Gearing Up

581 Some basic info just in case... Medical Before setting off to cover a war, conflict or peacekeeping operation overseas, you should think about having a complete physical. Also, keep in mind obtaining prescriptions overseas can be rough Even photogs who are embedded with US Troops should not depend on military med care except under extreme cases. Most military medical units, except often the largest field hospitals, do not carry common drugs like anti-histamines, insulin, Lipitor, blood pressure medication and other drugs used to treat chronic diseases. Remember, military medicine is geared to treating extremely health, young men and women. Know basic (better yet intermediate) first-aid Get a good first-aid kit - available from outdoor stores, such as REI; mail-order firms; or obtainable from clinics and physicians catering to adventure expeditions. Also include in your kit if you need sterile syringes, IV tubing and needles that are particularly useful for travels in Third World areas with inadequate medical facilities and non-sterile conditions. Quikclot, a clotting aid that recently went on the market, also may be useful for journalists. Sprinkled on a heavily bleeding wound, the substance can be a lifesaver until proper treatment can be reached. Computers Not all laptop computers are created equal especially when used in a war zone. Before taking a laptop into a war zone or rough terrain -- or any place outside North America, Europe, Australia, Japan or Korea -- consider the "What Ifs?" What if the computer fails? What if it gets damaged bumping around in a humvee or tank? What if I drop it off a cliff or down a hole? What if I'm in a sandstorm ? What if the IT staff or you forgot to verify the CD-ROM burner software is installed? What if &? Environmental conditions -- dust, sand, rain and temperature One of the biggest enemies or dangers to the laptop is sand. Tiny bits of grit can destroy USB connectors. There are several models of ruggedized computers that are out there on the market that you might consider buying. These laptops come in several grades, based on their protection against dust and water. Price is commensurate with the level of protection. While the laptops cost more, the added cost is the same or less than purchasing two computers -- the original one and a replacement. FYI - BBC reporters are using the Panasonic ToughBook, a ruggedised laptop, to edit video and audio reports in the field and prepare them for transmission For those without a ruggedized computer: + Tape closed any openings, such as power inputs, PCMCIA card ports, earphone plugs and air vents, while the computer is OFF. Make sure to untape any air vents while using the computer. + Bag it. Buy several large (1 or 2 gal. capacity) recloseable plastic bags. Insert the laptop in the bag whenever not being used. + Use a padded laptop case insert. + Have company computer department format a replacement hard drive with same operating system and software as the laptop. The hard drive is the most susceptible component to dust and a busted computer might be resurrected by substituting the replacement hard drive. + Get a "rescue disk" to boot up your computer. The computer department can assist. + Take along backup copies of installed software (Windows, Office, etc.) Communications High-speed sat phone to move digital photo files, Staying in touch and scanning the Internet for news may require a sat phone terminal with some oomph. A regional B-GAN terminal might be useful. A handheld sat phone, such as an Iridium, Thuraya or Globalstar, for voice communications. For example, Iridium sat phone connect via a constellation of spacecraft orbiting around 420 miles high. A laptop terminal, such as a Thrane & Thrane Communicator or BGAN, can handle heavy data demands, like photos or browsing the Internet. A couple of linked terminals can even be used as a videophone. money belts and other concealment items to hide money and ID - there are ankle belts, waist belts, money belts, neck pouches. Here are some suggestions from journalists - just some ideas that could be useful Medical Personal medications (copies of physicians' prescriptions) spare set of eyeglasses eyedrops Sunblock Anti-histamines (prescription, like Zyrtec or Allegra, and over-the-counter) Imodium (over-the-counter) Cipro (prescription) Lip balm Suntan lotion (30+ SPF) Foot powder Neosporin cream Expedition-grade first-aid kit (or customized kit for trauma wounds) (get a doctor's note on letterhead if it contains IV needles and/or syringes; helpful for clearing customs in some countries) Anti-malarial (prescription) Tylenol or Advil (over-the-counter) Tylenol 3 (with codeine) (prescription) Benedryl lotion/cream Anti-fungal cream or powder Insect repellant (contains DEET) adhesive tape bandages alcohol wipes rehydration tablets water purification tablets Miscellaneous GPS Windproof lighter Leatherman-style multi-tool Penknife (backup knife) AA batteries flashlight (with lens covers for night light) Power inverter (to hook to car battery) Extension cord converter and plugs Professional Laptop (ruggedized, CD-ROM burner) Preloaded replacement hard drive USB Flash Drive (to trade files and save backup copies) Compact flash card and adapter Backup software (including rescue disk) Reference material (on USB flash drive, CD-ROM or paper) Digital recorder (downloadable to laptop) or micro-cassette recorder or mini disc recorder Shortwave radio Clothing and personal gear Goretex boots Body armor ( Class III or better, with side protection) Kevlar helmet Goggles (non-fogging with a good seal if wearing glasses) Sleeping bag (20-degree or colder rated) compass Poncho liner or similar water-repelling shell Fleece jacket Gore-Tex jacket (depending on season) Leather gloves Bandanas - protects against sun, can block out sand etc in a storm Ear plugs (use for protection when gunfire ) Mosquito netting Communications Sat phone (Iridium, Thuriya or Globalstar etc) Sat phone (high-speed -- ISDN or BGAN) FRS walkie-talkies (if traveling with fixer/translator) .

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2009-03-20T20:49:56Z

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