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DART members help a child in need

Learn More About Serving on a Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team

A Disaster Assistance Response Team provides relief to victims of disaster while
↓

  • water
  • food
  • shelter
  • medical care
  • war
  • poverty
  • famine
  • disease
  • natural disaster

sharing the hope of Jesus Christ

A DART provides water, food, shelter, and medical care to victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.

Apply

Hurricane Dorian Bahamas 2019

Day 1: 16:02

Disaster Strikes

Incident Mangement Team plans a disaster response

Day 1: 17:17

Incident Management Team Assembles


Day 1: 20:45

Advance Team Deploys

A small team arrives on the ground within 24 hours of the crisis to assess the greatest needs and prepare for a strategic response.


Day 1: 23:07

First-Wave Response Planned

Speed is critical after a disaster. The Incident Management Team works around the clock to identify initial needs based on news reports, intel from church partners, or other information. We immediately start planning a strategic response.


Day 2: 10:31

DART Formed

A DART is often made up of people from across the globe. Our Incident Management Team alerts DART members of urgent needs and builds the team based on the skill-sets needed for each deployment.

DART doctor an nurse help a wounded child in Iraq
Tarps being prepared for transport in the Bahamas
A DART member fills a water jug
Iraq food distributions

DART members are located in Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malawi, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Thailand, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.


Day 2: 14:45

Cargo Trucked to the Hangar

Our warehouses are stocked with supplies ready for immediate deployment.


Day 2: 21:40

Loading the DC-8 with supplies

DC-8 Loaded

Our cargo plane’s capacity is equivalent to four tractor-trailers of cargo. It’s also specially configured for 32 passengers, allowing us to quickly get the right supplies and people on the ground.


Day 3: 06:00

Personnel Arrive at the Hangar


DC-8 cockpit interior
Day 3: 07:00

DC-8 Takes Off

Day 3: 07:15

Advance Team Reports Additional Needs

Our Incident Management Team makes rapid decisions to meet the greatest needs, often planning secondary airlifts before the first has even arrived. In-country procurement channels are established and additional DART members are deployed. The North Carolina-based Incident Management Team continually communicates with the field team using SAT phones and other devices when other communication channels are down.


Day 3: 17:34

DC-8 Lands in Country

Prior to landing in country, the advance team works with local government officials to secure customs permissions. They also secure housing and make preparations for the larger team to arrive.


Day 3: 18:51

DC-8 Cargo Unloaded


Day 3: 19:46

Cargo Transferred to Trucks


Day 3: 19:58

Supplies Trucked to Hardest-Hit Areas


Day 4: 06:00

DART members start each day with ddevotions and prayer

Devotions & Prayer

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

The DART begins each day with God’s Word and prayer, seeking His will, provision, and direction.

“The Word of God is filled with His promises that we can rely on for our every need. It is our source of strength, wisdom, direction, and encouragement.”
Franklin Graham

Day 4: 08:00

Base of Operations Established

Once a base of operations has been determined, each team member focuses on their specific tasks. From grading a site for an Emergency Field Hospital to setting up Wi-Fi, each team member’s role is critical.

DART members unload a truck filled with supplies
DART Members making plans for the emergency field hospital
Construction worker building with the asssistance of a nurse
IT support sets up WiFi for the base of operations
DART members setting up the emergency field hospital
A Biomed Tech sets up medical equipment to be used in the emergency field hospital

Day 4: 08:37

Ground Work Begins

Each response is different, but the urgency is the same.

Drone shot of a fully functioning emergency field hospital

Emergency Field Hospital Built

When local medical infrastructure is destroyed, we deploy an Emergency Field Hospital and tailor it to meet the needs caused by the disaster. Once this unit arrives on-site, our team works around the clock to build the field hospital, with a goal to begin treating patients within 24 hours or less. At its maximum capacity, the Emergency Field Hospital spans nearly an acre of land and includes an emergency room, two operating theaters, a laboratory, and more.

