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Background: The WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative coordinates the deployment of qualified medical teams who promptly respond to public health emergencies (PHEs) and provide quality service during emergencies whilst strengthening capacity. Globally, 40 EMTs have been classified between 2016 and the present (as of the writing of this article in December 2023) and are from across all the WHO regions except the WHO Africa Region (AFRO). However, WHO Africa has prioritised the implementation of EMTs in 10 priority countries to address the public health emergencies (PHEs) affecting the region. Objective: This article describes the development and progress of national EMTs in the WHO African Region over the past 7 years and elucidates the main lessons learned and the complexity and challenges in the process. Methods: This study employed a case study approach because of its appropriateness in examining a complex social phenomenon in a socio-political context in depth, using multiple lenses simultaneously. Data and information were obtained through document reviews and key informant interviews (KIIs) (n = 5) with the members of the EMT Initiative on shared field experiences. Data were systematically analysed using the Stages of Implementation Completion (SIC) framework, and the lessons learnt were presented using components of a framework from Adini et al. Results: The Initiative commenced in the WHO African Region following its launch in December 2017 in Senegal. The assessments of the concept's engagement (involved learning and deciding), feasibility (reviewing expectation and capacity), and readiness planning (collaborating and preparing) showed that the context-specific (African context) challenges, lessons from different emergency response actions mainly guided the Initiative's pre-implementation phase in the region and prompted the WHO emergency leadership on the urgency and need for the EMT concept in the region. The assessment of the implementation processes showed progress in key areas, with staff demonstrating improved competency, EMT services maintaining high fidelity, effective consultation launching critical components, and ongoing services providing successful support and monitoring. Creating the N-EMTs and revitalising the EMT concept required an aligned strategy with other regional emergency programmes and a futuristic vision. Proposed sustainability and governance components include creating N-EMT, developing a coordination structure, collaborating with partners, and finalising the N-EMT. Conclusion: The Initiative is an imperative component that would allow better-targeted management of health emergencies in the region. The continuous refinement of the EMT initiative is crucial. There is a need to work on additional components, such as a context-specific framework for collaborations and partnerships that would enhance deployment and procurement modalities and the complementarity between other regional initiatives to improve the work. Emphasis should be placed on strengthening local health systems, enhancing training and capacity-building programmes, and fostering regional and international collaborations. Additionally, sustainable funding and resource allocation are essential to ensure the resilience of EMTs in the African region and their long-term success.

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The purpose of World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) is to provide timely, high-quality health services in the immediate aftermath of disasters and during disease outbreaks and other emergencies, including conflict and insecurity.The war in Ukraine has presented all health-care providers with many unique challenges. This assessment addresses the importance and the complexities of the global spread of the Emergency Medical Team system challenges to meet a wide variety of crises including war, those that are unique to this very complex crisis in Ukraine, and the essential role of educational initiatives, not only in professional development but also in teamwork and cultural integration.

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BACKGROUND: The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RCRC) utilizes specialized Emergency Response Units (ERUs) for international disaster response. However, data collection and reporting within ERUs have been time-consuming and paper-based. The Red Cross Red Crescent Health Information System (RCHIS) was developed to improve clinical documentation and reporting, ensuring accuracy and ease of use while increasing compliance with reporting standards. CASE PRESENTATION: RCHIS is an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Health Information System (HIS) designed for RCRC ERUs. It can be accessed on Android tablets or Windows laptops, both online and offline. The system securely stores data on Microsoft Azure cloud, with synchronization facilitated through a local ERU server. The functional architecture covers all clinical functions of ERU clinics and hospitals, incorporating user-friendly features. A pilot study was conducted with the Portuguese Red Cross (PRC) during a large-scale event. Thirteen super users were trained and subsequently trained the staff. During the four-day pilot, 77 user accounts were created, and 243 patient files were documented. Feedback indicated that RCHIS was easy to use, requiring minimal training time, and had sufficient training for full utilization. Real-time reporting facilitated coordination with the civil defense authority. CONCLUSIONS: The development and pilot use of RCHIS demonstrated its feasibility and efficacy within RCRC ERUs. The system addressed the need for an EMR and HIS solution, enabling comprehensive clinical documentation and supporting administrative reporting functions. The pilot study validated the training of trainers' approach and paved the way for further domestic use of RCHIS. RCHIS has the potential to improve patient safety, quality of care, and reporting efficiency within ERUs. Automated reporting reduces the burden on ERU leadership, while electronic compilation enhances record completeness and correctness. Ongoing feedback collection and feature development continue to enhance RCHIS's functionality. Further trainings took place in 2023 and preparations for international deployments are under way. RCHIS represents a significant step toward improved emergency medical care and coordination within the RCRC and has implications for similar systems in other Emergency Medical Teams.

