Sussex man qualifies as international disaster responder
A Sussex man has qualified as an international disaster responder with humanitarian charity REACT Disaster Response.
Jamie Pasfield, from Brooks Green, Horsham, was supported by his employer UK Power Networks to complete REACT’s intensive international operations training course in preparation to support humanitarian relief efforts in the UK and overseas. REACT relies on donations to help people whose lives have been devastated by disaster.
Staff at the power firm can spend two paid days each year working with charities and community groups.
The former Royal Engineers Army Captain, now a member of the IT team at UK Power Networks, said: “REACT is an amazing charity that repurposes the specialist skills of people from military and blue light response backgrounds to help those most vulnerable and hardest to reach.
“I started to look for a humanitarian role because my kids have grown up, left home and I wanted to use my time for a greater purpose. REACT enables people to do amazing work helping those most in need around the world.”
The charity prepares volunteers to work in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters around the world including volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, famine and wars.
Jamie said: “The role involves operating outdoors for prolonged periods of time and dealing with ambiguous and chaotic situations where life is in peril, including medical emergencies. It was a great training course, each team had an amazing and very experienced mentor to guide us round exercises for four days, and four nights, without much sleep. I learnt so much.
“Now I’m qualified, I can make an expression of interest if I want to join a particular operation, then they pick the right teams to go. I’m open minded about what comes next. To work in conflict zones, I need to complete hostile environment training, so I’m hoping to do that next. It’s a privilege to have had the training and I’m looking forward to using it to help others.
“I’d really recommend everyone take a look at the REACT Disaster Response website and consider donating or becoming a volunteer. They are a fantastic charity.”
Toby Wicks, REACT CEO, said: "Our volunteer responders come from all walks of life. What brings them together is an overwhelming desire to help people in need, often in very complex, challenging and high-risk environments.
“In the last month, we have supported people affected by flooding in Brazil, and the devastating hurricane in the Caribbean. We've also deployed responders in the UK to help after the flooding in Northampton and Bedford that isolated whole communities. Thank you Jamie for dedicating your time and effort to becoming an International Responder. We are only able to help people in crisis because of our incredible volunteers and supporters."
Published 03/10/2024
Jamie Pasfield, from Brooks Green, Horsham, was supported by his employer UK Power Networks to complete REACT’s intensive international operations training course in preparation to support humanitarian relief efforts in the UK and overseas. REACT relies on donations to help people whose lives have been devastated by disaster.
Staff at the power firm can spend two paid days each year working with charities and community groups.
The former Royal Engineers Army Captain, now a member of the IT team at UK Power Networks, said: “REACT is an amazing charity that repurposes the specialist skills of people from military and blue light response backgrounds to help those most vulnerable and hardest to reach.
“I started to look for a humanitarian role because my kids have grown up, left home and I wanted to use my time for a greater purpose. REACT enables people to do amazing work helping those most in need around the world.”
The charity prepares volunteers to work in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters around the world including volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, landslides, tsunamis, famine and wars.
Jamie said: “The role involves operating outdoors for prolonged periods of time and dealing with ambiguous and chaotic situations where life is in peril, including medical emergencies. It was a great training course, each team had an amazing and very experienced mentor to guide us round exercises for four days, and four nights, without much sleep. I learnt so much.
“Now I’m qualified, I can make an expression of interest if I want to join a particular operation, then they pick the right teams to go. I’m open minded about what comes next. To work in conflict zones, I need to complete hostile environment training, so I’m hoping to do that next. It’s a privilege to have had the training and I’m looking forward to using it to help others.
“I’d really recommend everyone take a look at the REACT Disaster Response website and consider donating or becoming a volunteer. They are a fantastic charity.”
Toby Wicks, REACT CEO, said: "Our volunteer responders come from all walks of life. What brings them together is an overwhelming desire to help people in need, often in very complex, challenging and high-risk environments.
“In the last month, we have supported people affected by flooding in Brazil, and the devastating hurricane in the Caribbean. We've also deployed responders in the UK to help after the flooding in Northampton and Bedford that isolated whole communities. Thank you Jamie for dedicating your time and effort to becoming an International Responder. We are only able to help people in crisis because of our incredible volunteers and supporters."
Published 03/10/2024