In regions prone to big weather events and natural disasters, like Timor-Leste, preparation and training is key to support the delivery of a swift and coordinated response. Recognising this, the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) recently hosted the Rehabilitation in Disasters and Emergencies (RIDE) course in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Funded by the Australian Government, the NCCTRC’s Regional Engagement Program (REP) is focused on supporting health professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to advance their skills in responding to health emergencies, including strengthening clinical practice and disaster preparedness and response.
The RIDE course was recently delivered to 47 Timorese rehabilitation professionals from the Centro Nacional de Reabilitação (National Rehabilitation Centre or CNR), an organisation providing assessment and specialist rehabilitation care to people with disabilities, and to staff from hospitals and health clinics across Timor-Leste including Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV). Designed to complement the ongoing efforts in Timor-Leste, Allied Health and Rehabilitation Coordinator and Occupational Therapist, Erica Bleakley and Physiotherapist, Hanna Quayle delivered the course with the aim of broadening participants’ knowledge of the critical role rehabilitation plays in health emergency preparedness and response.
Alex Morais, Director of CNR said “Before the course began, I didn’t fully understand why rehabilitation was important for preparing for disasters. Now I see it as an important role in ensuring the resilience of our communities.” To some degree, disasters are inevitable. Often unpredictable, they can wreak havoc on communities. Preparedness is key to mitigating their impact and ensuring a swift recovery. By educating and training healthcare professionals, communities can better anticipate, respond to and recover from disasters, minimising loss of life and livelihood.
Aurea da Piedade Pinto, CNR’s Clinical Director, expressed gratitude for the insights gained during the course. "The course has been eye-opening for me and my colleagues. It’s made us reflect on what we can do for our clients to minimise their risk during disasters, especially if we’re not able to help straightaway. For example, roads could be blocked during emergencies. It’s important for our highly vulnerable clients with disabilities to consider their support systems, such as how to reach their families or who to call for help. They should also plan for situations where phone lines are down and determine the essential medicines and personal belongings they need in case they can’t get help straightaway.”
Lourdes Henrique, Chief of the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Department, shared her ideas on adapting CBR’s current client engagement. “We are already working in community and talking directly to clients and their families. We can take on board what we’ve learnt and integrate it into our daily operations. By asking clients about their individual plans, we are empowering them to be proactive in emergency situations and better safeguard their well-being."
Reflecting on the importance of individual disaster preparedness, Mateus Lukas, a CBR Technician at CNR, emphasised the importance for rehabilitation professionals to consider their own plans. “As rehab professionals, it’s crucial for us to consider our own plans in the event of an emergency. How do we prepare ourselves and our families? By being prepared ourselves, we can assist our clients more effectively.” Mateus’ sentiment highlights the need for everyone to prioritise personal preparedness to better serve their communities during disasters.
“Working directly with individuals in the community, I've witnessed first-hand the remarkable resilience and determination of people with disabilities.” Mateus continued. “They are truly inspiring. With the right support and resources, they demonstrate incredible independence and capabilities. The RIDE course has reinforced my belief in the importance of empowering people, equipping them with support to overcome adversity," said Mateus.
In essence, the RIDE course serves as a catalyst for proactive disaster preparedness at individual, community and organisational levels. It instils a culture of readiness, resilience and collaboration.
As Timor-Leste continues to navigate the challenges posed by its geographical position, initiatives like the RIDE course offer tangible pathways towards a safer, more resilient future. By investing in education, training and collaboration, Timor-Leste can better withstand and recover from the inevitable trials that lie ahead.
Carla Yeung
Communications and Digital Engagement Officer