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Introduction: Emergency medical rescue plays a vital role in alleviating the harm of all kinds of emergencies to people's physical and mental health and life safety. The current emergency medical teams (EMTs) formation model is not unified. We focused on the disadvantages of the bricolage mode of China EMTs and put forward empirical-based countermeasures to improve the emergency management ability of EMTs. Methods: From March to September 2022, 23 leaders of EMTs in North China (Tianjin) were selected by objective sampling method to conduct one-to-half structured in-depth interviews. Nvivo12.0 software was used for three-level coding. The disadvantages of the bricolage model of EMT were analyzed. Results: Based on the three-level coding, 150 initial concepts, 36 sub-coding, 17 main coding, six categories, and two core categories were sorted out. Management structure, internal stability, and support are recognized as the crucial elements armed with the EMTs. Discussion: The bricolage EMTs have disadvantages such as a chaotic management structure, weak internal stability, and inadequate support. It is necessary to construct full-time EMTs that incorporate a standardized personnel admission mechanism, full-time training and exercise mechanism, diversified incentive mechanism, and multi-agent cooperation mechanism, etc.

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INTRODUCTION: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) represent critical medical emergencies in which timely interventions can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Despite their importance, the role of on-scene witnesses during such events remains relatively unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research seeks to shed light on the influence of witnesses, especially family members, during OHCAs and the effect of their interventions, or the absence thereof, on outcomes. Drawing from existing literature, our working hypothesis suggests that the presence of a witness, particularly one who is knowledgeable about CPR, can increase the likelihood of obtaining the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), potentially enhancing overall survival rates. METHODS: Using a retrospective analytical method, we thoroughly reviewed medical records from the Lublin Voivodeship between 2014-2017. Out of 5111 events identified using ICD-10 diagnosis codes and ICD-9 medical procedure codes, 4361 cases specifically related to sudden cardiac arrest were chosen. Concurrently, 750 events were excluded based on predefined criteria. RESULTS: Both basic and advanced EMS teams showed higher rates of CPR initiation and an increased likelihood of obtaining ROSC. Notably, the presence of a trained EMS professional as a witness significantly increased the chances of CPR initiation. The presenting rhythms most often detected were ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Different urgency codes were directly linked to varying ROSC outcomes. When witnesses, especially family members, began chest compressions, the use of amiodarone was notably higher. A significant finding was that 46.85% of OHCA patients died without witnesses, while family members were present in 23.87% of cases. Actions taken by witnesses, especially chest compressions, generally extended the overall duration of patient care. CONCLUSION: The crucial influence of witnesses, particularly family members, on OHCA outcomes is evident. Therefore, it is essential to increase public awareness of CPR techniques and rapid intervention strategies to improve outcomes in emergency situations.

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OBJECTIVE: This study describes the progress that the World Health Organization (WHO) African (AFRO) region has made in establishing National Emergency Medical Teams (N-EMTs), the coordination mechanisms of the EMTs, and the regional training centers. METHODS: It used a retrospective descriptive analysis of the formulation and implementation of the EMTs Initiative from an insider perspective. The analysis is based on the review of available documents such as EMTs mission reports, assessments, surveys, EMT monthly bulletins, and meeting minutes in addition to key informant interviews (n = 5) with the EMT teams' members to validate the findings and share field experiences. RESULTS: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acted as an accelerator for the implementation of the EMT initiative in the AFRO region. A total of 18 EMT deployments were carried out in 16 countries in the AFRO region through the WHO EMT-network during COVID-19, providing support to countries in managing severe and critical COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: A Regional Training Center for N-EMTs is being set up in Addis Ababa to train the N-EMTs and strengthen local capacity of health personnel in the region. Challenges include unavailability of mentors to support countries in implementing N-EMTs and the Regional Simulation Training Center, poor funding, and coordination in the rolling out of the N-EMTs.

