JAMAICA: CALL FOR POTENTIAL CMAT VOLUNTEERS
2025-11-07 – As you are aware, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm made landfall in Jamaica causing widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and major disruptions to healthcare services. Early reports from the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness – Health Emergency Operations Centre in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) EMT Coordination Cell indicate significant current and emerging humanitarian needs, and potential requests for the deployment of additional Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) may be made in the coming days when the scope of the need is better understood.
In anticipation of a possible deployment, CMAT HQ is issuing this Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify volunteers who may be available for rapid response should CMAT be officially tasked to assist. This deployment would consist of teams of 8-10 members, in 2-week rotations over approximately 6 weeks.
NOTE: CMAT has not yet been tasked by PAHO, however we are making preparations in anticipation of the call.
If you are interested in being considered for deployment to Jamaica, please complete the following mandatory requirements:
PRE-DEPLOYMENT CHECKLIST FOR VOLUNTEER READINESS
1. Fully complete the linked EOI form below.
2. Mandatory pre-deployment e-training
To ensure CMAT maintain the highest standards of care and safety all volunteers are reminded that completion of the CMAT e-Curriculum is required prior to being considered for deployment. This essential online training package aligns with WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) standards and supports CMAT’s operational readiness.
This deployment will be considered a “hardship deployment”, with the expectation that CMAT volunteers will be sleeping/ camping in tents, with limited access (possibly no access) to reliable electricity or plumbing (drinking water will be supplied), eating pre-packed meals, and working in a very hot, humid environment, with risk of exposure to communicable diseases and insects like mosquitoes. You will be required to submit a summary of your camping/ austere environment experience, and acknowledge the expectations listed above.
4. Ensure your CMAT profile is fully up to date, including:
– current resumé/ CV
– current photo page of your passport
– copy of current professional license/ certification/ proof of payment to professional regulator
– copy of proof of vaccinations, including COVID-19.
– passport-style profile photo on a neutral background
Priority for deployment will be given to CMAT volunteers who have completed their online profile, uploaded completed e-learning certificates, and meet the readiness criteria.
APPEAL FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Responding to disasters and crises like Hurricane Melissa comes with significant expense.
CMAT’s Fundraising Goal for this deployment is $50,000 CAD, and your generosity in helping CMAT get teams on the ground is greatly appreciated.
Tax-deductible donations can be made by Interac e-transfer or PayPal to: [email protected] (please include your name and address in the transfer memo); or click the button below to donate directly online on our CanadaHelps page:
Please share this email widely! Your donation today will help us scale up and respond to this urgent humanitarian emergency when the call comes.
Your CMAT Board of Directors continues collaborate closely with the PAHO Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cell (EMTCC) and we will communicate further details as the situation evolves. Our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricane Melissa, and we thank each of you for your continued commitment and readiness to serve.
