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Team Echo: Observations and Lessons Learned in the Recovery Phase of the 2004 Asian Tsunami

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Franklin H.G. Bridgewater ,
Edward T. Aspinall ,
Joy P.M. Booth ,
Roger A. Capps ,
Hugh J.M. Grantham ,
Andrew P. Pearce  and
Brett K. Ritchie
Franklin H.G. Bridgewater*
Affiliation:
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia
Edward T. Aspinall
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Joy P.M. Booth
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Roger A. Capps
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Hugh J.M. Grantham
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Andrew P. Pearce
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
Brett K. Ritchie
Affiliation:
Supported by the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department of Health, Government of South Australia
*
Franklin HG Bridgewater Senior Visiting Medical Specialist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville Road, Woodville, South Australia 5011 E-mail: fbridgewater@picknowl.com.au
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Abstract

The 26 December 2004 Tsunami resulted in a death toll of >270,000 persons, making it the most lethal tsunami in recorded history. This article presents performance data observations and the lessons learned by a civilian team dispatched by the Australian government to “provide clinical and surgical functions and to make public health assessments”. The team, prepared and equipped for deployment four days after the event, arrived at its destination 13 days after the Tsunami. Aspiration pneumonia, tetanus, and extensive soft tissue wounds of the lower extremities were the prominent injuries encountered. Surgical techniques had to be adapted to work in the austere environment. The lessons learned included: (1) the importance of team member selection; (2) strategies for self-sufficiency; (3) personnel readiness and health considerations; (4) face-to-face handover; (5) coordination and liaison; (6) the characteristics of injuries; (7) the importance of protocols for patient discharge and hospital staffing; and (8) requirements for interpreter services.

Whereas disaster medical relief teams will be required in the future, the composition and equipment needs will differ according to the nature of the disaster. National teams should be on standby for international response.

Keywords

administrationAustraliadisasteremergency medical servicesemergency treatmentIndonesiainjurynumerical datanursingorganizationrescue workstatisticssurgerytsunamiwounds
Type
Special Report
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 21 , supplement S1: Health Aspects of the 2004 Southeast Asia Earthquake and Tsunami , February 2006 , pp. S20 - S25
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2006

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