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Background: In the aftermath of disasters, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) are dispatched to help local rescue efforts. Although EMTs are recognized to be a critical component of the global health workforce, concerns have emerged over their functioning and effectiveness. For example, lack of cooperation and coordination between different EMTs has been a longstanding issue, resulting in fragmented disaster management. Methods: To enhance the provision of EMT's field teamwork, the Training for Emergency Medical Teams and European Medical Corps (TEAMS) project was established, and later further updated with novel scenarios and exercises (i.e., adapting EMT operations to a sudden disaster; becoming a modular team; reflecting on ethical dilemmas) in the complementary "TEAMS 3.0" project where a more comprehensive training package was developed. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and quality of the TEAMS 3.0 training package in four training programs in Portugal, Germany, Norway, and Turkey. Participants completed a set of questionnaires designed to assess self-efficacy, teamwork, and quality of training. Results: The results from all the trainings suggest an improvement for both teams' self-efficacy and teamwork. The mean score among all the participants (N = 100) for both the self-efficacy scale and teamwork scale was 3.217 (±0.223) prior to training and 3.484 (±0.217) following the training, and 2.512 (±1.313) prior to training and 3.281 (±0.864), respectfully, with statistically significant differences according to Wilcoxon paired samples test (p < 0.05). The quality of training is regarded as high and deemed as an appropriate tool package for addressing the objectives of the project and the perceived needs of EMT disaster deployment. Conclusion: Thus far, the TEAMS 3.0 project has demonstrated to be effective in promoting EMT teamwork capacities.

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The vulnerable populations in the protracted humanitarian crisis in South Sudan are faced with constrained access to health services and frequent disease outbreaks. Here, we describe the experiences of emergency mobile medical teams (eMMT) assembled by the World Health Organization (WHO) South Sudan to respond to public health emergencies. Interventions: the eMMTs, multidisciplinary teams based at national, state and county levels, are rapidly deployed to conduct rapid assessments, outbreak investigations, and initiate public health response during acute emergencies. The eMMTs were deployed to locations affected by flooding, conflicts, famine, and disease outbreaks. We reviewed records of deployment reports, outreach and campaign registers, and analyzed the key achievements of the eMMTs for 2017 through 2020. Achievements: the eMMTs investigated disease outbreaks including cholera, measles, Rift Valley fever and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 13 counties, conducted mobile outreaches in emergency locations in 38 counties (320,988 consultations conducted), trained 550 healthcare workers including rapid response teams, and supported reactive measles vaccination campaigns in seven counties [148,726, (72-125%) under-5-year-old children vaccinated] and reactive oral cholera vaccination campaigns in four counties (355,790 vaccinated). The eMMT is relevant in humanitarian settings and can reduce excess morbidity and mortality and fill gaps that routine health facilities and health partners could not bridge. However, the scope of the services offered needs to be broadened to include mental and psychosocial care and a strategy for ensuring continuity of vaccination services and management of chronic conditions after the mobile outreach is instituted.

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BACKGROUND: Craniocerebral injuries belong to the category of bodily injuries which are characterised by high mortality and a high percentage of permanent effects in the form of disability. The likelihood of this injury exists in the workplace too. Performing works at a height or using high-pressure or mechanical machinery exposes employees to a higher risk of a craniocerebral injury. CASE REPORT: This case study deals with the topic of open craniocerebral trauma suffered by a 20-year-old man who was wearing no head protection at his place of work. It details the management of this trauma at the site of the accident, during transfer to the hospital and during hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: Fast transport, effective diagnostics and implementation of surgical treatment contributed to a good final result.

