Safety and Security Measures • • Water and sanitation, and food (Medical) evacuations in case of emergencies Team members are responsible for arranging any necessary vaccinations or medications and to take all recommended preventive medicines in due time. Medical consultation should preferably take place 4–6 weeks before the journey if vaccinations are required. For general information on obtaining updated country information on communicable diseases and required vaccinations, see Annex 6. Stress management A combination of factors such as practicalities before the mission, taking time off from the regular job, travelling, security and safety issues can all add up to accumulated stress. The examination itself may cause vicarious stress. Team members should know their own abilities and limitations, and be able to recognise common signs of stress in themselves and in others. They should be aware of effective coping mechanisms and stress management techniques, and of the risks of common behaviours that are ineffective in coping with stress such as heavy drinking, smoking and large amounts of caffeine intake. Staff in charge of logistics may also be at risk of accumulative stress, especially if they become very much emotionally involved. There should be mutual support meetings between members during the mission. 26 Pre- and post mission support should be available if needed. For further reading and relevant links, please see Annex 6. Communication All team members need access to communication during their mission. This should be arranged by the contracting agency. If a satellite phone or walkietalkies are provided, team members should be clear how to use them beforehand, or receive instruction during the first briefing on arrival in the country. Mission members should have regular contact with the programme manager of the contracting organisation. In case of travel to an insecure area, contact should be made on at least a daily basis. After the mission Team members should have a debriefing or exit interview at the end of the assignment with the programme/project coordinator. Health checks and personal counselling should be available if needed. e. Safety and security measures for the local partner The visit of an international team may draw unwanted attention to the work of local partners. There are several examples of local staff members being harassed or even arrested after the visit of an international team. It is important for the international team members to liaise with