Newsletters

POSTED: June 25th, 2024
POSTED IN: 2024 Quarter 2, EM Pulse - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP,

By Douglas Char, MD, FACEP

Disasters both natural and man-made continue to plague mankind.  The frequency and severity of tornados seems to be lessening in Missouri, but flooding remains an issue.  Unlike our colleagues on the coast we are relatively unconcerned about hurricanes, but live with the fear of the “next big New Madrid earthquake”. We should all be aware of our individual hospital disaster preparedness plans and our role within them.  It would behoove us all to take a few minutes the next time we are on duty to review key documents and make sure the powers that be can get hold of us during a time of need.  More importantly have we created/updated/revised our own family’s disaster plan?

When major disasters occur, many emergency physicians ask – “what can I do to help?”  For those able to take time off and volunteer there is never a shortage of opportunities.  However, most busy physicians are not able or ready to head to parts unknown for months (such as joining Doctors Without Borders). While we applaud these generous souls, one often wonders what we can do locally and regionally. 

Getting involved in the Missouri Disaster Medical Team (DMAT) through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is a great way to help.  This volunteer team of health care providers stands ready to respond to events in Missouri and surrounding states (based on interstate compacts). The team is comprised of physician, paramedics, nurse, advance practice providers, pharmacist, EMTs and respiratory therapist.  True deployments are very rare, but the team holds annual training events, staffs an aid station at the State Fair, and participates in regional disaster exercises.  They provide training and uniforms and work around clinicians’ busy schedules. Joining the team is relatively straightforward if you hold an active Missouri medical license.  The team is available to resident physicians (unlike the federal DMAT). The state also sponsors a Disaster Mortuary Response team (DMORT) who work closely with the DMAT. To learn more about them contact: https://sema.dps.mo.gov/operations/modmat-momort.htm

If you are not ready to commit to being part of an organized disaster response team but willing to help out after an event consider signing up for the Missouri Show Me Response. This program, ran by SEMA, maintains a registry of Missouri licensed clinicians interested in helping. By registering your data and credentials you can be prescreened. In the event of need, the state reaches out for volunteers with specific skill sets.  Show Me Response is part of the federal Emergency System for Advanced Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESRVHP) To learn more contact: https://sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/documents/Show_Me_Response_brochure-medical.pdf

Another way to utilize your skills locally and regionally is to join a Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT).  These teams are trained to respond locally to help neighbors and friends during times of need.   CERT members are local volunteers and medical training is not a requirement.  The teams are organized geographically (a neighborhood, town/city, large community organization). Members are trained in basic search and rescue, first aid, disaster communication and shelter care skills. Many CERT teams also qualify as federal Medical Reserve Corp (MRC). Teams in Missouri operate under SEMA jurisdiction. Whereas the Missouri DMAT may deploy for up to 2 weeks at a time, MRC/CERT members generally operate within a few days of the deployment window.  Teams participate in regional disaster training and exercises.  To learn more about them contact: Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (mo.gov)

Missouri is lucky to have a number of Urban Search & Rescue Teams (US&R). Medical providers focus their care on keeping team members healthy and watching out for injuries and risk unique to operating in austere and hazardous environments. Missouri has a number of local teams, often sponsored by fire departments (St Louis, St Charles, Jefferson County, Kansas City, Columbia to name a few).  The Boone County (Columbia) team is also a recognized federal asset (FEMA).  They are called upon to respond to disasters across the county.  They train and prepare for 2 week deployments. To learn more contact: Missouri Task Force 1 | Boone County Fire Protection District (bcfdmo.com)

For those able and willing to leave the area on short notice for up to 2 weeks at a time, the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is always looking to recruit physicians, pharmacists, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapist and paramedics (sorry they no longer accept Basic EMTs).  The Missouri-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) transitioned to a regional asset about a decade ago.  The Midwest-1 DMAT is primarily based out of Missouri but includes members from Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas (all of FEMA region 7).  This federally sponsored team trains to operate in austere environments and is on call 3 months out of the year.  However, following very large disaster they often get deployed. The DMATs are also deployed for National Security Special Events (NSSEs) such as the 4th of July on the Mall in Washington DC, United Nations General Assembly, Superbowl, presidential inaugurations, and national political conventions.  These non-disaster deployments are great training while also supporting a potential mass casualty incident (MCI) event.  Getting hired to the federal DMAT is onerous and requires one to jump through many administrative hoops (welcome to the federal government).  Team members are part-time intermittent federal employees. To learn more contact: NDMS | Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (hhs.gov), and  MIDWEST 1 DMAT | Facebook

Disaster medicine is not for everyone, but for those emergency physicians looking to apply their unique skills and knowledge to work to help their communities near and far during times of great need, it is an awesome opportunity.  Check it out!!

Dr Douglas Char has been a member of the Missouri DMAT (state), Midwest-1 DMAT (federal) and currently serves as a Medical Officer on the federal Incident Management Team (IMT) [Field command and control element] within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) – US Department of Health & Human Services.  He is happy to provide more information about any of these opportunities: [email protected] or [email protected]