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OBJECTIVE: This report tries to capture the impact of the Project for Strengthening the ASEAN Regional Capacity on Disaster Health Management (ARCH Project) in each ASEAN Member State (AMS) and Japan as a result of the ARCH Project implementation since July 2016. METHODS: Impact on AMS: The analysis of the impact on AMS was based on a comparison of the impact of the project on management and coordination of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), and application of the project outcome in actual emergency operations compared to the previous status in each AMS.Impact on Japan: The history of the development of disaster medicine in Japan was reviewed, with an aim to analyze the impact of supporting AMS through the ARCH Project on Japan, and the possibility of bi-directional cooperation in the future. RESULTS: Impact on AMS: Since the initiation of the ARCH Project, AMS has made significant progress in WHO EMT accreditation, strengthening EMTCC capacity for receiving international assistance, as well as the development of legislation or strategic plans related to DHM, and application of the Project products such as standard operating procedures or regional tools in actual disasters/emergencies.Impact on Japan: Disaster medicine in Japan originated from the Cambodian refugees' relief mission in 1979. Since then, the management system has been strengthened including the foundation of the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team, a structure with a legal foundation. The experience gained through international operations has contributed to the development of Japan's domestic disaster response system. Japan learned the operational effectiveness of the post-disaster health surveillance system through the disaster response operation in 2013 Typhoon Yolanda Disaster in Philippines and introduced a modified system in Japan for domestic disaster response, which was later refined and proposed for an international standard. CONCLUSION: ARCH Project is highly appreciated by AMS as the opportunity to share knowledge and experience among countries and thereby contributing to achieving the "One ASEAN, One Response" concept, as well as the driving force for each AMS to develop its capacity in DHM. While the ARCH Project started to support AMS to strengthen its regional capacity in disaster health management, it is important to build a bi-directional relationship between ASEAN and Japan in terms of mutual learning and support to tackle future disasters.

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OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to clarify how the Project for Strengthening the ASEAN Regional Capacity on Disaster Health Management (ARCH Project) strengthened regional collaboration mechanisms on disaster health management (DHM) in ASEAN. METHODS: The political process and the relevant documents of the ARCH Project were reviewed. RESULTS: The ARCH Project established the Regional Coordination Committee as a coordination platform for providing strategic direction to the project and strengthening the regional coordination of DHM. Also, the Project Working Groups and Sub-Working Groups were set up as implementation bodies for the project activities with representatives of ASEAN Member States (AMS). With support from DHM experts of Japan and Thailand, a series of discussions were conducted for the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Coordination of International Emergency Medical Teams (I-EMTs), regional tools, and collective measures supporting AMS to overcome challenges, and thereby meeting the minimum requirements set by the WHO EMT Initiative. The progress and outputs of the ARCH Project are subsequently elevated to the ASEAN Health Sector for endorsement, the updates are further shared to the Joint Task Force to Promote Synergy with Other Relevant ASEAN Bodies on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (JTF-HADR) for the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on One ASEAN One Response. The initiation of the ARCH Project in July 2016 has resulted in the development of the ASEAN regional collaboration framework, including the establishment of the Regional Coordination Committee on Disaster Health Management (RCCDHM), the SOP for ASEAN I-EMT coordination, and regional tools, such as forms for Medical Record for Emergency and Disaster and Health Needs Assessment. Moreover, further discussions on ASEAN Collective Measures that aim to support AMS to meet the WHO EMT minimum standards and strengthening I-EMT coordination capacity were also conducted. As adopted by the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM) in 2019, the RCCDHM was established as one of the mechanisms to operationalize the Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on DHM. CONCLUSION: The contribution of the ARCH Project to strengthen the ASEAN regional capacity in DHM has enhanced the regional coordination platform, with a formalization of RCCDHM as ASEAN's official regional mechanism, and of the on-going integration process of the SOP for EMT coordination into the ASEAN SASOP.

