FAQ
People often think you need to be a medic to help FAST — you don't. You can support us by volunteering in the field, joining our remote team, starting a fundraiser, or donating. Every form of support keeps our mobile clinic on the road.
No. We are a first aid team and do not give out prescription medication. Handing out prescription medication endangers you, your team, and above all the people we are there to support.
No. Decades of research show that humanitarian aid has no effect on people's decision to flee their homes — it only reduces their suffering once they arrive. People in Calais live in conditions that should not exist in Europe. Not responding is not an option.
If you are working in Calais, these are the sort of conditions you will see:
- Common cold
- Wounds by police violence or falling.
- Scabies
- Chest infection
- Sprains/strains
- Lacerations
- Dental problems
- Burns
- Chronic pain issues
- Eye issues/infections
- Fungal toe infections
- Trench foot
- Allergies
- Gastric reflux
- Diarrhoea
- Sleeping problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Anxiety/depression
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, physios, final-year medical and nursing students, and experienced first aiders. You'll find all requirements on our volunteer page. https://www.f-a-s-t.eu/volunteer/
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of two weeks. Able to come for a shorter period? Email volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu and we'll look at the possibilities together.
Yes — field volunteers need to be 18 or older.
Arranging accommodation is your own responsibility, but email volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu and we can signpost you to options other volunteers have used.
Yes, but check with the coordinator team first — needs change quickly. See our Donate supplies page. We do not accept out-of-date or prescription medication.
We take volunteer safety seriously and you will never work alone. You are likely to be stopped by police and asked for documents — keep them with you at all times and comply with instructions. If police ask you to stop a distribution, comply. Under no circumstances should you prescribe or dispense prescription medication or out-of-date supplies; report any donated prescription medication to your field coordinator immediately. The situation in Calais changes often, so flexibility and awareness of our safety policies are essential. Your field coordinator will brief you before your first shift.
We support electives, but we cannot provide teaching or supervision. Check your university's requirements and email volunteer@f-a-s-t.eu to discuss.
Yes — wound care is a core part of our daily work, so we ask field volunteers to have hands-on experience with it.
This depends on the situation on the ground. Expect regular working days, but stay flexible — the context in Calais changes often.
If you are a registered healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, paramedic), your clinical experience is sufficient. If you are joining as a first aider, we do ask for a formal first aid qualification.
Apply through our volunteer page. The process is simple: a short application, an interview, and a reference check. Once accepted, you'll receive our volunteer handbook and access to online training to prepare for your time in Calais. https://www.f-a-s-t.eu/volunteer/
Yes. FAST is a registered Dutch ANBI (public benefit organisation) since 2019, which means donations are tax-deductible in the Netherlands. Our chamber of commerce number is 73957186.
No. Our working language is English. French or Arabic, Kurdish, Pashto, Farsi, Tigrinya or Amharic are a bonus, but not required.
FAST is a small grassroots organisation and field volunteers cover their own travel and accommodation. Long-term field coordinators receive a monthly contribution towards living costs.
Directly to the field: medical supplies, hygiene items, fuel for our mobile clinic, and support for our volunteers. FAST has no offices and no paid staff — our annual reports show exactly how funds are spent.
No. FAST is independent and provides care to anyone who needs it, regardless of who they are or where they come from. We are outspoken about one thing only: healthcare is a human right.
Yes, please! Birthday fundraisers, sports challenges, bake sales — it all helps. See our fundraiser page or email us for materials and ideas. https://www.f-a-s-t.eu/start-fundraiser/
Yes. Email info@f-a-s-t.eu. We're happy to share our data and experiences from the field, as long as the dignity and privacy of the people we support is respected.
Calais is easy to reach: direct trains from Paris and Lille, ferries from Dover, or the Eurotunnel. Having a car is useful but not required.