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"Disaster Deployment Basics" – Part D, Returning Home

"Disaster Deployment Basics" – Part D, Returning Home

What you need to know your first time out.

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Part D – Returning home:

           

            As your mission is brought to a close and you begin the demobilization process you may or may not be ready to go home. You may feel that there is still work left for you and your team. It is however entirely out of your control. Be proud of the work you and your team have done, and look forward to getting back to “your life”. There will however be an adjustment phase upon your return. For weeks after returning from Colorado I was waking up at four in the morning, and could not fall asleep until late at night. I was restless and found myself looking for things to keep as busy as possible during the day. When returning from Hurricane Charley I caught myself driving down the road and “filling in the blanks” so to speak. I had become so accustomed to seeing the devastation that I would look at neighborhoods and shopping centers and imagine what they would like after a hurricane hit (unfortunately shortly after return I did not find myself doing this since we were hit from Ivan). It was strange to see people mowing their lawns and washing their cars, oblivious to what was occurring elsewhere in Florida. Other members told me stories about looking for bottled water around their houses to brush their teeth for days following their return home.

 While on a deployment you are surrounded by devastation and quickly become accustomed to it. As emergency workers we are very capable of these adjustments. However we are not as good at taking ourselves out of the situation when it’s over. When you return, take a day or two off. Give your mind a chance to step out of the “disaster mode” you have to put yourself into. Take time to rest, and do everything you can to get back to normal. Go to a movie, take your kids to the mall, or go out on a date.  Step back, and let yourself “come out of it”.

            After a few days of relaxing and getting back on track, take a little while to re-supply your travel bags. Re-pack the items that you can. Throw away shampoo, soap, and toothpaste that you used. At a dollar or so each, these items are easily replaceable, and having new un-opened supplies in your bag helps maintain your ready status. Also, take a few minutes to review your journal. Go over the lessons that you learned. Inevitably there will be something you would have liked to have had with you on the deployment, but did not.  This notebook will help you remember that, and allow you to make adjustments to your pre-deployment checklists so that your next deployment will be much easier.

            My first deployment to Colorado was a wonderful learning experience. However it was tremendously stressful. I did not know what I needed for preparation, or what the work would be like. I spent most of my travel time worrying about the items I packed. I felt a bit like an outsider because I did not get to know my teammates right off the bat. While working I became tired and started hoping to go home early. The lessons that I learned in Colorado and on following deployments have had a tremendous impact. My latest deployment was a smooth and successful deployment. I was ready. I used my travel time to relax and get ready for the mission. While working I was able to focus clearly on the tasks without stress or becoming tired.

            Deploying to major events is exciting. It teaches lessons that you won’t learn turning wheels on an engine, or truck company. These lessons and experiences make you a stronger, more experienced, and all around better professional in your field. These events can be stressful, but with a little help and preparation you can experience a successful deployment. Take the time to prep your gear, and learn your mission. Get to know your team. Work hard, but take time for yourself. Finally, utilize a day or two for yourself upon return. These few simple things will make a tremendous difference in the overall success of your deployment.



READ THE REST OF THIS ARITCLE:



Part A – Introduction

Part B – Pre Deployment

Part C – Deployment Phase

Part D – Returning Home

 

www.FullyInvolvedFire.com

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By: Capt. Ryan G. Christen

 

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