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.