By Kath McDermott, Acting Director Disaster Preparedness and Response
In the dynamic landscape of global emergency medical response, AUSMAT has once again exemplified its unwavering commitment to excellence with its recent reverification by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement, following their initial verification in 2016, marks AUSMAT as a WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 2 Surgical Field Hospital, Type 1 Fixed, and Type 1 Mobile in 2023.
The 2016 inaugural global classification and verification as an EMT 2 Surgical Field Hospital established AUSMAT's capability to provide essential medical services swiftly in the aftermath of sudden onset disasters and other health emergencies. The 2023 reverification process aimed to not only to maintain but surpass these standards. This was achieved by aligning with the WHO Minimum Standards for Emergency Medical Teams and incorporating the latest advances in medical practices, logistics, technology, and operational capabilities.
Preparing for reverification involves numerous professionals at the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) and within the AUSMAT multi-jurisdictional cohort. This rigorous process involved several essential steps. Upon the acceptance of AUSMAT's request for reverification by the WHO, the initial step involved the preparation and submission of an AUSMAT Improvement Dossier for assessors to review. This comprehensive dossier highlighted AUSMAT's advancements, innovations, and deployments since 2016.
Simultaneously, AUSMAT re-established multiple clinical technical working groups (TWGs) comprising of senior clinicians from various jurisdictions. These TWGs meticulously reviewed, updated, and, if necessary, developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to align with the latest scientific literature and, of course, meet WHO Minimum Standards.
The subsequent step proceeded with a desktop review by WHO assessors who evaluated the AUSMAT Improvement Dossier and posed pertinent questions. The final step involved an on-site assessment beyond evaluating clinical capabilities to include AUSMAT’s logistical and operational activities. These included evaluations of innovative water sanitation setups and advancements in piped oxygen delivery, critical to areas such as High Dependency and Surgical Wards, Operating Theatres, Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), Rehabilitation capabilities, Medical Laboratory, camp habitats, IT infrastructure, the warehouse, and caches.
Key TWG members participated in the on-site visit, showcasing AUSMAT’s capabilities. NCCTRC benefits from team members who, through the WHO EMT initiative, also serve as WHO EMT mentors and assessors: Terry Trewin Director Emergency Management and Disaster Response, Abigail Trewin, Directory Strategy, Transition and Projects, and Bronte Martin, Directory Trauma, Education and Regional Engagement, proving invaluable resources throughout the process.
AUSMAT’s successful reverification stands as a testament to its dedication to high standards. The proactive involvement in reviewing and updating SOPs and policies reflects AUSMAT’s commitment to align with WHO’s latest guidelines and minimum standards. The site visit, which included the Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, and CEO of NT Health, Marco Briceno, was an opportunity to showcase AUSMAT capabilities to WHO colleagues and dignitaries. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this reverification.
Kathleen McDermott
Acting Director Disaster, Preparedness and Response
Kath played a significant, senior role in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both operationally and in the field. Kath was the Clinical Nurse Lead and then Mission Lead, supporting the establishment and operations of the AUSMAT Howard Springs International Quarantine Program from October 2020 – May 2021. As a registered nurse, with sub specialties that include public health, peri-operative, emergency and infectious diseases, and an established AUSMAT member, Kath has contributed to multiple deployments to incidents of national and international significance. Most recently this includes international AUSMAT deployments to support COVID-19 response in Fiji and Kiribati, as well as domestically. Kath has lived and worked in the Northern Territory for almost 30 years and commenced at the NCCTRC in 2008. Further experience includes roles as Research Coordinator and AUSMAT Health Information System Manager at NCCTRC, and as the AUSMAT representative on the WHO Minimum Data Set Working Group for EMTs which contributes to the AUSMAT field operations and member of various AUSMAT Technical Working Groups.