Emergencies and disasters are causing devastating impacts on populations around the world. Protecting health from emergencies and climate change and strengthening health systems are goals in the WHO’s thirteenth and fourteenth Global Program of Work (GPW 13 and GPW 14).

Robust scientific evidence is needed to inform effective policies and practices across emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. However, the conduct of the reliable research to produce this evidence has proven challenging before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

To help meet these challenges, WHO established the Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Research Network (Health EDRM RN) in 2018, aiming to facilitate research collaboration and promote knowledge transfer including for EMTs. In 2021, the WHO Center for Health Development, the Health EDRM RN secretariat, led the development of the WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health EDRM in a collaborative effort involving 164 experts from 30 countries.

The WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health EDRM was expanded in 2022 with a chapter on research in the context of COVID-19 and in 2023 with a supplementary suite of online learning materials for education and training globally.

An executive summary for policy makers and program managers has recently been developed to enhance dissemination and strengthen research capacity building to advance health EDRM. Further collaboration is underway with regions and countries, academics, practitioners, and the public to generate new scientific evidence to protect health from the risks associated with all types of emergencies and disasters.

Disasters and emergencies cause devastating impacts on communities, infrastructure, economies, and health. Protecting health from emergencies and disasters are the goals in the WHO’s thirteenth and fourteenth General Program of Work (GPW 13 and GPW 14).

Build robust scientific evidence and support, facilitate, and celebrate reliable research to for informed decision-making and effective policy and practice.

WHO established a global expert network in 2018, “WHO Thematic Platform for Health EDRM Research Network (Health EDRM RN)”. The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre (WKC)), the secretariat of the Health EDRM RN, facilitates international collaboration for better knowledge generation, synthesis, and dissemination.

In 2021, in collaboration with 164 experts from WHO HQ, all Regional Offices, and 30 countries, WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health EDRM (the Guidance) was developed, which provides concrete guidance on how to plan, conduct and report Health EDRM research.

The Health EDRM has promoted numerous training and policy meetings including (i) In 2023, a joint webinar by WHO Regional Office for Europe (EURO), WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean, and WKC;(ii) In 2024, a joint workshop for European countries and partners by WHO EURO and WKC with support of UK Health Security Agency; (iii) Symposiums and workshops in collaboration with academic societies including World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, ASEAN Academic Conference, and Japanese Association for Disaster Medicine since 2021.

WHO will continue to collate and improve scientific evidence that informs more effective and sustainable disaster and emergency policies and practices.

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent. The crises that follow are becoming more impactful along with diverse emergency-prone hazards and security contexts. EMTs play a crucial role in emergency and disaster response offering timely medical assistance, stabilizing patients, and ensuring safe transport to medical facilities. EMTs must have public health competencies to evaluate, prioritize, and resource all types of medical and public health emergencies.

Define the essential competencies for leading/coordinating actions between public health and disaster medicine to reliably prepare EMTs for lasting success.

We hosted an international colloquium targeted at EMT capacity building and training.

EMTs work in environments with limited resources, including medical supplies, equipment, personnel, which impacts their ability to provide care. EMTs provide care to individuals and communities during recovery and provide medical assistance for displaced individuals, addressing acute health concerns and chronic conditions. They empower individuals and communities to take active roles in their recovery fostering empowerment, preparedness, and cohesion. EMTs ensure continuity of care and effectively address emerging health concerns.

Continued investment is needed in public health training, resources, and support systems to enhance the effectiveness of EMTs in disaster management: 1) training equips EMTs with critical team competencies, 2) adequate resources, including medical supplies, equipment/transportation, are essential for EMTs, 3) investment in mental health support systems to address the psychological impacts of disaster response and recovery, 4) funding research initiatives and embracing technological advancements helps identify best practices and develop evidence-based protocols, 5) establish (international) regulatory framework, registration, and individual competency certification to professionalize EMT cadre.

Rising global health emergencies necessitate a skilled emergency medical workforce. While younger professionals possess strong digital skills, their application in emergency medicine is often lacking. Our EMT modules integrate these skills into medical school curricula, bridging this gap and preparing future healthcare providers for complex crises.

To enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills of medical students in EMT principles and practices, thereby strengthening the global emergency workforce.

