The Role of Emergency Medical Team: Experience Acute Response in Earthquakes and Tsunami at Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, 2018

Abstract

Introduction:

The natural disasters of the earthquake and tsunami occurred in Palu, on September 28, 2018, at around 17.02 WIB. The earthquake measured 7.7 magnitude with the epicenter at a depth of 10 km in the direction of 27 km northeast of the city of Donggala, followed by a tsunami along the coast of Talise town of Palu. Some of the victims of the disaster have died, and in addition to many deaths, there were reported trauma cases such as fractures, torn wounds, and other injuries where many did not receive medical help.

Aim:

To revitalize hospitals in Palu with the medical assistance team.

Methods:

Sardjito hospital formed a medical team sent to the disaster area which consisted of 22 members from various disciplines (anesthetists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, neurosurgeons, internal medicine doctors, pediatricians, general practitioners, anesthesia nurses, emergency nurses, surgical room nurses, sanitarians, sterilization officer, technical officers, and nutrition officers). The ICS informed the targets of this emergency response that the following must be accomplished within 2 weeks: revitalize the health care facilities and deliver health care. The sanitarian officer coordinated dealing with the problem of the former corpse in Bhayangkara Hospital by doing disinfectants in the area of the former mortuary. Sardjito Hospital’s medical team revitalized health services in Bhayangkara Hospital by providing 24-hour emergency services and surgery.

Results:

The medical team of Sardjito general Hospital gave medical service in Bhayangkara Hospital and Torabello Regional Hospital. The total number of treated patients was 158, and most cases of surgery were orthopedics.