Diamond Princess Cruise Ship. COVID-19 Medical Operation by the National EMT, Japan DMAT.

Abstract

Introduction:

The Diamond Princess cruise ship (DP) arrived in Yokohama, Japan, on February 3, 2019, with a confirmation of the Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR) positive for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a passenger who disembarked at Hong Kong. Japan National Emergency Medical Team (N-EMT), and Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), were dispatched and measures to prevent the spread of viruses were taken for 3,711 (2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew members) on board.

Method:

Japan DMAT was dispatched and managed the medical operation for DP passengers and crew members. The records of communication logs for the DMAT were evaluated. In this study, evaluation of DMAT medical operations in the DP was conducted to find any positive effects

Results:

472 (157 doctors, 123 nurses, 161 medical logisticians, 31 pharmacists) members responded. Among them, 283 (97 doctors, 66 nurses, 91 medical logisticians, 29 pharmacists) worked inside the DP, and 189 (60 doctors, 57 nurses, 70 medical logisticians, two pharmacists) operated outside mainly for patient transport. DMAT conducted a strategic operation and developed categorization for medical care and patient transport. Eventually, DMAT constructed flow to provide rapid medical care and prescription distributions for passengers and crew members.

Conclusion:

DMAT has been required to respond to unforeseen disasters in the framework since the Fukushima Nuclear Plant accident in 2011. All the past several types of disaster response were contributed to managing medical operations at the DP. These operations are thought to reduce preventable deaths from COVID-19.