Developed through collaboration among emergency medicine, digital health, and education experts, the curriculum provides a comprehensive educational experience. It includes a theoretical overview of EMT frameworks, emphasizing the structure, roles, and responsibilities within emergency medical teams. Additionally, it enhances digital health literacy, training students in navigating electronic health records, data privacy and security, telemedicine integration, and AI tools in clinical decision-making. Interactive simulations and scenario-based learning reinforce these concepts, allowing students to refine their skills in a safe environment.

Integrating EMT modules into medical curricula revolutionizes healthcare education. By bridging the gap between experienced professionals and digital natives, this innovative approach equips future doctors to excel in emergency medicine and effectively address global health crises.

The EMT modules proposed for medical school curricula aim to enhance the skills and preparedness of future healthcare professionals. By improving EMT capacity and effectiveness, this initiative ensures better preparedness and response to global health events. Empowering national EMTs through targeted training contributes to a more secure and resilient global health landscape, enhancing the healthcare system’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to public health crises.

The military offensive on Gaza since October 2023 caused mass displacement, killing over 39,480 Palestinians and injuring 91,128 (to 1 August 2024). Gaza’s hospitals cannot cope with large numbers of trauma patients due to successive mass casualty incidents. Restricted humanitarian access into Gaza, ongoing attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers, and limited medical supplies hinder operations.

MAP provided quality treatment of trauma cases in the south and middle areas of Gaza through the deployment of specialized care teams from December 2023 - August 2024.

MAP’s specialist multidisciplinary EMTs initially deployed through Rafah and then through Jordan, operated and treated patients alongside the depleted local workforce. The careful selection of clinical skills in each EMT to best complement existing teams ensured maximum efficiency in trauma treatment.

Despite the severe challenges, MAP’s eight EMTs conducted 1,718 consultations and 551 surgeries, with 71% of surgeries being conflict-related and 21% were for children, over 97 days of treatment provision.

Factors contributing to effective deployment of EMTs and successful treatment of trauma and other cases included: 1. Availability of a local team able to support EMTs throughout their deployment inside Gaza; 2. Well-established relationships with the local hospitals prior to October 2023, allowing for effective liaison and adaptability to the rapidly changing and hostile environment; 3. Previous investment and expansion of our network of clinical specialist volunteers enabling rapid scale up of our EMT operations; and, 4. Flexibility of MAP volunteer specialists in undertaking new roles in the emergency room and operating theatres based on need.

In May 2024, ICRC and 12 Red Cross-National Societies combined efforts to open a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, to help address the overwhelming health needs emanating from the ongoing armed conflict. The hospital complements and supports the essential work performed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in providing urgent care.

MHPSS is an essential part of emergency response, but it is still seen as an optional ‘nice to have’ intervention and therefore not always integrated within emergency health response in a timely manner. ICRC, in line with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Policy and World Health Assembly MHPSS Resolution, decided early on to integrate MHPSS within the health services being provided by the field hospital.

Presentation and discussion on:

• How was MHPSS integrated within the hospital services, including mass casualty management and triage?

• What impact has early access to MHPSS had for patients and their families?

• What do EMTs need to know about MHPSS?

• What were the challenges and lessons learnt from this deployment?

• Sustainable approaches to ensuring MHPSS service provision within emergency health settings

ICRC and Danish Red Cross (DRC) highlighted the importance of early integration of MHPSS into emergency health services and share best practice examples and case stories from the field hospital in Gaza.

Early and appropriate access to MHPSS saves lives.

The EMT Minimum Technical Standards and Recommendations for Rehabilitation advise that Type 1 EMTs have “capacity to provide at least basic outpatient rehabilitation.” However, to our knowledge, Type 1 EMTs rarely include rehabilitation. UK-Med’s requires rehabilitation in the Type 1 EMT, including within UK-Med’s Type 1 EMT in Dier Al-Balah, Gaza (Type 1 Gaza EMT).

Describe the rehabilitation needs, activities, and impact for people accessing the Type 1 Gaza EMT.

Describe the innovative rehabilitation service delivery model and associated lessons learned in the Type 1 Gaza EMT.

This research is informed by the following sources from May to October 2024 in the Type 1 Gaza EMT: 1. Statistical analyses of quantitative data from clinical records, and 2. Qualitative feedback from national and international team members.