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INTRODUCTION: The tropical cyclone Idai hit Mozambique in the city of Beira on March 15, 2019. During the following days, the Portuguese Emergency Medical Team (PT EMT) and its infrastructure deployed to Mozambique with the mission of helping local people and collaborating with the authorities. METHODS: Data analyzed were collected in the period of the deployment, from April 1-April 30, 2019. All patients admitted to PT EMT were registered through the Clinical Record of PT EMT. RESULTS: In total, 1,662 patients were admitted to PT EMT during the 30-day mission. The five most prevalent diagnoses were: 61.49% classified with "code 29" (which corresponds to "other unspecified diagnoses"), 9.15% of cases of skin disease, 8.90% of minor injuries, 6.74% of acute respiratory infection, and 3.19% of obstetric/genecology complications. DISCUSSION AND CHALLENGES: An important challenge identified was the need for a robust and effective network for transporting patients, allowing transfers between EMTs, enabling a true network response in the provision of care to disaster victims. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of the deployment of PT EMT in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai was in line with the EMT initiative standards, allowing a direct delivery of care to the affected Mozambican population and support to the local health authorities.

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(1) Objective: Paramedics as a profession are a pillar of the State Medical Rescue system. The basic difference between a specialist and a basic team is the composition of members. The aim of the study was to benchmark the effectiveness of performing advanced resuscitation procedures undertaken by two- and three-person basic emergency medical teams in adults under simulated conditions. (2) Design: The research was observational. 200 two- and three-people basic emergency medical teams were analyzed during advanced resuscitation procedures, ALS (Advanced Life Support) in adults under simulated conditions. (3) Method: The study was carried out among professionally active and certified paramedics. It lasted over two years. The study took place under simulated conditions using prepared scenarios. (4) Results: In total, 463 people took part in the study. The analysis of the survey results indicates that the efficiency of three-person teams is superior to the activities performed by two-person teams. Three-person teams were quicker to perform rescue actions than two-person teams. The two-person teams were much quicker to assess the condition of victims than the three-person teams. The three-person teams were more likely to check an open airway. The three-person teams were more efficient in assessing the heart rhythm and current condition of victims. It was demonstrated that three-person teams were more effective during electrotherapy. The analysis demonstrated that three-person teams were significantly faster and more efficient in chest compressions. Three-person teams were less likely to use emergency airway techniques than two-person teams. The results indicate that three-person teams administered the first dose of adrenaline significantly faster than two-person teams. For the "call for help", the three-person teams were found to be more effective. (5) Conclusion: Paramedics in three-person teams work more effectively, make a proper assessment of heart rhythm and monitor when taking advanced actions. The quality of ventilation and BLS in both groups studied is insufficient. Numerous errors have been observed in two-person teams during pharmacotherapy.

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BACKGROUND: Burn fluid resuscitation guidelines have not specifically addressed mass casualty with resource limited situations, except for oral rehydration for burns below 40% total body surface area (TBSA). The World Health Organization Technical Working Group on Burns (TWGB) recommends an initial fluid rate of 100 mL/kg/24 h, either orally or intravenously, beyond 20% TBSA burned. We aimed to compare this formula with current guidelines. METHODS: The TWGB formula was numerically compared with 2-4 mL/kg/%TBSA for adults and the Galveston formula for children. RESULTS: In adults, the TWGB formula estimated fluid volumes within the range of current guidelines for burns between 25 and 50% TBSA, and a maximal 20 mL/kg/24 h difference in the 20-25% and the 50-60% TBSA ranges. In children, estimated resuscitation volumes between 20 and 60% TBSA approximated estimations by the Galveston formula, but only partially compensated for maintenance fluids. Beyond 60% TBSA, the TWGB formula underestimated fluid to be given in all age groups. CONCLUSION: The TWGB formula for mass burn casualties may enable appropriate fluid resuscitation for most salvageable burned patients in disasters. This simple formula is easy to implement. It should simplify patient management including transfers, reduce the risk of early complications, and thereby optimize disaster response, provided that tailored resuscitation is given whenever specialized care becomes available.

