimes bags are left out in the rain on tarmacs.
* Paperbacks for reading and then sharing (if you have the time and
energy)

ADDITIONAL FOR THIS DEPLOYMENT

This deployment is different from all previous deployments inasmuch as housing, electricity, water, etc are unavailable or unreliable.

* 2 old single bed sized sheets (its hot down there, but it may cool off a bit at night and the sheets will also help protect you from the bugs, etc.
* Small cheap fleece blanket that rolls up real small (could serve as a thin pad for sleeping on but would also be available if it cools off at night or you are sleeping in a reefer truck ­ think of it as an air conditioned bedroom ­ donıt think of it as anything else because these reefer
trucks have not yet been used for their usual purpose).
* A sweatshirt or equivalent because it does sometimes cool off at night and, again, you might be sleeping in a reefer truck.
* Small pillow
* Earplugs, soft (it can get noisy at night or during the day if you are trying to sleep ­ our folks are likely to be on 12 hour shifts round the clock and you are likely to have roommates)
* Powdered GatorAid or other source of electrolytes to add to your drinking water.
* Small battery powered fan and extra batteries. We have been using one for years that we get from Campmor for about $18. It uses 4 D cells that last for about a month of nights. We position it so that it blows on our face/upper body ­ we deal with temperatures up to and therefore potentially over 120 degrees.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=125
00226&productId=39162937

* Bring some bottled water (6-pack or 32-64 oz)
* Teabags or coffee bags ­ your preference
* Powerbars, cheese crackers, trailmix, etc.
* Bathing suit and sandals ­ you may be sharing a hose etc when you are ³showering²

DONıT BRING
* Cameras including cell phone cameras (you may be able to use them off duty but you CANıT use them in the morgue and your off duty use could be misinterpreted).
*Computers
* Valuables in general ­ they may be hard to protect properly under these circumstances.

I apologize for the length of this list, but this is the most Physically challenging deployment ever faced by DMORT.

PLEASE DO NOT DEPLOY UNLESS YOU ARE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION