How to do VCA? - International Federation of Red Cross and Red ...

How to do a VCA 49In some cases you may not be able to field test the VCA within acommunity. This does not mean that you should not test at all.Alternatives include practising on family members or with otherRed Cross Red Crescent volunteers and/or setting up a simulationexercise.Useful Tips Organizing a field testOrganizing a field test will mirror what you will need to do forthe “real” VCA, including the distribution of tasks. All membersshould attend a planning meeting to address the following:■ Who will act as the overall leader/spokesperson for the day?■ Who will contact the ‘practice’ community and explain thepurpose of the field test?■ Who will organize an orientation session about the communityfor VCA members?■ When is the best time to meet with the community (daytime,evening, weekend)?■ What will be the agenda or order of the day?■ What methods will be used and who will undertake each one(formation of teams)?■ What materials will be needed (tape, flipchart paper, etc.)?■ What questions will be asked and to whom (interviews, focusgroups, etc.)?■ How long will the exercise last (timelines)?■ Who will oversee logistics (make a check list)?■ transportation;■ buying materials;■ communications;■ first-aid kit;■ map of the community (does one exist?);■ lunch/snacks or refreshments for community members(if you decide to provide them);■ identification (to identify yourselves as Red Cross RedCrescent volunteers – bibs, hats, Red Cross Red Crescentidentity card, etc.).■ What is the emergency plan?■ How will you thank the community? A return visit? A letter?