The System of Disaster Dispatch Team Corresponding to the Nuclear Disaster of Nagasaki University

Abstract

Introduction:

After accidents of Fukushima Daiichi power plant, the Japanese Government distinguished some medical institutions corresponding to the nuclear disaster by roles and functions. Nuclear Regulation Authority is managing these medical institutions. The Nagasaki University was designated as two centers for “the advanced radiation emergency medical support” and “nuclear emergency medical support”. We established “Headquarters for Nuclear Disaster Response and Preparedness in Nagasaki University” (NDRP) and prepared for emergency ordinarily. The staff of headquarters are mainly concentrating their power on the network construction and joint training with each facility. We are improving the dispatch system of nuclear emergency medical assistance team, but some problems were found through the experiences of some trainings.

Aim:

To stimulate discussion and listen to opinions from several facilities.

Methods:

The dispatch system of nuclear emergency medical assistance team imitated the system of Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). Specifically, activity days of all teams are limited, and all teams should come under the command of the head of support acceptance medical institution of a disaster area. Particularly the main duties of the dispatch team, which is sent from the nuclear emergency medical support center, are unification and adjustment of the team activities from other facilities. Some other duties include offering appropriate medical care to patients at the disaster area and support of patients’ transportation from the hospital at the disaster area to “advanced radiation emergency medical support center” or “nuclear emergency medical support center.”

Discussion:

In training the many facilities that participated, we realized that we couldn’t proceed with each activity quickly and smoothly without support from the nuclear emergency medical assistance teams from outside the boundaries of disaster areas. We need to clarify the problems that are obtained from trainings and improve the current system corresponding to a nuclear disaster with efficiency.