The Australian National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (N.C.C.T.R.C.) recently ran the inaugural major incident and medical management support (M.I.M.M.S.) course at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Moto’otua, Samoa. 

The N.C.C.T.R.C. is a key element of the Australian Government’s disaster and emergency medical response to incidents of local, national and international significance.

Clinicians, paramedics, emergency and police services joined forces to learn about vital disaster preparedness and response.

The M.I.M.M.S. faculty was assembled from multiple jurisdictions in Australia, Tonga and Fiji on the basis of experience, skills and enthusiasm. 

Australian High Commissioner Sara Moriarty met with the course faculty last Wednesday and welcomed the opportunity to engage with the team and participants.

“The N.C.C.T.R.C. is a well-received programme delivered across the Asia-Pacific region. The Australian Government is proud to support this valuable training occasion.

“I welcome the opportunity to see the great work of the M.I.M.M.S. team. This initiative will enhance preparedness through teaching, training and practice and will equip response teams to rescue and resuscitate victims of disasters.

“Given we are officially in ‘cyclone season’, the scheduling of the course could not have been more timely.

“When catastrophes do occur, such as a cyclone or a tsunami, it is the local disaster and emergency medical teams who will be there to respond to those casualty incidents,” she said in a press release. 

The N.C.C.T.R.C. was established in Darwin Australia, following the Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005. It has become an important hub for emergency medical responses in the region and delivers training to clinicians throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific. 

The M.I.M.M.S. course teaches a systematic approach to disaster medical management based on practical skills that are applicable and adaptable to health systems worldwide. Participants will consolidate their skills in the domains of team work, triage, incident command and control, communications and safety.