FAQ
We often get the question: "How can I help?"
Often people think that you need to be a medic to help FAST, but we need all kinds of knowledge and experience! You can help in the following ways:
Volunteer!
Remote volunteering
Start a fundraiser
Donate!
Often people think that you need to be a medic to help FAST, but we need all kinds of knowledge and experience! You can help in the following ways:
No, we are a first aid team and do not give out prescription medication. Please be aware that if you do give out medication you endanger yourself, your team members and especially the people we are trying to help.
FAST is responding to an emergency and providing first aid to those in need.
Offering people conditions that meet basic humanitarian standards has no effect on their decision to leave their homes, it just reduces their suffering. The appalling conditions in Calais and Dunkirk are already having significant negative impact on people’s health and not responding is not an option according to FAST.
Offering people conditions that meet basic humanitarian standards has no effect on their decision to leave their homes, it just reduces their suffering. The appalling conditions in Calais and Dunkirk are already having significant negative impact on people’s health and not responding is not an option according to FAST.
If you are working in Calais and Dunkirk these are the sort of injuries you will see:
- Common cold
- Wounds by police violence or falling.
- Scabies
- Chest infection
- Sprains/strains
- Lacerations
- Dental problems
- Burns
- Chronic pain issues
- Eye issues/infections
- Fungal toe infections
- Trench foot
- Allergies
- Gastric reflux
- Diarrhoea
- Sleeping problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Anxiety/depression
You can find all information about the requirements here; VOLUNTEERS
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of two weeks. If you are able to volunteer for a shorter period please send a message to volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu and we will check out the possibilities together.
Yes, our volunteers (in the field) need to be 18 years and older.
Send an e-mail to volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu and we can sign post to you to potential options. It is your own responsibility to arrange accommodation.
Yes, but check in with the coordinator team first. We do not accept any out of date or prescription medication.
Yes, it is safe to volunteer.
You are very likely to be stopped and asked for documents by police. Keep your documents safe all the times and show them when the police asks for it.
If asked by police to stop distribution, please comply and listen to their instructions.
At no cost please prescribe or dispense prescribed medication or out of date supplies. If you find any donations of prescribed medications being donated, please immediately report to the field coordinator who will destroy/remove appropriately.
We do not support working alone and you will always be in a team. The field coordinator will brief you in this before your first shift starts.
The situation in Calais changes often, so we do ask you to be flexible and be aware of the (emergency) policies.
You are very likely to be stopped and asked for documents by police. Keep your documents safe all the times and show them when the police asks for it.
If asked by police to stop distribution, please comply and listen to their instructions.
At no cost please prescribe or dispense prescribed medication or out of date supplies. If you find any donations of prescribed medications being donated, please immediately report to the field coordinator who will destroy/remove appropriately.
We do not support working alone and you will always be in a team. The field coordinator will brief you in this before your first shift starts.
The situation in Calais changes often, so we do ask you to be flexible and be aware of the (emergency) policies.
We do support electives, however, we cannot provide teaching and supervision. Please check your university requirements and check with volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu
It is very depended on the situation. It tends to be regular working days, but can differ.
This is dependent on your clinical experience, but this is needed for first aiders.