This training prepares volunteers for OM’s Disaster Response register and is offered annually in various locations. In 2027 it will be held in Poland.

The Disaster Response Training aims to give you an overview of the Disaster Preparedness and Response sectors, to build some transferable skill-sets, and to equip you to be a boost to any relief situation that you are involved with in the future.

The training will cover topics such as:

-Humanitarian principles
-Working as a team in emergencies
-Humanitarian logistics
-Emergency needs assessments
-Decision making in emergencies
-Security and communications
-Personal travel medicine
-Working with the UN / NGOs / Host Governments / the media, in disasters

Dates	TBC  1 week in May 2027
Apply by	2 months before training starts
Cost (excluding flights, insurance, visa or ESTA if required or any necessary vaccinations)	TBC - £535 in 2026
Ages	21+
Suitable for

Ministry Details

Made up of staff and volunteers with extensive experience and expertise, OM International Disaster Response (IDR) is ready to rapidly deploy to help local OM teams around the world respond to disasters.

The Disaster Response Training (DRT) is an intensive and challenging training simulation for professions such as construction, counselling, carpentry, finance, logistics, administration, health care, media / communications,  and many more. There is no requirement (or guarantee) to deploy following the training, and our training team will be able to discuss your suitability for relief work both during and after the training. You can read more here.

Participant Profile

You must be at least 21 years old and be able to communicate in English. You should have some months cross cultural experience abroad.

Accommodation

All accommodation is included. As part of this training you may need to be flexible during the disaster relief simulation.

Food

All food will be included. As part of this training you may need to be flexible during the disaster relief simulation.

Travel

We will send out detailed travel information to accepted participants before the training.  Please do not book flights unless you have received an official acceptance email from the Short Term Opportunities team. 

Health

You should be in average good health and able to walk a reasonable distance without difficulty. You are responsible to obtain appropriate emergency health and medical insurance, covering you in the country of training and for MedEvac. It is your responsibility to check and adhere to any public health regulations.

Visa

British citizens do not require a visa to enter Poland for less than 90 days. If you do not hold a British passport, please check if you require a visa.

Please note that it is the responsibility of each traveller to ensure they obtain the necessary visa(s) required for entry into the country that they plan to visit. We strongly recommend that all visa applications be submitted to the relevant consular website as per their specified requirements well in advance of your intended travel date, this could be up to 8-12 weeks in advance.

If a visa is denied or not obtained in time, we are unable to offer any reimbursement for flight costs or any other travel-related expenses. All bookings are made at the traveller’s own risk, and we advise confirming placement/outreach approval before making any non-refundable travel arrangements.

Notes

Price excludes flights, insurance and is subject to change according to the exchange rate. 

Applicants must be 21 or over.

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