(C23) International Disaster Relief Operation of Chinese Medical Teams following the Earthquake in Indonesia in 2004

Abstract

Introduction:

The international disaster relief operation (IDR) of Chinese Medical Teams following the earthquake in Indonesia in 2004 is described.

Methods:

Four medical teams participated the IDR between 31 December 2004 and 06 February 2005. A total of 190 medical staff including 22 doctors and 78 nurses were dispatched from China. They treated 4,483 patients. The authors examined the activities of the medical teams and also described the role of nurses in the IDR.

Results:

The role of the medical team was treating surgical wounds and performing surgical operations during the acute phase. After that, the role gradually changed to treating infectious diseases, providing safe drinking water, and preventing infectious diseases. The role of the nurses in the IDR was setting up temporary medical facilities, inside arrangement, providing health care to the medical staff, triage, removing stitches, managing commodities and medical waste, interviewing patients, and assisting with medical treatment.

Conclusions:

This was the first Chinese IDR in the 21st Century. The role of nurses in this IDR was important for the success of the IDR.