Participants included representatives from the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT), New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT), Papua New Guinea Emergency Medical Team (PNGEMT), Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT), Samoa Emergency Medical Assistance Team (SEMAT), Solomon Islands Medical Assistance Team (SOLMAT), Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VANMAT) and Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT). Together, they reflected the rich diversity and experience of Pacific health emergency responders.
A platform for connection and collaboration
The forum created a space to deepen regional interoperability – how teams work together in emergencies – by exploring the practicalities of deployment coordination, system strengthening and peer-to-peer support. Sessions focused on real-world challenges such as embedding within another EMT’s deployment, offering or requesting support, and adapting systems to local capacity – particularly for EMTs not yet WHO-classified.
A highlight of the event was the inclusion of non-WHO-verified EMTs, which created space for open conversations about context-specific approaches. The forum emphasised that success is not defined by size or verification status, but by preparedness, trusted relationships and the ability to integrate and respond quickly when disaster strikes.
Participants engaged in scenario-based activities, group problem-solving, and team presentations. The sessions reinforced a shared goal: to build a flexible and connected network capable of navigating complex emergencies with confidence and unity.
Toward a Pacific-led model of emergency response
While AUSMAT remains a key partner in regional response, the forum marked a strategic pivot – placing Pacific EMTs in the driver’s seat of coordination and planning.
“This forum isn’t about one team leading the others,” said a participant. “It’s about all of us stepping up, sharing what we know and figuring out how to support each other better.”
The forum closed with a strong sense of purpose — to continue building a future where Pacific EMTs are better connected, regionally led and collectively prepared to face the growing challenges of health emergencies.
With lasting partnerships forming and future forums already in planning, the Pacific is charting a new course — one grounded in collaboration, mutual respect and resilience.
