Opportunity Demands Responsibility: Inspiration for "Superheroes" to Serve in the Austere

Matt, a seasoned critical care transport paramedic but an inexperienced emergency humanitarian worker, arrived at his first emergency humanitarian response with a mixture of anxiety and determination. As he stepped off the plane into the chaos of the devastated area, all his senses were accosted overwhelmed by what was taking place all around--the powerful heat, the blend of smells, and the sights of utter destruction and the palpable suffering. His unique CCT skillsets, experiences, training, and tested resiliency have prepared him well for the task ahead.

All of us who work in the critical care transport world are often sent into crises (i.e. metaphorical dumpster fires) that would cause most others to either freeze or flee but over time we develop the knack of managing these events into organized chaos (managing the crazy).

Through stories, passion, and persuasion, this talk will reveal the opportunities acquired by those who work in the CCT environment and explain the responsibility demanded---that we need to use our unique skill sets to serve those in acute humanitarian disasters.

You ARE perfect to serve in that unique, challenging, austere place. If not you, then who?