30-strong team flies out today and will counsel those who have lost loved ones, homes in Nargis

With their hearts in their mission to help Cyclone Nargis victims in Burma, medical workers from this country haven't forgotten to prepare some things for themselves, too.

"I packed a sleeping bag, instant noodles and coffee," says Dr Benjaporn Panyayong. "This stuff is important to me. I cook for myself so I don't become a burden to the team," she adds.

The psychiatrist is a member of the 30-strong medical team under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn that will arrive in Burma today on a Royal Air Force C-130.

"We are ready to fly," says Ramathibodi Hospital's Dr Wichai Phansrimangkorn. He heads the team.

A helping hand

"It's an opportunity to help people, because at this time Burma lacks medical workers to help victims," he adds.

Cyclone Nargis hit Burma two weeks ago.

Wichai is worried about victims suffering from chronically inflamed wounds that need to be treated urgently. If they don't receive treatment soon, there may have to be amputations. "We hope our team can help them as soon as possible," he says.

Mental anguish

Benjaporn says the aftermath of Nargis is giving local people sleepless nights and recurring nightmares. Mental health is a worry. "They need someone to talk to and listen to what they say," she says, "We will be there for them."

She's calling on those that can speak Burmese to come along and help the team beat the language barrier.