It’s unimaginable to witness the pain of those with nowhere to go because their home is gone or to console someone grappling with uncertainty after their entire neighborhood has been destroyed. Even more distressing are those who, after losing everything, now face the additional challenge of accessing essential, everyday medications because their clinic has burned down and their doctor is unreachable.

The Reality of Disaster Response: Being Present in the Chaos

Recent wildfires in Southern California have devastated communities, reducing entire neighborhoods to ashes and displacing thousands. In LA County, blazes tore through Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Malibu, forcing the evacuations of 200,000 residents. Amid the chaos, mobile healthcare professionals Rosa, Steven, and their mobile teams stepped in—not just to provide medical care, but to offer hope, stability, and human connection in moments of profound despair. Mobile Healthcare Association wanted to share the firsthand experiences of two of our members responding to the wildfires and offer valuable advice to other mobile healthcare professionals navigating disaster situations.

The Key to Disaster Response: Be Ready and Be Flexible

Both Rosa and Steven emphasize the importance of preparedness and adaptability. Disasters unfold unpredictably, and the ability to adjust on the fly is essential for mobile healthcare teams and the communities they serve.

AltaMed, working alongside the American Red Cross and Kaiser Permanente, responded quickly after losing one of their own clinics. They deployed a mobile unit outside a shelter, offering critical wound care, medication distribution, breathing treatments, and transportation services. The mobile unit wasn’t just a medical hub—it became a sanctuary for both staff and patients, providing a quiet space to decompress and a secure location to store essential supplies. Their presence extended beyond immediate relief, remaining on-site for three weeks to ensure ongoing care for those in need.

Meanwhile, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical team brought in their vision care specialists to assist survivors, many of whom lost their glasses in the fire. An essential part of their preparedness strategy included maintaining a food supply on their mobile unit, ensuring their team and patients had sustenance without relying on external resources.

Policies and Preparation: The Backbone of Effective Response

Having policies and procedures in place is essential, but every disaster brings unexpected challenges. Steven shared a key lesson: without proper licensing, mobile healthcare providers may be restricted from delivering care in certain counties. He also stresses the importance of listing mobile units with local emergency management systems to ensure rapid mobilization. Navigating these logistical hurdles is part of disaster response, requiring not only preparation long before a disaster strikes but also the ability to problem-solve in real-time when the situation demands it.

The Power of Mobile Networks in Disaster Relief

Coordination is critical in disaster response. Many mobile healthcare providers rely on volunteers, but having a core team of permanent staff enhances their ability to deploy quickly. In the first 72 hours of a disaster, logistical challenges are immense, and a well-organized response can make all the difference.

Social workers and community health workers play a vital role in disaster response, bridging the gap between medical teams and the communities they serve. These professionals help identify vulnerable populations, address mental health concerns, and guide survivors through available social services. Effective collaboration between healthcare providers, emergency responders, and community organizations ensures aid reaches those who need it most efficiently.

The Role of Trust in Disaster Response

Trust is a crucial element in disaster response, and it must be built long before a crisis occurs. Just like with COVID-19 response, gaining trust during a disaster is incredibly difficult. Mobile healthcare programs that have already established strong relationships within the community are uniquely positioned to provide care in times of crisis. The trust they have nurtured enables them to connect with those in need more effectively, ensuring that vital medical and emotional support reaches those who need it most.

Beyond the First Response: Long-Term Disaster Recovery

Disaster relief doesn’t end once the immediate crisis is over. Mobile healthcare providers must anticipate long-term community needs. AltaMed’s team remained on-site for three weeks, recognizing that healthcare needs evolve over time. As recovery progresses, mobile units transition into resource centers where survivors can apply for healthcare, receive donations, and access ongoing recovery assistance.

Addressing Burnout and Mental Health Among First Responders

Providing care in disaster zones is physically and emotionally exhausting. Rosa and Steven stress the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their teams to prevent burnout. Key strategies include:

🏕️ Creating quiet spaces for staff to rest and decompress
💙 Recognizing the impact of trauma, especially for new volunteers and responders
🦺 Ensuring safety and compliance while remaining flexible
❤️‍🩹 Acknowledging the emotional toll while embracing the gratitude and fulfillment of helping others
🌿 Encouraging self-care and necessary breaks to maintain resilience

Final Advice: Always Be Ready

For the majority of mobile healthcare providers whose primary mission is to serve their communities year-round, disaster response is a vital service that demands thorough preparation and adaptability. But being ready at all times ensures a seamless and effective response when disaster strikes.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical is actively working toward obtaining licenses in all 50 states to provide care wherever needed. Rosa’s advice for those in disaster response, “You may not be running the show during a disaster—you may have to follow someone else’s policies and procedures. Be flexible, but also know when to speak up for your team’s well-being and safety.”

In times of crisis, mobile healthcare teams are indispensable. Their ability to move, adapt, and serve allows them to provide critical care where it’s needed most. By treating patients like family and fostering strong collaboration, they ensure the best outcomes—not just for those affected by disasters, but also for the dedicated healthcare professionals on the front lines.

Photos courtesy of Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical and AltaMed