This research will share data and statistical analyses of all people that participated in rehabilitation in the Type 1 Gaza EMT from May to October 2024, anticipated to be over 80 people. Analyses include the following: 1. Frequency and type of rehabilitation needs and interventions, and 2. Impact of rehabilitation on functional independence objectively analyzed through the Barthel Index and Pain Interference Score. The innovative service delivery model and the lessons learned highlight importance of a nationalization approach, effective deployment of assistive products, considering accessibility, delivering community awareness activities, and ensuring effective care pathways.

As rehabilitation is under-utilized in Type 1 EMTs, the evidence and lessons learned from UK-Med’s Type 1 Gaza EMT are necessary to promote strengthening global responses

Despite EMT standards and extensive literature evidence describing the essential role of rehabilitation in promoting health outcomes and maximizing functional independence, to our knowledge, rehabilitation is under-resourced and under-utilized in the Gaza EMT responses. UK-Med’s Type 2 EMT Hospital in Al-Mawasi Khan Younis, Gaza includes rehabilitation services (Type 2 Gaza EMT).

Describe the clinical presentations and rehabilitation needs of people accessing the Type 2 Gaza EMT.

Describe the type of rehabilitation activities and their impact on functional independence in the Type 2 Gaza EMT.

This research is informed by the quantitative clinical documentation and data systematically collected via clinical records for all people accessing rehabilitation services in the Type 2 Gaza EMT from April to October 2024.

This research will share detailed data and statistical analyses of all people that participated in rehabilitation in the Type 2 Gaza EMT from April to October 2024, anticipated to be over 100 people. Analyses will share the following: 1. Clinical presentations including distribution across 10 categories of life-changing injuries, 2. Frequency and type of rehabilitation needs, 3. The rehabilitation interventions provided with distribution across over 40 different types, and 4. Impact of rehabilitation on functional independence objectively analyzed through the Barthel Index and Pain Interference Score.

As rehabilitation is under-resourced in the Gaza EMT response, it’s important to understand the evidence of the Type 2 Gaza EMT on needs and the impact so as to catalyze rehabilitation activities in Gaza and future EMT global responses.

In September 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) activated an Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) Coordination Cell under the leadership of the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Armenia to provide healthcare for over 300 burn survivors following burns mass casualty. Despite the traditionally under-resourced nature of rehabilitation and capacity building (CB) in EMT responses, the Armenia response innovatively integrated early rehabilitation via direct services and CB activities.

Provide an overview of the early rehabilitation and CB components of the 2023 Armenia EMT response.

Share lessons learned through the diverse perspectives of MOH, WHO, and 2 WHO-verified EMTs.

Field report is based on a gray literature review, lessons learned, and secondary analysis of (a) publicly available data shared with EMTCC, (b) reports and guidelines published by regional authorities, (c) observations and reflections of authors, who held senior roles during the EMT response.

The EMT response provided inpatient services for 200 survivors across 4 national health facilities and with 4 EMTs. The UK and US EMTs were the only EMTs providing rehabilitation, along with other essential health services, delivering 386 rehabilitation interventions for 97 survivors across three national health facilities. These two EMTs facilitated first-of-its-kind CB including a ‘Burn Rehabilitation’ Training of Trainers (n=26) and subsequent course (n=30). The lessons learned call for increased EMT resources and capabilities for early rehabilitation and CB, and more effectively integrating rehabilitation into preparedness plans.

The Armenia experience underscores innovative practices and lessons learned to catalyze strengthening of capabilities in future global EMT operations.

The evolving nature of irregular warfare and the increasingly frequent violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law pose unique challenges for humanitarian actors delivering trauma care in conflict settings.

This review aims to map out the challenges faced by humanitarian actors while providing trauma care within conflict zones, examine the solutions suggested or implemented across varied past conflict scenarios as well as document any requirements for effective interventions.

A scoping review was conducted to analyze and review past humanitarian interventions offering trauma care in conflict settings. Relevant records were identified from scientific and grey literature. The thematic areas identified by the framework for a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre were used to facilitate the synthesis and analysis.

Eleven records examining all phases of conflict identifying gaps throughout the continuum of care in the trauma systems were included. Challenges, solutions and requirements in transportation capacity, data collection methodologies, field coordination mechanisms, and rehabilitative care services were highlighted. Addressing the shortages in skilled healthcare workers, implementing quality improvement measures, and developing standardized training curricula were some of the requirements reported.

