Palmetto Medical Initiative :: Pre-Trip Preparations

1. PRE-TRIP PREPARATIONS

2. PASSPORTS
One year expiration date from return date (heightened focus on passports in
international travel) You need at least one blank page.
Submit a copy. The reason we ask for copies is that we keep them with the team
leader in case anything happens on the trip. It’s a lot easier to get a temporary if you
have a copy.

3. VACCINATIONS
Get them. We strongly encourage (not require) you all to comply with CDC recommendations
for travel. You don’t have to provide proof, but you do need proof of Yellow Fever for entrance
into Uganda. MUSC has travel clinics in all parts of Charleston. Typically travel clinics are
more knowledgeable in necessary vaccinations & that is why we recommend them.
Vaccination timeline :: Get them sooner rather than later.

4. FUNDRAISING DEADLINES
FIRST FUNDRAISING DEADLINE
Your flight will be purchased after this deadline. If for any reason you have
to cancel your trip, you will be responsible for the flight cancellation fees.
passed
SECOND FUNDRAISING DEADLINE
You must have all your funds in at this point or you will forfeit your spot on
the team.
Friday, November 21st
East Africa :: $3650 | Central America :: $2350

5. FUNDRAISING DEADLINES
Your fundraising deadlines are
communicated through your weekly
emails.
Questions? Contact
katie@palmettomedical.org

6. SETTING UP YOUR ONLINE
FUNDRAISING PAGE
1
Follow the link you were provided in your Fundraising Instructions document.
Click “Register” on the left.

7. 2
Select “I need to create an account,” and click “next.”

8. 3
Enter your information.

9. 4
Set your fundraising goal to equal your trip cost.
Then, enter the name you would like to show up on your fundraising page.

10. 5
Do not create a team. We have done that for you.
Search for your team by entering the month you are traveling.

11. 6
Select your team.

12. 7
Enter “[month][year]” as your password to join the team.
[ Ex: May2014 ]

13. 8
Verify your information.

14. 9
BEGIN FUNDRAISING!

15. PACKING
You are allowed ONE carry-on and ONE personal bag.
There will be no personal luggage checked.
See the packing list included in your weekly email.
NOT ENCOURAGED :: Laptop, Phone, iPad

16. WHAT TO WEAR
CLOSED TOE SHOES
SLEEVES
LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG PANTS
A GOOD ATTITUDE

17. PACKING
Bring your diagnostic equipment
Box of surgical gloves
One Carry-On
Clothes
Cotton scrubs
T-shirts
Closed toed shoes
Err on the conservative side
Sunglasses/hats
Swimsuit for Free Day
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen // Bug spray
Prescription medication :: have enough for the
whole trip
We do have access to the formulary, so if you
get sick we have access to resources to treat
you.
Personal Snacks
Cameras

18. Uganda
Crisp $50 dated after 2006 for entry into country
Yellow Fever Certificate
Nicaragua
$10 for entry into country
Activities are already paid for
$50 for spending money

19. ON THE GROUND

20. GIFTS & DONATIONS
Do not give money or gifts to anyone without first consulting your Team Director.
PMI does like to give generously to the local community, but it is better to do so through
the proper channels. We do not want to perpetuate a cycle of dependency and
expectancy.
You will have the option to give to different programs at the end of the week through tips.

21. HEAD COUNTS
Head counts will be taken at arrival/departure points for clinic, hotel, airport, and
between flights. Your team number is on your nametag and the team leader will ask you
to call out your number at times.
Emergency contact info will be on the back of your nametags so make sure you
keep them in the field/transit. PMI uses the “buddy system” for added
accountability so make sure your buddy is accounted for before traveling.

22. TRAVEL
Van drivers selected for team are the
best in the region, but remember
international standards of defensive
driving are not quite U.S equivalent.
If you feel unsafe, please remind your
drivers that they are carrying precious
cargo.
Vans should never separate from the
group in transit to/from clinics, hotels,
and airport.
Windows in vans should be closed at
all times when stopped in transit.

23. LODGING
PMI has selected these
accommodations because they are the
safest lodgings for our team. But
remember there are certain procedures
that should be followed while traveling
abroad.
Team members should never leave hotel
grounds without the approval of the PMI
Team Leader.
Example: Jogging outside
grounds prohibited
Example: Walking to the PMI
health center unsupervised is
prohibited
Drinking alcohol is prohibited on the trip :: keep your wits when in unfamiliar
surroundings.
Please avoid drinking tap/shower water. Use the bottled water provided for you in
the lobby at all times (drinking, brushing teeth, etc.)

24. COMMUNICATION
WWW.PALMETTOMEDICAL.O
RG/BLOG
FACEBOOK.COM/PALMETTOM
EDICAL
@PALMETTOMEDICAL

25. FUN DAY
The no drinking policy is still in effect on free day.
Do not pet or touch the animals.
Do not leave your valuables lying around the resort/lodge.
Please limit the number of team members on each van roof to eight people during the
safari. Do not stand up on the roof to take pictures. The driver doesn’t know you are
standing up and he may hit a bump that sends you flying off the van.