AUSMAT to test world-class field hospital in National Field Exercise

09 Jul 2025

In a significant step for Australia’s health emergency capability, the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 2 capability will be deployed for the first time in a training environment during the AUSMAT National Field Exercise, set to run from July to August 2025.

This large-scale training exercise marks a major milestone for AUSMAT’s internationally verified EMT Type 2 capability and is a key demonstration of Australia’s operational readiness. As one of only three countries in the Indo-Pacific region with World Health Organization (WHO)–verified status — alongside Japan and China — AUSMAT will use the field exercise to test real-world deployment scenarios, protocols and multi-disciplinary coordination.

The deployment of the EMT Type 2 capability for training allows our teams to operate in an environment that mirrors a real deployment – remote, austere and self-sufficient.

Kath McDermott, Acting Director Disaster, Preparedness and Response at National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC).

First deployed in 2013 to the Philippines in response to Typhoon Haiyan – where AUSMAT treated more than 2,700 patients – the EMT Type 2 field hospital has since become a global benchmark in field medical response. It was verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 and reverified in 2023, further validating its quality and readiness against WHO’s EMT minimum standards.

AUSMAT EMT Type 2 field hospital deployed in response to Typhoon Haiyan, 2013

AUSMAT National Field Exercise integrates three key training courses:

This exercise brings theory into practice, it challenges participants to operate within a fully functional field hospital – a facility capable of delivering primary health care, emergency, surgical, obstetric and general medical services on the ground.

Rhiannon Winter, Acting Director Education and Strategic Projects

Typhoon Haiyan. 2013

The Australian Medical Assistance Team inserted into Tacloban set up the Mobile Medical/Surgical Facility. *** Local Caption *** Following a request for support from the Philippines Government and commitment from the Australian Government to provide assistance, the Australian Defence Force has established OPERATION PHILIPPINES ASSIST to support international Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. This activity is being conducted under OPERATION PHILIPPINES ASSIST is commanded by Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

EMT Type 2 capability

The AUSMAT EMT Type 2 is a self-sufficient field hospital capable of delivering both emergency and surgical inpatient care. Key features include:

60 personnel across multiple disciplines
60 beds (30 inpatient, 28 stretchers, 2 operating theatre tables)
24-hour emergency and surgical services
24-hour inpatient wards
Maternal and child health services
Rehabilitation and coordination
Heavy cargo and rapid deployment capability, fully equipped to EMT minimum standards.

As one of the most advanced setups of its kind, it ensures Australia can respond to complex health emergencies with speed and confidence.

For many participants, this exercise will be their first experience working within the full footprint of a deployable field hospital, gaining exposure to the teamwork, infrastructure and pressures of a real deployment.

Floor plan of the AUSMAT EMT Type 2 field hospital

This is a unique opportunity to test every element of our system and ensure that when AUSMAT deploys, we do so with total confidence. From logistics to surgery, this is where theoretical training is translated into practical application.

Aaron Perry, Director Emergency Management and Logistics

The field exercise is part of a broader strategy to ensure Australia’s health emergency workforce is equipped, prepared and ready for deployment anywhere in the region and within Australia at short notice.