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According to Article 68 sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland everyone has the right to health protection. In line with this provision, the Act of 8 September 2006 on the State Emergency Medical Services imposes an obligation on emergency medical teams to provide assistance to "every person experiencing an emergency health condition." The catalogue of medical events and accompanying clinical situations in which emergency medical teams intervene is constantly growing. A significant percentage of such situations are calls for assistance to people with mental disorders or psychomotor agitation, often with reduced ability to recognize the nature of their actions, whose aggressive behavior is directed both to themselves and to others. Providing the managers of the basic emergency medical teams with the competence to apply and supervise direct coercive measures on their own represents asignificant increase in their powers. In addition, it is asignificant organizational improvement since, until now, emergency medical teams have not been able to intervene effectively in situations requiring assistance without the help of a physician, and have had to call in ateam of specialists. Furthermore, granting paramedics, expressis verbis, the status of 'public officers'in connection with the performance of their duties is a desirable legislative measure since it strengthens the protection of this professional group, especially because rescue operations often take place without the patient's consent or with the patient's active resistance. The article contains an overview of current legal regulations concerning the use of direct coercion by emergency medical teams.

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Health and logistical needs in emergencies have been well recognised. The last 7 years has witnessed improved professionalisation and standardisation of care for disaster affected communities - led in part by the World Health Organisation Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative. Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) resulting in burn injuries present unique challenges. Burn management benefits from specialist skills, expert knowledge, and timely availability of specialist resources. With burn MCIs occurring globally, and wide variance in existing burn care capacity, the need to strengthen burn care capability is evident. Although some high-income countries have well-established disaster management plans, including burn specific plans, many do not - the majority of countries where burn mass casualty events occur are without such established plans. Developing globally relevant recommendations is a first step in addressing this deficit and increasing preparedness to deal with such disasters. Global burn experts were invited to a succession of Technical Working Group on burns (TWGB) meetings to: 1) review literature on burn care in MCIs; and 2) define and agree on recommendations for burn care in MCIs. The resulting 22 recommendations provide a framework to guide national and international specialist burn teams and health facilities to support delivery of safe care and improved outcomes to burn patients in MCIs.

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OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus was recognized in December 2019 in China. From that moment it has quickly spread around the whole world. It causes COVID-19 disease manifested by breathlessness, coughing and high temperature. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a great challenge for humanity. The aim: To analyze interventions of emergency medical teams during the SAR-CoV-2 pandemic, and to compare obtained data with the same periods in 2018-2019. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study retrospectively analyzed interventions of emergency medical teams in the period from 15.03 to 15.05 in 2018 - 2020. 1,479,530 interventions of emergency medical teams were included in the study. The number of interventions, reasons for calls, and diagnoses made by heads of the emergency medical teams during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were compared to the same period in 2018-2019. RESULTS: Results: Authors observed the decline in the number of interventions performed by emergency medical teams during the pandemic in relation to earlier years by approximately 25%. The big decline concerned interventions that were the reason for calls to public places, such as "traffic accident" and "collapse". In the case of diagnoses made by the head of the emergency medical team, the diagnoses regarding stroke or sudden cardiac arrest remained at the similar level. Others showed a marked decline. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Reduced social activity contributed to a reduced number of interventions by emergency medical teams in public places. The societal fear of the unknown also contributed to the decrease in the number of interventions performed by emergency medical teams. People began to avoid contact with other people.

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OBJECTIVE: General surgical training in Australia has undergone considerable change in recent years with less exposure to other areas of surgery. General surgeons from many high-income countries have played important roles in assisting with the provision of surgical care in low- and middle-income countries during sudden-onset disasters (SODs) as part of emergency medical teams (EMTs). It is not known if contemporary Australian general surgeons are receiving the broad surgical training required for work in EMTs. DESIGN: Logbook data on the surgical procedures performed by Australian general surgical trainees were obtained from General Surgeons Australia (GSA) for the time period February 2008 to February 2017. Surgical procedures performed by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) surgeons during 5 projects in 3 SODs (the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2013 Philippines typhoon and the 2015 Nepal earthquake) were obtained from previously published data for 6 months following each disaster. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This was carried out at the University of Sydney with input from MSF Operational Centre Brussels and GSA. RESULTS: Australian general surgical trainees performed a mean of 2107 surgical procedures (excluding endoscopy) during their training (10 6-month rotations). Common procedures included abdominal wall hernia repairs (268, 12.7%), cholecystectomies (247, 11.8%), and specialist colorectal procedures (242, 11.5%). MSF surgeons performed a total of 3542 surgical procedures across the 5 projects analyzed. Common procedures included Caesarean sections (443, 12.5%), wound debridement (1115, 31.5%), and other trauma-related procedures (472, 13.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Australian general surgical trainees receive exposure to both essential and advanced general surgery but lack exposure to specialty procedures including the obstetric and orthopedic procedures commonly performed by MSF surgeons after SODs. Further training in these areas would likely be beneficial for general surgeons prior to deployment with an EMT.

