Empowering New Responders: - Highlights from a REACT UK Operations Course

In early February, REACT Disaster Response welcomed 33 new volunteers into our Responder community through an intensive three-day Operations Course. This training was designed to prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds—including students, paramedics, veterans, and active military personnel—to provide rapid humanitarian assistance in crisis situations.

Building Skills for Effective Disaster Response
Over the course of the weekend, volunteers gained hands-on experience in key areas essential to effective disaster response, including:

• Spontaneous Volunteer Management – Coordinating unaffiliated volunteers during emergencies.
• Safeguarding Identification – Recognizing and protecting vulnerable individuals in crisis zones.
• Interoperability – Working alongside other organizations to deliver aid efficiently.
• Post-Flood Recovery – Responding effectively to flooding events.
• Basic Life Support – Providing life-saving first aid in critical situations.
• Rapid Route Planning – Navigating complex environments to deliver aid swiftly.
• Communications – Ensuring clear and effective coordination during deployments.

This training is not just about developing skills—it’s about building confidence. One new Responder, Sima, shared how she discovered that her business background and experience with risk assessments were highly relevant in crisis response. 

"I joined REACT to find a meaningful way to continue contributing. I was seeking something purposeful for the next few years.

The training weekend surprised me in many ways, particularly in how much I was able to achieve and how I adapted to the cold and wet climate, which was challenging. The course itself was exceptionally organised, and I was inspired by the involvement of so many volunteers. The sense of teamwork and camaraderie was truly uplifting.

One of the biggest surprises was realising how much of my business background I could bring into the React world. I discovered that I knew more than I thought, especially with skills like incident management. In my previous work with large organisations, many of the principles and models I used were directly applicable, even though the terminology might differ. Similarly, the experience with risk assessments I gained in an office environment was surprisingly relevant.

Despite having been a level 1 Responder for about six months, I hadn’t felt ready to take on a crisis. However, after this training, I feel much more equipped to respond to any situation that arises at my level. I now have the confidence to put myself forward, knowing that I’ll be supported by a team with shared goals. That reassurance makes me feel ready to contribute and make a difference."

A Community of Support and Impact

What makes REACT unique is the camaraderie and shared mission of its Responders. As a mentor and experienced Responder, Chris Cheeseman observed that the newest cohort embraced teamwork, adapted quickly to challenges, and stepped confidently into leadership roles. 

"What stood out most about this cohort was their diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and approaches. They worked seamlessly as a team, feeding off each other’s energy and naturally leaning into leadership roles. My biggest takeaway was how easily they stepped into the role of ‘Responder.’ They arrived ready yet open to learning, adapting instantly to feedback from both the training team and me.

A standout moment came when they launched into a plan but misunderstood the task’s physical boundaries. With a quick course correction, they adjusted and carried on without hesitation. As always, my favourite part was seeing each individual receive their T-shirt, sharing in their joy (or relief) at passing the course. It’s an honour to play a small role in their journey from volunteer to Responder."

This training would not have been possible without the generosity of The MacRobert Trust, whose support ensures that when disaster strikes, highly trained Responders can mobilise rapidly to provide life-saving assistance.

Looking Ahead
Due to overwhelming interest, we are currently pausing new Responder applications to focus on training and supporting our existing volunteers. We anticipate reopening recruitment in June 2025 with a more targeted, regionally focused approach. In the meantime, you can still support REACT by subscribing to our newsletter, fundraising, or spreading awareness of our mission.

Every donation, every shared story, and every volunteer effort helps build a stronger, more capable team ready to respond when disaster strikes. Thank you for being part of the REACT community.