This manual, packaged in a folder, describes deployment of the Disaster Response Team, its objectives, and responsibilities at different stages of an emergency. It explains the process of mobilizing resources and provides practical information for work in the field. The manual includes evaluation forms and checklists for health services, shelter, water and sanitation, epidemiologic surveillance, damage assessment and needs analysis, and mental health, among others. These forms are important for collecting and analyzing the information needed for providing the most appropriate types of humanitarian assistance. The information in this manual will be of help to those advising PAHO/WHO offices and health sector agencies and institutions when they respond to emergencies or disasters.
The package includes a booklet with additional copies of the evaluation forms, that can be ripped off and used in the field to collect data. A CD-ROM, also included in the package, contains copies of the forms.
Order a copy of the publication from disaster-publications@paho.org or download here as a PDF file (2 MB). You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read these files. Download the software for free from the Adobe website.
The evaluation forms can also be downloaded in Word format