Aid workers: What overseas volunteers need to know

Aid workers are normal people doing extraordinary things in difficult situations in vulnerable areas of the world.¹ It is vital that they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in order to ensure the optimum results from their work. They should also be aware of the core humanitarian standard which outlines their goals and the responsibilities of their organisation.² Aid work can either be in the form of disaster relief or longer-term projects in struggling regions. Some of the advice and preparation needed by these different types of aid workers are similar, however, there are different focuses especially with regards to personal safety and hazards in disaster relief. This article will try to touch on both types of aid workers looking at ways they can prepare and remain safe while on deployment.