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Medical and epidemiological documentation in disasters is pivotal: the former for recording patient care and the latter for providing real-time information to the host country. Furthermore, documentation informs post-hoc analysis to improve the effectiveness of future deployments.Although documentation is considered important and indeed integral to health care response, there are many barriers and challenges. Some of these challenges include: working without well-established standards for medical documentation; and working with international guidelines which provide minimal guidance as to how health data should be managed practically to ensure accuracy and completion. Furthermore, there is a shift in mindset in disaster contexts wherein most health care focus shifts to direct clinical care and diverts almost all attention from quality documentation.This report distinguishes between the tasks of the epidemiologist and the data manager (DM) in an emergency medical team (EMT) and discusses the importance of data collection in the specific case of an EMT deployment. While combining these roles is sometimes possible if resources are limited, it is better to separate them, as the two are quite distinct. Although there is overlap, to achieve the goals of either role, preferentially they should be carried out by two people working closely together with complementary skill sets. The main objective of this report is to provide guidance and task descriptions to EMTs and field hospitals when training, recruiting, and preparing DMs and epidemiologists to work within their teams. Clear delineation of tasks will lead to better quality data, as it commits DMs to being concerned with the provision of real-time documentation from patient arrival through to compiling daily reports. It also commits epidemiologists to providing enhanced disease surveillance; outbreak investigation; and a source of reliable and actionable information for decision makers and stakeholders in the disaster management cycle.

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INTRODUCTION: International Emergency Medical Teams' (I-EMTs) response to disasters has been characterized by a late arrival, an over-focus on trauma care, and a lack of coordination and accountability mechanisms. Analysis of I-EMT performance in past and upcoming disasters is deemed necessary to improve future response. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics, timing, and activities of I-EMTs deployed to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and to assess their registration and adherence to the World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams' (WHO-EMT; Geneva, Switzerland) minimum standards compared to past disasters. METHODS: An online literature search was performed and key web sites related to I-EMT deployments were purposively examined. The methodology used is reported following the STARLITE principles. All articles and documents in English containing information about characteristics, timing, and activities of I-EMTs during Nepal 2015 were included in the study. Data were retrieved from selected sources to compile the results following a systematic approach. The findings were validated by the Nepalese focal point for the coordination of I-EMTs after the earthquake. RESULTS: Overall, 137 I-EMTs deployed from 36 countries. They were classified as Type I (65%), Type II (15%), Type III (1%), and specialized cells (19%). Although national teams remained the first responders, two regional I-EMTs arrived within the first 24 hours post-earthquake. According to daily reporting, the activities performed by I-EMTs included 28,372 out-patient consultations (comprising 6,073 trauma cases); 1,499 in-patient admissions; and 440 major surgeries. The activities reported by I-EMTs during their deployment were significantly lower than the capacities they offered at arrival. Over 80% of I-EMTs registered through WHO or national registration mechanisms, but daily reporting of activities by I-EMTs was low. The adherence of I-EMTs to WHO-EMT standards could not be assessed due to lack of data. CONCLUSION: The I-EMT response to the Nepal earthquake was quicker than in previous disasters, and registration and follow-up of I-EMTs was better. Still, there is need to improve I-EMT coordination, reporting, and quality assurance while strengthening national EMT capacity.Amat Camacho N, Karki K, Subedi S, von Schreeb J. International Emergency Medical Teams in the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(3):260-264.

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