Mission Packing List
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Note: Two sets of scrubs will be provided by IMR per volunteer in the requested size. One set will be washed each night.
Medical Volunteer Required Diagnostics
All providers are required to bring their own diagnostics. IMR will provide SUPPLEMENTAL diagnostic tools for use on an emergency basis (broken equipment, etc.) Providers include: EMS, Nursing (all levels), Advanced Practice Providers, Physicians, Medical and Nursing Students
Required for All Licensed Professionals
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PrintRequired for Physicians/Advanced Practice Providers
Recommended for Physicians/Advanced Practice Providers
- Ophthalmoscope (standard batteries preferred)
- Calculator
- Prescribing references – Sanford guide, dermatology/tropical medicine/infectious disease/pediatric dosing/other references as books or phone apps (downloaded, not online)
- Any other equipment you utilize in your specialty – Examples: Ortho: SAM splints, ace bandages, etc. ENT: Endoscope, ear wicks, cerumen loops, etc. Acupuncture: needles, charts, etc.
Helpful
Dental Volunteer Required Supplies
Dentists & Oral Surgeons
Required
- Surgical Kit (available for rent at IMR)
- Diagnostic Equipment (blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, thermometer)
- Anesthetics (carpules for anesthesia and blocks per your preference, approximately 80 per day)
- Sutures per your preference
- Masks per your preference/gloves per your preference
- Safety goggles or glasses
- Any other supplies required for your specialty
Nice to Have
Dental Hygienists
Personal Packing Suggestions
Suggested Clothing for After Clinic or Travel and Free or Sightseeing Days
- 1 pair sturdy walking or tennis shoes (No open-toe shoes in clinic, please)
- 1 pair sturdy comfortable shoes for outside clinic
- Undergarments and socks (fast drying)
- Light weight, long sleeve shirt and long pants for insect protection
- 1 set of clothing for sightseeing day (appropriate to the activity)
- T-shirts for under scrubs or after clinic
- Lightweight pants for after clinic
- 1 light sweater/sweatshirt (for plane/evenings)
- Sleepwear
- Day pack or small back pack
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush, makeup, makeup remover
- Large plastic bags (to organize items and protect against rain)
- Water bottle, widemouth preferred (bottled water for refilling your bottle will be provided on the mission)
Packing Ideas for Your Personal Use & Safety
- Mosquito repellent (body spray, lotion or wipes, with DEET recommended)
- Mosquito net
- Permethrin spray for use on clothing prior to travel
- Personal hand sanitizer and handiwipes
- Personal wake-up device
- Personal and travel preventative medications
- Food and snacks for your own needs, outside of provided meals (high quality/high energy)
- Copies of important documents (passport, driver’s license, medical license, domestic and international tickets, insurance information, health insurance cards, insurance information, health insurance cards, emergency contact information)
- New U.S. dollars in excellent condition for trading funds in country
- Little-used credit card for use in airport or large cities while in transit or in cities
- Hat/cap with brim for sun and rain
- Light rain jacket/poncho with hood
- Small first aid kit
- Money/passport belt
- Sun screen, lip balm
- Flashlight, headlamp, extra batteries (>100 lumens)
- Extra charging cord for phone
- Oral rehydration salts/Gatorade
- Plug adapter/voltage converter/surge protector (Google the correct type for the country you are working in)
Sunglasses - Menstrual supplies (if needed) – generally not available in locations where we work
- Leatherman-type tool
- Gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, baby wipes
Nice to Have
Donations for Our Patients
Donations for patients are strictly voluntary. We are honored that you have volunteered with our organization, giving your expertise, time, and money. If you are able to supplement IMR supplies, we thank you very much! If you are not able to donate additional supplies, we thank you for everything you are doing.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Phone, other electronics, charging cords
- Medications (prescription and over the counter)
- E-Tickets and domestic hotel information
- Copy of passport and driver’s license (kept separate from your passport)
- Emergency contact information
- IMR Departure Packet customs forms and customs form page
- Pen for filling out customs forms
- International calling card/text or data plan or an unlocked, international phone (with international SIM card)
- Credit cards, cash (limited quantities) Tip: Carry a little-used credit card to limit loss if the card is lost or stolen
Snacks, water for plane (purchase after going through TSA) - Books (if desired)
- Money belt for passport – waist, neck, or calf
- Ear plugs (if desired)
- A low-dose aspirin for blood clot prevention on airplane (as recommended by your doctor)
