Challenge for the Green Response: Reduction of Impact on the Environment by Emergency Medical Team

Abstract

Introduction:

Environmental degradation and climate change can lead to humanitarian crises and undermine humanitarian operations. Therefore, Emergency Medical Teams should try to reduce environmental impacts.

Method:

Collaborative development with companies was started by trimming the weight of tents, improving lights, and introducing renewable energy to our emergency medical unit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Results:

The mechanism of the medical tent, and materials was changed. The weight of tents was cut by 30%. The final goal is to develop an 8 x 6 meter tent which is set up by four women.

Light-weight and low-power tent light was created. It is 50% weight and 60% power consumption of our conventional light.

All the power of the emergency clinic was run by renewable energy. introducing a 1 x 2 m, 5,5kg solar panel that produces 350 Wh/day. If 18 panels were put on the tent roof, they produce 6,300 Wh. This is equivalent to the power consumption of a standard household in Japan, and it is estimated this can cover the power consumption of the patient department of the emergency clinic. Experimental tests will now be conducted.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, even emergency medical teams are required to reduce their impact on the environment on the field. Therefore, trying to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the emergency medical team. The challenge is still on the way, but marching steadily.