An off-duty Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighter paramedic traveled to Ecuador with One Flag Disaster Response Teams on Sunday following Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake that claimed the lives of 350 people and injured more than 2,658 others.

Dan Livengood, who is part of a dedicated team of first responders who volunteer with the nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief worldwide, will be performing an assessment to determine whether One Flag deploys a team to assist with relief efforts.

One Flag Disaster Response Teams’ goal is to provide rapid and appropriate response to disasters. The team will assess the major needs and request a volunteer response team comprised of firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses and other need-specific skill sets to partner with emergency services in the area impacted by the earthquake.

This is not the first time TVF&R medical personnel have deployed on disaster-relief efforts. With every deployment, they bring back skills and expertise that benefit the community and the fire district.

Every volunteer with One Flag Disaster Response Teams pays for their own travel and accommodations, though donations are accepted. These caring individuals adjust their schedules to take time off from work and time away from their families to help others in need around the world.

A blog has been set up to provide updates on One Flag’s efforts as information becomes available. Those wishing to support a response team deployment can donate online.