Our review findings suggest that multidimensional approach emphasizing strong coordination, leadership, and inclusive partnerships is fundamental for effective trauma care systems in conflict zones. Key recommendations include robust medical transport, comprehensive healthcare training, preemptive mass casualty planning, standardized educational materials, telemedicine, continuous local context reassessment, data protection, and improved transparency and accountability. These strategies could enhance trauma care interventions, ensuring they are effective, equitable, accountable, and sustainable.

Field hospitals (FHs) play a critical role in crisis scenarios, yet they are often challenged by constraints in resources, manpower, and expertise. Telemedicine, which provides healthcare services remotely, has surfaced as a technological solution to these issues.

This study aims to assess the impact of telemedicine in an Israeli civilian field hospital deployed to Ukraine and to formulate a model for its optimal use during disaster medical responses.

Data was gathered through direct observation at the Sheba field hospital in Ukraine, focusing on the care provided, conditions treated, and patient outcomes. The data was anonymized for subsequent analysis. A conceptual model was developed, drawing on empirical evidence and literature, to evaluate the suitability of telemedicine across different disaster scenarios.

Out of 6,161 patients treated, 103 utilized telemedicine, mostly for chronic conditions. Specialties engaged through telemedicine included dermatology (22 cases), radiology (20), oncology (8), and neurology (10), as well as surgical (7) and pediatric (6) consultations. The model indicates that the demand for trauma care diminishes after a disaster, whereas the need for non-trauma, infectious disease, and elective care increases, thereby bolstering the relevance of telemedicine.

The findings accentuate the potential role of telemedicine in disaster medicine. Telemedicine enables remote access to specialized medical expertise, potentially reducing care disparities, optimizing resource allocation, and alleviating the operational strain on field hospitals. Given the dynamic patient needs in post-disaster situations, telemedicine is poised to manage a broader spectrum of health conditions effectively, making it a vital component of future disaster response strategies.

The Philippines, a nation frequently in the crosshair of typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities, has polished its disaster response capabilities through years of challenging experience.

Since 2013, after the country was struck by Super Typhoon Haiyan, efforts were made to strengthen its own emergency medical teams based on global standards. Exactly 10 years after, from once recipient of international aid, for the first time, the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team was deployed internationally in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye in 2023.

PEMAT served a total of 1,022 patients during their 14-day operation within the 21-day duration of the mission.

Despite the extreme cold weather, language barrier, cultural differences, unfamiliar surroundings, long travel, PEMAT provided quality health services to the people of Adiyaman. Majority (97.4%) of the patients rated the PEMAT service as “excellent,” and none rated the service as “poor” and “very poor”.

PEMAT’s first international deployment showcased the country’s capacity to respond effectively to disasters, both domestically and internationally. It is a testament to the “Bayanihan” spirit of the Filipino people and the unwavering commitment and solidarity in helping those in need, anytime and anywhere in the world.

The journey from a domestic response to a global humanitarian workforce is a remarkable transformation. As the Philippines continues to face its own challenges, the lessons from the said international deployment will be applied to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and response, especially with the possibility of an earthquake happening in the country’s capital.

In the early morning of February 6th, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye and parts of Northern Syria. The earthquake was followed by multiple high-magnitude aftershocks (5.6 - 7.5). The earthquake caused 50,339 deaths and 311,000 collapsed or severely damaged houses. In the wake of this disaster, the Turkish government appealed for international assistance to expedite search and rescue operations and medical assistance.

This study aims to explore the experiences and insights of the first responders during their deployment to Türkiye in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

A semi-structured interviews were performed with 18 first responders from the Jordan International Search and Rescue team (JSAR) who deployed to Türkiye and participated in the search and rescue operations. The JSAR team is certified as a heavy international team and works under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (ISARAG).

The results revealed a success in coordinating the international response of over 90 teams. However, numerous obstacles and difficulties were encountered due possibly to the sheer scale of the disaster. These obstacles can be categorized into resource allocation and time management. Resources allocation issues include the selection of the operation site; suboptimal use of teams’ capabilities and capacities; and suboptimal coordination and collaboration with local authorities and volunteers. Time management issues include the deployment decision time, transportation to the operation site, and the scheduled roster of deployed personnel.