After Hurricane Dorian roared through the Bahamas and caused severe damage to Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport, we airlifted an Emergency Field Hospital via our DC-8 cargo plane and set it up on Rand Memorial’s property. Medical professionals on our DART oversaw the facility. They treated 7,747 patients and conducted 130 surgeries before operations were handed over to Rand Memorial staff. Our medical team can treat over 100 patients per day at a field hospital, including those suffering from the wounds of war, disasters, and diseases. In 2017, we set up an Emergency Field Hospital in northern Iraq to treat victims suffering wounds from mortar rounds, car bombs, and sniper fire. In the wake of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, our field hospital treated thousands of patients, including many expectant mothers. The need was so great, a second maternal ward had to be opened.

supplies being transfered from an airplane to a truck

Relief Supplies Distributed

When earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other crises hit, we send in emergency shelter material, hygiene kits, household water filters, solar lights, and other critical supplies.

In 2020, Hurricanes Eta and Iota tore through Honduras and created widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of thousands of families without access to shelter, clean water, or medical care. We responded and distributed more than 2,100 hygiene kits, 3,700 personal water filters, and 6,300 tarps to storm-affected families. We also installed eight water treatment systems, which provided clean water for 20,000 people each day. In addition, we gave out 960 cooking kits and over a thousand solar lamps.

Set up of a water filtration system

Clean Water Points Established

When disasters wipe out clean water sources, we respond with water filtration units capable of serving 10,000 people each day.

When Hurricane Dorian ripped through Freeport, Grand Bahama, a massive storm surge swept seawater inland and into many of the wells on the island, compromising the entire water table. Our DART quickly responded and installed nine water points around the city, providing clean drinking water for the immediate community and others who lived many miles away. The tanks, some holding up to 2,000 gallons, were refilled once a day because of the large demand. We also provided fresh water at eight different locations in the Abaco Islands.

A DART member fills a woman's bag with food and cooking supplies

Food Distributed

When people are hungry, we feed them—often airlifting emergency food rations to prevent acute malnutrition in children and assembling food kits for families who are suffering.

When armed conflict caused thousands of people in northeast Ethiopia to flee their homes, it resulted in mass food shortages. Thousands of children were in danger of severe malnutrition. Our DART distributed enough ready-to-eat food to nourish 18,000 children up to 30 days. In addition, we gave out food baskets containing rice, wheat flour, beans, oil, and salt to feed 1,000 families for a month.

The length of each disaster response is different. From three weeks to six months, we stay as long as there are urgent needs that we can meet in Jesus’ Name. DART members are backfilled as needed, with the standard deployment length lasting three weeks.

  1. Day 1
    1. 16:02
    2. 17:17
    3. 20:45
    4. 23:07
  2. Day 2
    1. 10:31
    2. 14:45
    3. 21:40
  3. Day 3
    1. 06:00
    2. 07:00am
    3. 07:15
    4. 17:34
    5. 18:51
    6. 19:46
    7. 19:58
  4. Day 4 & Beyond
    1. 06:00
    2. 08:00
    3. 08:37
    4. Emergency Field Hospital
    5. Relief Supplies Distributed
    6. Clean Water Points Established
    7. Food Distributed

Are you ready to serve?

  • bold?
  • flexible?
  • resourceful?
  • ready to serve?

Learn how you fit into a DART.


Physicians and surgeons deploy on all types of emergency medical responses, serving in multiple capacities and specialties. They work in everything from family medicine to clinical care to trauma, in outpatient clinics and mobile medical settings to tier-3 level hospitals with ICUs and multiple operating rooms.

Physician
Emergency Medicine, Intensivist, Pediatrician, OBGYN, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiologist, Family Practice
Surgeon
General Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Trauma Surgeon
Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Medicine NP, Critical Care NP, Pediatric NP, Internal Medicine NP
Physician Assistant
Emergency Medicine PA, Critical Care PA, Pediatric PA, Internal Medicine PA

Registered nurses compassionately care for patients in a variety of settings, from fast-paced hospitals to outpatient clinics to mobile medical settings. They work alongside local nurses on the ground and lead training as needed.

  • Medical Surgical RN
  • Step Down RN
  • Operating Room RN
  • Emergency Room RN
  • Intensive Care Unit RN
  • Pediatric RN
  • Obstetrics RN

Ancillary medical personnel, including pharmacists, paramedics, technicians, and physical therapists, help complete medical aid in emergency responses as they work alongside physicians, surgeons, and nurses in medical disaster settings, including trauma care settings, infectious disease outbreaks, and natural disasters.

  • Pharmacist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Paramedic
  • Surgical Technician
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Biomedical Technician

Public health professionals work in multiple capacities and specialties, from food and nutrition to WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) to biostatistics. They organize and participate in community based health education, including preventative healthcare training for local caregivers and residents.

