The Korean Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) plays a critical role in providing rapid and effective disaster response. However, past literature has highlighted the need for enhanced training and capacity-building programs.

This study aims to improve KDRT’s training and capacity-building programs to enhance disaster response preparedness and efficiency, addressing specific training needs and capacity gaps.

The study employed the PRISMA methodology to review international literature on training and capacity building, comparing findings with KDRT programs. Based on 2022 KOFIH report, surveys, and interviews with KDRT members identified specific training needs and gaps. A SWOT analysis evaluated the current state of KDRT’s training programs, incorporating insights from reviewed documents.

Ten reports were selected from an initial pool of 14,670 for final analysis. KDRT’s strengths include engaging learning methods and comprehensive, practical training. Weaknesses identified were high resource requirements and the need for extensive training. Opportunities include expanding training to other roles and regions, leveraging technology, and establishing global training standards. Threats comprise variability in training standards, funding limitations, and technological disparities. Findings highlighted the need for psychological preparedness modules, regular updates to training packages, standardized medical record-keeping, and simulation-based training.

To enhance KDRT’s programs, this study recommends establishing a robust governance structure, developing standardized SOPs, integrating advanced communication systems, and regularly evaluating training tools. Implementing comprehensive training programs with joint exercises focusing on real-life scenarios is crucial. Ensuring team proficiency, monitoring effectiveness, and analyzing data to improve practices are essential for continuous improvement of KDRT’s training programs, aligning them with global standards.

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.

Virtual simulation models enable preparation of healthcare teams working in emergency and disaster responses, by providing practice of leadership and communication in decision making. The statistical functions are also suitable for assessment of team performance. However, developing virtual simulated scenarios focused on team training is time-consuming, expensive, and consists of complex developmental processes. This feasibility study aimed to explore if application of AI on trauma registry would support automated creation of virtual simulated scenarios based on real patient data.

To determinate design and effects of an automated system converting real patient data into virtual simulated scenarios.

Mixed methods with two data sets. The first data set was extracted from trauma patients records for the development of a system converting real patient data into virtual simulated scenarios. The second data set consisted of focus group interviews.

The end product consisted of a Python-based program for automating virtual simulation scenario creation and a graphical user interface (GUI) displaying the scenarios. Further improvements were needed in efficiency and correlated to the quality of data derived from patients’ records. Incorporating functions such as time as stress factor, integration of decision-making components based on a decision-making tree would also contributes to usefulness and acceptance of the system.

The potential of the system is cost efficient and beneficial for healthcare teams and educational bodies by its ability to provide great numbers of emergency and disaster scenarios, and the access and presentation of real patient data in situations with limitations, such as during the pandemic.

Since the first documented medical mission of Doctor Peter Parker in 1834 to China, the practice and study of medical missions have gained prominence. Despite the increasing prevalence of medical missions, significant ambiguity surrounds their definitions, benefits, and challenges.

This study investigates the effectiveness of regular Short-Term Humanitarian Missions (STMMs) focusing on the Mission of Hope (MoHope) III conducted in the Kyangwali refugee settlement in Uganda.

A qualitative case study approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) to gather insights from participants, including volunteers and beneficiaries. Data collection adhered to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR), and thematic analysis was conducted using Clarke and Braun’s approach. Ethical considerations were strictly followed, ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent.

Analysis of data from 16 participants revealed six emergent themes: barriers (financial constraints, health information flow, infrastructure, etc.) benefits (quality improvement, capacity building, etc.), doubts (sustainability, patient rights, etc.), requirements (decolonization, training, etc.), and new paradigm. Participants highlighted significant obstacles that hinder the effectiveness of STMMs, while also recognizing the added value these missions provide to local healthcare systems.

Regular STMMs, such as MoHope III, can enhance healthcare delivery in low-resource settings, but face numerous challenges that must be addressed for sustained impact. Recommendations include improving infrastructure, ensuring better financial support, and fostering local staff training. This study contributes valuable insights into the complexities of implementing effective STMMs in similar contexts, contributing to the broader discourse on the efficacy and sustainability of short-term medical missions.

In the face of increasing global crises and conflict, responding immediately to a disaster with life-saving interventions is an identified gap. Rapidly deployable, highly mobile surgical teams with prepared logistics and equipment is an identified solution to meet this need.

Develop a Mobile Surgical Theater (MST) that is adaptable to both sudden onset and conflict driven disasters. The MST should be immediately deployable on commercial aircraft. The team members will be trained not only on the clinical aspects but also the operational components of the MST. The MST should hold the ability to provide five major surgeries daily for the duration of response and be fully self-sufficient.

Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) in Mobile Surgical and Golden Hour Surgical teams were consulted throughout development. Thorough research, testing, and development was performed on all components to ensure good function and reliability. While developing training and objectives, SMEs were also consulted to ensure optimal learning. All aspects of development and training used a collaborative, team driven approach.

Samaritan’s Purse currently maintains two MST units, prepositioned and ready to deploy. This includes four trained teams with future trainings planned. Samaritan’s Purse maintains logistics and supply chain to ensure readiness for rapid deployment.

Samaritan’s Purse stands ready to deploy Mobile Surgical Teams into complex disaster scenarios. The rapid and nimble nature of the MST ensures delivery of quality lifesaving care into areas and timeframes previously unmet through traditional disaster response mechanisms.

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