Hours can be long and assignments are sometimes physically and emotionally challenging. Duty hours can be 12- or 16-hour shifts. Normal and ample accommodations may be available on some deployments but on others accommodations may be more austere.
Flexibility and personal preparedness are the key element to success as a deployed NZMAT personnel.
Length of deployment
In most cases, the maximum deployment is 14 days plus travel days as required. There is a possibility that deployments maybe extended depending on the needs of the mission. It is your responsibility to coordinate your volunteer time with the needs of your family, employer and/or any other obligations you may have.
Leaving on deployment
The Ministry of Health will arrange travel and accommodation, including any stopover accommodation en route. Most NZMAT deployments will depart from Auckland where personnel will be briefed and issued with appropriate uniform and personal equipment.
Identification
Prior to departure personnel will be issued with a NZMAT ID badge and uniform. NZMAT personnel are required to wear their issued identification items and ID badge whenever engaging in an NZMAT deployment. Loss of these items on deployment is to be reported immediately to the Mission Lead / Team Lead. NZMAT personnel will not be allowed at a disaster/emergency site without proper identification.
Deployment-related expenses
Travel, accommodation and general living expenses will be arranged by the Ministry of Health or Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, so, as a general rule, NZMAT personnel will not incur deployment-related expenses. However, if you incur unavoidable deployment-related expenses the Ministry of Health or Health New Zealand will reimburse these when proof of expenditure is supplied. Prior approval for all deployment related expenses should be obtained wherever possible.
Insurance
The Ministry of Health will organise for health and travel insurance for international deployments. It is your own responsibility to provide for and maintain your professional indemnity insurance.
Team structure
Notice of NZMAT deployment
You will be assigned to a NZMAT team based your skill set and the response requirements. Each NZMAT team with more than two personnel will have a team lead who reports directly through to the NZMAT Mission Lead.
Size of team
The size of the team deployed may vary from 5–40 personnel depending on the specific needs of the mission. The size of a NZMAT will depend on the events size, location and nature of the medical assistance request received from the local health authority domestically or internationally.
Role of NZMAT personnel
Your background, training and skills will help determine your potential role within the team. Once trained and as you gain deployment experience you may be offered key positions, such as Team Lead. Every attempt will be made to match your skills, competencies and license or credential level with assignments during a large-scale disaster or public health emergency. However, you may be asked to assist with activities that are less challenging than your usual professional activities.
Wellbeing
Looking after your mental wellbeing is important. Having the tools and support can make all the difference. The Mental Health Foundation have two models that provide information and ideas on wellbeing, Te Whare Tapa Wha and 5 ways to wellbeing.
Please see digital resources and need to talk resources provided below.
Digital wellbeing resources
All Sorts website
All Sorts website provides support and tips for looking after yourself and your wellbeing, with a wide variety of resources for all sorts of challenges that come your way.
Small Steps website
Small Steps provide digital tools to help you maintain wellness. Support is also available for yourself and loved ones.
Groov app
Groov provides tools for personal wellbeing routines, daily motivation, courses and much more.
Sparklers website
Sparklers is a useful wellbeing toolkit for home that the whole family can get involved in. The website provides fun activities and learning opportunities.
Headstrong app
Headstrong is an app that is designed for the young people of New Zealand. The app provides multiple courses for you to take part in and a live chat box.
Mental Health Foundation website
To find out more or see the full set of resources and links.
Need to talk
1737
Free call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, available 24 hours a day.
Healthline
Free call 0800 611 116 to speak with a registered nurse.
Youthline
Free call 0800 376 633, text 234 or email [email protected] for youth support.
During deployment
For staff members on deployment, please talk to your mission lead.
Post deployment
Talk to your mission lead or visit the Access and Choice website, a free and accessible system enabling you to find flexible support near you.
