Singapore to host Asia’s first international gathering of disaster medicine and relief experts

By John Battersby

South East Asia’s (SEA) tragic history of natural disasters which have included some of the most destructive typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in recent times made it the obvious choice for organisers of the first Disaster and Military Medicine (DiMiMED) conference to be held outside of Germany; where the specialist conference series began in 2013.

In recent years military medical services have become increasingly involved in providing medical support at the scene of natural disaster. The world’s militaries have been tasked with rescuing and treating the victims of earthquakes to quarantining and treating Ebola patients in West Africa. The number and variety of disasters taking place all over the world have meant that civilian and military medical services often need to join forces to provide optimum on-site medical care during and in the aftermath of emergency situations.

In 2013 the first DiMiMED conference was organised at the MEDICA exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany to provide a platform to promote global cooperation and bring together civilian and military experts from around the world to share their experiences, hold discussions and build contacts. The conference was an immediate success and grew over subsequent years. Last year 250 participants from 37 countries from Europe and across the world attended the conference in Germany

This year the DiMiMED organisers have decided to hold the conference outside Germany as part of Medical Fair Asia 2016, the Asia-Pacific region’s preeminent medical trade exhibition.

We asked the Co-Chairperson of DiMiMED Asia, Rob van der Meer, MD, Brigadier General (ret), and Former Surgeon General of the Netherlands Armed Forces, what the conference is about and why the organisers thought it was time to bring the conference series to Asia as part of Medical Fair Asia 2016.

Q1.         In recent years it seems the world’s militaries have been increasingly called upon to provide medical support in disaster situations. Do you think that is a trend we will continue to see?

A.          You are right, there is a particular involvement of military medical services in the relief of the tragedy after disasters. It is only logical that this trend will continue and probably expand as military medical services are uniquely suited to the role. As militaries are prepared to operate in austere conditions, they are ready for such operations and are, as such, available.

Q2.         Why are military medical services so often called upon to provide medical services in disaster situations? What makes them well suited to the task?

A.           There are a number of factors that make military medical services particularly suited for medical and disaster relief operations. Most militaries permanently maintain some units to be ready for operations so they are available for rapid deployment. Military medical units are also mobile and trained and equipped to operate in austere conditions as a total system which are typically the conditions when disasters occur and in which relief operations have to be set up. Moreover military doctors know how to apply general medical knowledge and experience in specific situations that lack material and personnel resources. Lastly they are also experienced at working in multinational environments such as joint military exercises and operations.

Q3.         When we watch TV news coverage of natural disasters such as earthquakes we often hear that there are multiple agencies from all over the world there: some are military, some from national governments, while others are from international organisations such as the Red Cross but often also very small groups of specialist volunteers. It sounds chaotic but is it? Who takes control in such situations?

A.           Around the world there are many organisations that aim to help other people under difficult circumstances. They are partly organised by governments and partly by private initiatives (non-governmental organisations, NGO’s). Some of these NGO’s have a worldwide coverage, like the Red Cross which might send large numbers of people and tonnes of supplies and some are more regional or local and might only send a handful of specialists; such as sniffer dog teams. I think this is a reflection of the natural desire of many people and organisations that want to help people that suffer, and it is of course a very positive response. However from an organisational perspective it is not always easy to get all the different elements organised, especially in the early phases. It might even seem chaotic to the outsider. Often the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will take the lead in coordinating the different international organisations, in some other situations local authorities might take on that responsibility.

Q4.         Is there an international organisation to manage the international emergency medical response to disasters and if not should there be or such an idea impracticable?

A.            The UN is especially responsible and active in this task. They try to coordinate and enhance efficiency. Although they have no standing organisation in terms of (medical) structures and material they do have a vast amount of experience and extensive international connections so they are suited to playing the role of behind-the-scenes coordinator.

Q5.         The Disaster and Military Medicine (DiMiMED) Conferences began a few years ago in Europe, what did the organisers hope to achieve? And did they achieve it?

A.           The DiMiMED conferences started in 2013 and the organisers tried to create a platform where workers in disaster and military medicine could exchange information and discuss current affairs and technical issues in their areas. Moreover the event took place during the huge trade medical exhibition MEDICA in Düsseldorf, Germany in order to create a platform for discussion between the military and disaster medical professionals and the producers of the equipment and pharmaceuticals that they use during their operational work. The conference has certainly achieved its goal of bringing together medical and industry professionals to share their knowledge and help each other improve

Q6.         What has been the international response to DiMiMed so far?

A.          The international responses has been very positive. The conference is being held in Düsseldorf for the fourth time this year and has expanded, both in terms of the number of participants, presentations as well as other types of sub-meetings, like workshops and scientific posters. The growing number of delegates — which has more than quadrupled in four years — shows the interest of the world’s medical professionals.

Q7.         Why was it decided to hold DiMiMed in Asia this year?

A.          It was decided that the aforementioned principles and objectives of bringing professionals together apply across the world. As Asia suffers a high number of natural disasters of all types it justified a specific conference of its own. As the medical services of militaries play a vital role in this field we thought DiMiMED could help to promote greater understanding and cooperation in a region where there is not as much military cooperation as say in Europe. As the equivalent of the MEDICA in the region is the MEDICAL Fair Asia Singapore it was chosen as the venue of the 1st DiMiMed in Asia.

Q8.         What can DiMiMED do for the region?

A.           DiMiMED can provide a platform for the region to talk about military and disaster medicine in a scientific conference, with all important professionals coming together. If this can be continued DiMiMED Asia can grow into the platform where people meet not only to present papers, but also to discuss topics that have an international impact. Also the inter-service connections made at DiMiMED Asia could very well contribute to better interoperability in the international environment. Finally DiMiMED Asia can also contribute to the better communication between the professionals in the field and the industry that develops new equipment and techniques for them.

Q9.         Asia has more than its fair share of natural disasters being prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, mudslides and volcanic eruptions What is the state of disaster medicine in the region and what needs to improve?

A.          Because of the sad fact that many natural disasters occur in Asia there is a lot of experience. This experience however stays local if not shared and discussed. So sharing information and developing common standards and perhaps even operational protocols would certainly be a focus for future improvement.

Q10.       Would an ASEAN or UN level agency dedicated to preparing for and coordinating region wide responses to natural disasters be a good idea? Would it be practicable?

A.           As said before international organisations like the UN are very important and should participate in this conference and other activities. DiMiMed Asia is more than willing to cooperate with UN and ASEAN to provide a venue and platform to help and develop a more common and coordinated approach to disaster medicine and relief operations in the region.

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