DART (Disaster Arborist Response International)

DART (Disaster Arborist Response International) are a newly formed Humanitarian Disaster Relief Response Team that is unique in what they offer. Having responded to disasters over the years, most recently the Philippines typhoon, it became very obvious that one of the most crucial parts of aid work is being overlooked. 

DART provide four man teams of trained, experienced and qualified Arborists who spend two weeks in disaster zones. The four man teams work together to clear the devastation caused by fallen and windblown trees. Trees that block roads, demolish dwellings, take out power cables and cause many other forms of devastation. Dealing with these tree falls is crucial to aid work being able to take place. Without experienced and capable people to clear trees and debris, lifesaving aid and medical supplies cannot be taken to the places and people that need it most. The lack of qualified chainsaw operatives available to work in these situations is critical, and the potential for accidents and fatalities is immense. 

Since returning from the crisis in the Philippines in November 2013 DART have worked tirelessly to recruit a professional and reliable team of volunteers who will be trained and ready to deploy on new disasters as they occur. The DART team respond to natural disasters fully equipped for self-sufficiency in the field. They take supplies of food for seven days and basic personal medical equipment. They work effectively and safely for the benefit of the people they have been sent to help. They do not drain resources and are happy to construct their own shelters to stay in whilst on deployment.

DART volunteers are made up of capable people, many with a military background alongside their arborist abilities. DART volunteers come from all parts of the UK and beyond. The support is growing on a daily basis as its unique need is being recognised. Already there are over forty people undergoing specialist training.

Whilst these people are all willing to give their time and effort to help others, they need support in the form of financial support and kit. The advertising that supporting the DART International Team will deliver is something that money cannot buy.  Prior to setting up DART International, members on previous deployments have been filmed and interviewed by news crews from Korea, Japan, Germany and Australia – to name but a few. The names of sponsors displayed on their kit will be seen all around the world.

The full list of the kit that is needed and information are available by emailing DART at dartinterantionaluk@gmail.com

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Amanda Thomas

UK Health Radio