  • Nutritionist/Dietician
  • Global Health Professional
  • Public Health Educator
  • Environmental Health Technician
  • Epidemiologist
  • Biostatistician

Chaplains, pastors, and Christian counselors play a vital role in every response by ministering to those who have been adversely affected by a disaster, as they listen, encourage, pray, and share the hope found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Chaplain
  • Pastor
  • Missionary
  • Christian Ministry Professional
  • Counselor

Engineers have the ability to assist emergency responses in very unique ways, including setting up electricity to power an Emergency Field Hospital, new water systems, and other critical needs. Engineers are often among the first boots on the ground, identifying the needs and the best infrastructure to sustain them for the disaster response and beyond.

  • Civil Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer

Trade skills are of utmost importance in the early stages as well as in maintenance of emergency disaster responses. Construction personnel are involved in everything from helping to set up an Emergency Field Hospital to building temporary shelters for families to operating heavy equipment to remove debris from disaster-affected areas.

  • Plumber
  • Mechanic
  • Carpenter
  • Contractor
  • Construction Worker/Manager
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Electrician/Electric Lineman

Maintaining a secure environment is essential for a successful emergency response. Security professionals provide protection at Emergency Field Hospitals, warehouses, and other key sites where workers or critical assets are located. They monitor activity, screen pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and identify potential threats.

  • Police Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst/Agent
  • Military/Military Police

Professionals in Supply Chain Management provide the necessary support to ensure effective responses as they serve along each step of the supply line. They oversee and implement the purchasing and procurement, warehousing, and transportation of goods, assets, and deliverables for responses.

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Hospital Supply Chain Associate/Manager
  • Warehouse Manager
  • Purchaser/Purchasing Manager
  • Transportation Manager
  • Distribution Manager

Team managers come from diverse careers and specialties, and are experienced disaster relief responders with a background in the humanitarian and non-profit sectors. They oversee and guide all response-related activities, including initial assessment, program strategy and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, grant management, and more.

  • Human Resources Professional
  • Adminstrator
  • Office Manager
  • Business Owner
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Program/Project Manager
  • Logistician
  • Operations Professional

Experts in information technology and data implement, monitor, manage, and support all computer and telecommunication networks in the field.

  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Analyst
  • IT Administrator/Technician
  • Service Desk Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Professional
  • Database Administrator

Finance managers, analysts, and accountants implement and coordinate all financial and budgetary aspects of an emergency response. They oversee accounting, expenditures, bookkeeping, and all other areas related to finance.

  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Budget Analyst
  • Accountant
  • Grants Writer/Manager

Professionals in this field lead initiatives to better inform programmatic and strategic decision making, and improve overall ministry effectiveness by evaluating an emergency response, better understanding the impact of Samaritan’s Purse in the disaster-affected communities, and identifying areas for new ministry. They also coordinate various programs, including shelter, nutrition, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) initiatives.

  • Monitoring & Evaluation Professional
  • Emergency Preparedness Manager
  • Shelter Program Coordinator/Manager
  • NFI Program Coordinator/Manager
  • Nutrition Program Coordinator/Manager
  • WASH Program Coordinator/Manager

DART team members stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. They thrive under pressure and have a heart for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who are hurting. If that sounds like you, prayerfully consider joining us. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37).


“Is there a sense of urgency?
Yes there is!”


Edward Graham
Assistant to the Vice President,
Programs & Government Relations

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions


What is DART?

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.


Who is on a DART?

The DART is composed of a roster of on-call professionals trained to respond within a complex international environment to save lives and reduce suffering in the name of Jesus Christ. “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Our DART members work in the midst of devastation and tragedy. We need flexible people who can overcome daunting logistical challenges to bring help to those who need it most. Every DART needs resourceful and competent professionals experienced in providing international assistance, program management, administration, logistics, communications, and medical care.


Is DART right for you?

  • Do you thrive under pressure?
  • Can you work and live in challenging and unstable conditions?
  • Do you have experience in international relief work?
  • Are you readily available to deploy for three to four weeks?
  • Do you have a heart for sharing the love of Christ with those who are hurting?

If you have questions, or need more information, please call 1-800-663-6500 or email spcdart@samaritan.ca


What is the application process?