These findings stress the urgent need to reevaluate and reform current approaches to ensure more efficient and impactful future disaster relief efforts.

On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 earthquake hit Gaziantep, Türkiye, causing massive destruction, over 59,000 deaths, and displacing millions. EMT Aceh from Indonesia was deployed to provide medical aid.

This research aims to evaluate EMT Aceh’s disaster response during the 2023 Türkiye earthquake, identifying key successes and challenges. It offers recommendations for improving future responses and examines the importance of international collaboration, community acceptance, and government support in the effectiveness of foreign medical teams.

The study used an intrinsic descriptive case study method, including interviews with EMT members and thematic analysis of primary and secondary data.

Key findings show EMT Aceh’s success stemmed from strategic resource use, local collaboration, and public acceptance. Challenges included extreme climate and language barriers.

In conclusion, EMT Aceh’s experience underscores the importance of preparedness, collaboration, and adaptability in disaster response. Recommendations include improving communication skills, fostering teamwork, enhancing logistical preparedness, and promoting community engagement to ensure more efficient and effective responses in future disasters.

On February 6th, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria causing hundreds of thousands of casualties and almost 57,000 fatalities. The two main hospitals of Antakya (capital of the Hatay province, 1,686,043 inhabitants) were strongly damaged and not operational from the day of disaster. The EMT2-ITA Regione Piemonte (EMT2-ITA) deployed its field hospital in Antakya and became operative on February 2023, the 17th.

The objective of this study is to perform a descriptive analysis of the EMT2-ITA mission in Türkiye, to better prepare the teams for future missions.

Starting from the paper patient records and the surgical procedures logbook, a chart review was conducted: the anonymous data of the patient records were manually entered into an electronic data collection form by healthcare staff (nurses supervised by doctors). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the database.

A total of 5,459 triage admissions were recorded during the 29 days of activity: almost all the admissions (4,952; 90.7%) were not critical patients (white or green codes), with only few cases (507; 9,3%) needing urgent or immediate care (yellow and red codes).

The EMT2-ITA performed a total of 51 surgical operations (orthopedic, gynecological, general, and maxillofacial surgery). The mother-child emergency was important too, with 31 births and 23% (1281) of pediatric patients.

The data collected show that the main activity of EMT2-ITA in Türkiye was the full commitment to support and maintain the ordinary health care capacity of the affected country.

EMT2-ITA Regione Piemonte (EMT2-ITA) was classified by WHO as Emergency Medical Team type 2 in 2018. The WHO EMT type 2 standards do not include Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for this type of field hospitals.

On February 2023, after the 7.8 earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, the EMT2-ITA deployed its field hospital in Antakya (capital of the Hatay province, 1,686,043 inhabitants)

The objective of this study is to report ICU activity of EMT2-ITA in Türkiye, raising interesting points of discussion regarding the essential role of this capacity in a EMT type 2 field hospital.

Starting from the paper patient records and the anesthesiologist logbook, a chart review was conducted: the anonymous data of the patient records were manually entered into an electronic data collection form by healthcare staff (nurses supervised by doctors). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the database.

A total of 11 patients were admitted in the ICU during the 29 days of field hospital activity with a mean of 1.5 occupied beds per day (with peaks of all the 4 ICU beds occupied for 2 days): almost all the admissions (9; 82%) were patients needing sub-intensive care; 2 patients were critical (treated with intubation and ventilation) and were referred to other facilities after stabilization in the ICU.

The data collected show that an EMT type 2 would benefit from at least 2 ICU beds plus a sub-intensive capacity to treat patients needing higher standards of care than inpatient ward.

Following the February 6th, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes (Mw: 7.7 and 7.6), critical health services were needed in regions with limited access. TRC, coordinated by the Ministry of Health, deployed mobile health teams to address these needs, reaching those with restricted access due to the disaster

This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile health services provided post-earthquake, examining service accessibility, diversity, and impact on affected populations to assess the strategic role of mobile health in disaster response.

Between February 18 and June 12, 2023, 11 mobile health teams were deployed across six affected provinces (Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Malatya, Osmaniye). Each team, consisting of a doctor, nurse/paramedic, radiology technician, and psychologist, operated from mobile vehicles converted for health services. Primary care services, including medication supply, wound care, home health care, X-rays, and ECGs, were provided. A survey of 453 individuals from a population of 47,127 was conducted to assess satisfaction.

