No two outbreaks are the same. Since its inception in 2016, the UK-PHRST operations team can safely testify that there is a need to remain alert, agile, and consistently open to change. Regardless of the mode of deployment, destination or disease, there are always new challenges to navigate.
For example, the suspension of air travel, resulting from border controls during the COVID-19 pandemic, led the team to explore new and innovative ways to offer technical support. Technical expertise was often delivered remotely alongside a wide range of partners (including WHO Bangladesh and Africa CDC). This offered opportunities for reservist staff who may not be released for a six-week deployment to volunteer their support.
A full summary of deployments since 2016 can be seen below (click to enlarge):
We will summarise the operational requirements to deploy UK-PHRST staff and reflect on what it takes to be operationally ready.
Onboarding staff
Feedback from a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations supported the creation of processes to support the onboarding and advanced preparation of deployable staff.
- Medical
It is critical that individuals are medically fit for deployment and have all the necessary routine vaccinations to support their health and wellbeing whilst overseas. A routine schedule of vaccinations alongside a comprehensive medical assessment is required on appointment to the team. Individuals are then issued with an emergency medications kit, first aid kit and trauma kit (and of course, the training on what to do them).
- Training
In addition to the necessary technical training, UK-PHRST individuals undertake mandatory UK-PHRST training which aims to prepare them for operating effectively overseas. This includes residential safety and security training, safeguarding training and an immersive 5-day deployment course alongside a package of online learning.
- Logistics
Deployed staff are given a comprehensive kit to support their deployment, which includes resources for a wide range of environments (e.g. IT equipment, tents, mosquito nets, water chlorination tablets and ration packs). This kit is systematically reviewed, managed, and maintained by the operations team. external audits of the kit have taken place to ensure rigor and continual improvements are made.
- Deployment handbook
This is a guidance document containing all the processes and procedures required of UK-PHRST staff. It incorporates all feedback to date and serves to anticipate any questions relating to finance, medical support, incidents, travel, logistics and more.
Accepting a request to deploy
When the UK-PHRST Director receives a request to deploy, the following steps are taken;
Criteria – Considerations to deploy include the country, infectious disease agent, location, partners already engaged and threat to further spread (particularly cross border).
Approval – A Cross-Government protocol (developed in advance with key partners) ensures rapid consideration of any request received by HMG departments. This protocol has been revised several times and represents the key approval mechanism for the team to deploy.
Preparing for a deployment
Once a deployment has been accepted, the team are sent additional information;
Risk assessment – a travel risk assessment is prepared in advance and includes any known hazards and mitigating actions in relation to the specific deployment, pathogen and country.
Information pack – includes country and disease specific documentation to aid preparations.
Pre-deployment briefing – A meeting is set up with the Director, deploying team and key UK-PHRST members to discuss a range of aspects relating to the deployment. This is an opportunity for the individuals to ask any questions and includes, but is not limited to, input from subject matter experts, medical advice, logistics and admin support.
During a deployment
Whilst in the field team members have access to a wide range of 24/7 support from the UK based team. They also benefit from access to a dedicated nurse within the UK Health Security Agency's Occupational Health team.
Reporting of any health and safety incidents or other concerns is done through a systematic process which links in with UKHSA reporting policies.