PRE–DEPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT
Florida Department of Health (FDOH) staff are subject to mandatory emergency duty to meet the needs of an emergency, disaster or public health emergency response according to Department of Health Policy (DOHP 60-40-13, Emergency Duty and Deployment Policy). You and your supervisor must evaluate your situation and determine where you can be the most useful to the response effort. Deploying to an area following a disaster, where you may encounter limited resources and certain physical hardships, may not be appropriate for all staff. This assessment will help you determine your ability to deploy and work in potentially challenging and austere conditions.
Recommendation- review and complete the pre-deployment assessment form annually (preferably prior to the start of hurricane season). If that is not possible, review and complete prior to deployment. Please use additional sheets if necessary to respond to questions on the form.
The employee and supervisor sign the form. The signatures signify that the employee and supervisor have discussed the potential work environment and requirements for deployment and agreed on your suitability for deployment. The supervisor should direct employees to the human resource office for any questions/issues, including those about the Americans with Disabilities Act or protected information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If circumstances arise during the year that would preclude you from deployment, you must inform you supervisor and complete a “Request for Limited or Temporary Exemption from Emergency Duty” form.
If you are unable to deploy, you can still assist with relief efforts in many ways. You can participate locally or ensure that your department continues to function while others are deployed.
General and Personal Considerations Prior to Deployment
o I should make safe and dependable arrangements for children and/or adult dependents and pets. These arrangements may be for up to 14 calendar days and may need to be extended if I am unable to return when expected
o I should make appropriate arrangements for mail delivery, newspaper, bill payments, medical/dental appointments, etc. based on a possible deployment of up to calendar 14 days, or longer if required.
o I may have to go several days without a shower.
o I may have to share sleeping quarters with other relief workers, male and female.
o I may be required to sleep on a cot, if the need arises. (Note: sleeping accommodations are usually offsite but, under certain circumstances, deployed staff may be expected to sleep at a shelter, or in a tent or other structure used for response.)
o I may have religious restrictions on bathing or sleeping arrangements or require other accommodation due to practice of religion that would affect my ability to deploy.
o I need to possess a valid Driver’s License.
o I may have to operate vehicles other than a car or pickup truck.
Medical Considerations
o Recent, unusual stressors in the past year (e.g., death in family, divorce) may resurface during this deployment.
o Certain prescription medications may impact my ability to deploy due to strict administration times or side effects such as drowsiness, requiring refrigeration, etc.
o I may not have the necessary immunizations needed for the deployment, but I may be offered the recommended immunizations prior to the deployment.
o I may have a medical condition that requires electrical or other special equipment that may be unavailable or intermittently available during a deployment.
o I may have or need an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation. If I believe I do, I need to discuss this issue with my human resource office. I may have an acute or chronic health condition (e.g., pregnancy, surgery in the past six months, heart, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental/behavioral, cancer, etc.) that may be negatively impacted by deployment, including use of personal protective equipment.
o I may be mentally and/or physically unable to commit to long hours. (The average work day during a deployment may be 12 hours or longer.)
o I may have difficulty bending or stooping or may have difficulty riding in a vehicle for long periods of time.
o I may have allergies to certain medications, foods, insects, etc. that I may be exposed to on a deployment.
o I may have difficulty with night vision and/or I am colorblind.
o I may have dietary restrictions and I may be working in an austere environment with limited dietary options provided. I may have to provide nutrition for myself for at least the first 72 hours of deployment.)
Work Considerations
o I completed the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) 100 and 700.
o I may have to work and sleep in a non-air conditioned environment. .
o I may have to stand for long periods of time.
o I may have to work in areas with low lighting.
o I may have to lift over 20 pounds.
o I may have to work in highly chaotic environments for long periods of time.
o I will have to follow instructions and complete tasks in a timely manner.
o I may encounter disaster victims who do not speak English.
Helpful Skills/Assets
o I am able to handle stress.
o I am a self-starter.
o I am able to multi-task.
o I am able to handle a high activity level.
o I am able to make and keep a commitment.
o I am able to attend multiple meetings.
o I am able to devote the time needed.
o I am a team player.
I am flexible to changing needs and environments.
I have thoroughly reviewed this pre-deployment assessment form and have discussed any concerns (other than medical concerns) with my supervisor. I understand that as an employee assigned to Group 1 for the purposes of emergency duty, it is highly recommended that I discuss any medical considerations, concerns or limitations with my health care practitioner prior to deployment.
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Employee’s Signature Date
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Supervisor’s Signature Date
Team Leader Guide / Page 2 of 2