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Medical Support for Aircraft Disaster Search and Recovery Operations at Sea: the RSN Experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2016

Kok Ann Colin Teo ,
Tse Feng Gabriel Chong ,
Min Han Lincoln Liow  and
Kong Choong Tang
Kok Ann Colin Teo*
Affiliation:
Navy Medical Service, Republic of Singapore Navy, Singapore
Tse Feng Gabriel Chong
Affiliation:
Headquarters Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore
Min Han Lincoln Liow
Affiliation:
Navy Medical Service, Republic of Singapore Navy, Singapore
Kong Choong Tang
Affiliation:
Headquarters Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore
*
Correspondence: MAJ (DR) Teo, Kok Ann Colin Navy Medical Service Republic of Singapore Navy AFPN 6060 126 Tanah Merah Coast Road Singapore 498822 E-mail: colinkateo@gmail.com
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Abstract

The maritime environment presents a unique set of challenges to search and recovery (SAR) operations. There is a paucity of information available to guide provision of medical support for SAR operations for aircraft disasters at sea. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took part in two such SAR operations in 2014 which showcased the value of a military organization in these operations. Key considerations in medical support for similar operations include the resultant casualty profile and challenges specific to the maritime environment, such as large distances of area of operations from land, variable sea states, and space limitations. Medical support planning can be approached using well-established disaster management life cycle phases of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, which all are described in detail. This includes key areas of dedicated training and exercises, force protection, availability of air assets and chamber support, psychological care, and the forensic handling of human remains. Relevant lessons learned by RSN from the Air Asia QZ8501 search operation are also included in the description of these key areas.

Teo KAC, Chong TFG, Liow MHL, Tang KC. Medical Support for Aircraft Disaster Search and Recovery Operations at Sea: the RSN Experience. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016; 31(3):294–299.

Keywords

aircraft disastermaritimemedical supportsearch and rescue
Type
Comprehensive Review
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 31 , Issue 3 , June 2016 , pp. 294 - 299
Copyright
© World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2016 

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