The teams reached 42 districts, examining 47,127 patients, distributing 75,156 boxes of medication, taking 997 X-rays, and performing 117 ECGs. Wound care and home health care were provided to 1,351 and 1,051 patients, respectively, with psychosocial support offered to 18,081 individuals. Satisfaction was high, with over 93% satisfied with services and 97% with team communication.

The mobile health services effectively met the health needs in disaster-affected regions, emphasizing the importance of strategic coordination and the potential for similar models in future emergencies.

Israel is prone to a major earthquake along the Jordan Valley which will have a devastating impact on Jordanians, Palestinians, and Israelis. Magen David Adom Israel partnered with other national societies and is working together with the Israeli authorities to prepare for such an eventuality.

To describe the processes of the preparation work done in Israel, identify the main results, and lessons learnt.

The activities followed this methodology:

• A mapping exercise of the main issues to be addressed across different sectors.

• Series of joint multi-sectoral workshops with the relevant stakeholders to discuss the issues identified.

• Formulating the respective SOPs of the different stakeholders.

• Series of joint multi-sectoral workshops with the relevant stakeholders to discuss the issues identified.

• Formulating the respective SOPs of the different stakeholders.

Main results:

• Dedicated immigration procedures

• Dedicated customs procedures, including import permits including customs clearance and transport to the operations site.

• Health EoC to be tasked with handling arriving EMT and monitoring their operation.

• EMT to be embedded into existing Israeli health care facilities.

• Overcoming gaps in pain medication (controlled substances) and new generation antibiotics.

• Working with hospitals expected to receive an EMT on a joint deployment SOP

While many issues identified in the processes were resolved with many positive outcomes, there is still a list of other issues still pending decisions, which are in the future work plan. In order to sustain the results, and ensure their validity over time, an ongoing cooperation, nationally and with the international partners, including simulations, is essential.

During disasters, support for victims is prioritized, with EMTs providing essential medical care. However, the health of EMT members and other supporters is often overlooked. To address this issue, Japan implemented the J-SPEED Health Checkup tool for the first time during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024 to collect real-time health data on EMTs and supporters.

This study aims to examine the fatigue levels and influencing factors among EMT members and other supporters.

The J-SPEED Health Checkup tool collected data on fatigue levels and factors such as working environment, activity type, job type. Fatigue levels were measured on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between fatigue and these factors.

From January 1 to March 31, 2024, a total of 20,551 data were collected. Logisticians reported significantly higher fatigue scores than other job types, with an increase of 0.23 points. Those working in headquarters also had higher fatigue scores compared to other activity types, with an increase of 0.19 points. Responders who perceived worse “unclear tasks,” “unsafe working environment,” and “lack of meals and breaks” reported significantly higher fatigue levels.

The study highlights the significant impact of job type, activity type, and perceived working conditions on the fatigue levels of EMT members and other supporters during disaster response efforts. Addressing these factors is crucial to ensuring the well-being of responders, which in turn can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response operations.

In January 2022, TC Cody, a category 1 cyclone, caused widespread damage across Fiji with significant rainfall leading to extensive flooding in the western and central mainland. Over 4,500 people were displaced.

Describe FEMAT’s response to TC Cody in the midst of COVID-19 Delta and Omicron outbreak.

FEMAT coordinated initial response through the sub-divisional mobile teams that were activated within 12 hours after impact and tasked with monitoring the evacuation centers and screening the affected communities for illness or injuries. Later post-disaster (72 hours) deployments included WASH, food, and vector control activities.

Health Inspectors provided technical expertise for FEMAT in WASH, vector control and food safety. During this deployment, they led the team with disinfection of 177 evacuation centers, provided surveillance for food safety at local food outlets, distributed 1,874 hygiene kits, 141 menstrual hygiene management kits, 1,097 WASH kits, 476 water containers and 179 hygiene promotion kits, assisted in emergency water distribution carting for 210 households and 1,667 water purification tablets to the beneficiary. This provided aid to 12,705 households. The team also implemented vector control activities with source reduction targeting hot spot and high-risk areas with the removal of mosquito breeding sites, anti-mosquito fogging and larvciding.

The FEMAT response assisted in minimizing of potential outbreaks in communities post-disaster during COVID-19 outbreaks.