International Medical Corps Co-sponsors Disaster Response Medical

Training
Margaret Aguirre
Director, Global Communications
310.826.7800
maguirre@InternationalMedicalCorps.org

October 5, 2010 – North Little Rock, Arkansas – In an effort to boost the capacity of first-
responders following disasters like the earthquake in Haiti or the Indonesian tsunami,
International Medical Corps co-sponsored a scenario-based, medical action training program to
prepare physicians for the initial phase of post-disaster environments. The immersion course
offered scenario-based skill development to improve the ability of physicians to deal with
primitive conditions, fatigue and mental stress during disasters. The 3-day program was held in
North Little Rock, Arkansas at the Direct Action Resource Center (DARC)– a training facility that
focuses on experience- and scenario-based skill development.

Dr. Robert Fuller, who served on International Medical Corps’ emergency response teams in
Banda Aceh following the tsunami and Port-au-Prince after the earthquake, and who is head of
the University of Connecticut Health Center’s Emergency Department, helped oversee the
course. Fuller and a team of physicians and disaster response specialists designed the program
to simulate a two-week deployment in a post-earthquake disaster setting. Training participants
were taught leadership, communication and complex problem-solving skills while managing
their physical and mental stress, contributing to the success of their team, maintaining personal
security, and performing necessary medical and camp tasks.

Upon arrival, cell phones and other communication methods were removed and students were
tasked with preparing a living space in an austere environment, developing a plan for their
shelter, safety, water, food and sanitation. Sleep disruption and a limited food supply were also
built into the program to simulate the fatigue and hunger common in post-disaster relief
situations. After teams achieved basic living needs, they were charged with converting a metal
roof covered cement slab into a hospital with operating capability. The capabilities of the
makeshift facility and teams were challenged using increasingly ill and complex patients.

Fuller and his team were on hand to demonstrate appropriate medical techniques throughout
the evolution of the simulated disaster. Students also received training and review of triage and
field stabilization procedures for critical patients. Training participants left with an increased
capacity in unfamiliar medical terrain under suboptimal conditions and with an expanded
medical knowledge.

Since its inception 25 years ago, International Medical Corps’ mission has been consistent:
relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster, and disease, by delivering vital
health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is
critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit:
www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org