The DART Member position is an employment opportunity requiring an application to be considered. If you have questions, or need more information, please call 1-800-663-6500 or email spcdart@samaritan.ca. Our HR department will review all applications and contact qualified applicants for a preliminary interview.

Top candidates may then be invited to attend a DART training. DART trainings are held both domestically and internationally multiple times a year and enrollment is as space allows. Upon successful completion of DART training, candidates will then be eligible to be added to the DART roster of qualified responders who may be called upon for deployment following a disaster.

NOTE: The recruiting, selection and training for DART positions takes place throughout the year. We will review your information and consider you for the next steps during our next applicant review cycle.


What will living conditions be like?

Working in a disaster setting requires you to adapt to uncomfortable surroundings and living conditions. Your privacy and level of comfort will be limited. In some cases, accommodations in the field could range from a tent to a mud hut or shared room without fan or air conditioning. Bathroom facilities are shared and often times basic. In other cases, DART members may have accommodations in a comfortable hotel, while the people affected by the disaster are struggling to survive. This disparity is often difficult for some responders.

Post-disaster conditions often result in electricity and internet access being limited, sometimes for extended periods of time. Choice of food is often poor. Weather conditions can be extreme (hot, dry, cold, rains, or desert conditions) and challenging for some individuals.

You should ask yourself if you are physically able and willing to sacrifice your physical comforts before applying to DART.


Will I be able to communicate with my family while on DART?

Your communication will typically be limited. Due to the disaster conditions, rural environments, and the high-paced nature of a DART, there will be limited access to telecommunications. The emergency telecommunication systems utilized during deployment may only be used for operations critical data and communications unless staff members have a personal need. You and your family members should be aware of this before you deploy.


Is DART a volunteer opportunity?

No. DARTs are not volunteer opportunities. Due to the extreme and sometimes hazardous environments typically found hours after a major disaster and the need for skilled, humanitarian professionals, Samaritan’s Purse DART responders are short-term, contracted employees of the organization.

For volunteer opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse please visit: https://www.samaritanspurse.ca/employment#volunteer


What does a typical deployment look like?

Depending on the type of disaster, international location, and DART mandate, deployments will look different. A typical DART deployment lasts two to four weeks. A few common themes to expect are:

  • Long work hours
  • High stress and fast-paced environment
  • The need for flexibility and a willingness to serve in any manner regardless of job “titles”
  • A focused, goal-oriented, and strong team dynamic
  • Organizational support and rapid response to needs on the ground
  • A readiness to deploy teams to serve in the hardest-hit and many times hardest to reach areas


Do I need experience to apply for DART?

Our DART responders work in complex, international disaster contexts in extreme environments so an appropriate amount of international humanitarian relief work experience is highly recommended. DART members should also be able to contribute professional experience in the key area(s) in which they deploy.


What are the minimum qualifications for DART?

Minimum qualifications for a DART member include:

  • Professional experience in international context or disaster response management.
  • Available on short notice for an immediate two to four week deployment.
  • Willingness to work in unstable, insecure areas.
  • Able to provide training and supervision to others.
  • Flexible and able to manage stress.
  • Sufficient travel, volunteer, or work experience in developing countries.


Are training opportunities offered?

Yes. Samaritan’s Purse offers domestic and international training opportunities for DART applicants to gain a better understanding of Samaritan’s Purse international disaster response structure and develop practical skills to utilize in the field to boost success and add value to the DART.


What are typical DART program activities?

Samaritan’s Purse has extensive experience in relief programming, specifically in the sectors of shelter; food; medical care; and water, sanitation, and hygiene. During the initial phase of disaster response, our DART focuses on conducting distributions of sector-specific nonfood items such as tarp, cooking kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and mosquito nets, depending on the context and community needs.

Our medical response has the capacity to function anywhere using small, mobile medical teams traveling to multiple communities and setting up a fully staffed and equipped emergency field hospital.

Additional programming can also include shelter reconstruction, water point rehabilitation, and community hygiene education.

Apply Now

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1-800-663-6500

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STAY IN THE KNOW!

Join our email subscriber list and get exclusive updates about how God is working through Samaritan’s Purse, thanks to supporters like you.

Be the first to read and see our stories from the field. Lives are being changed every day! Learn how you can pray and contribute to what we’re doing. Hear about volunteer opportunities, mission trips and other ways you can get involved. Sign up here:

Count me in

Don’t worry, we hate spam as much as you do. We will never sell or share your email address.

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