| |
|
The County of Los Angeles through formal agreements with the State Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and the Federal National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) has been authorized to sponsor and operate a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). Our DMAT identification is CA-9.
The NDMS is a cooperative effort of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and local governments, and the private sector. The NDMS provides for 'mutual aid' among all areas of the nation in the event of a catastrophic disaster.
Members participate in monthly team training sessions (normally 3rd Tuesday of each month at DHS HQ at 5555 Ferguson Drive, Commerce, CA) and annual field deployment exercises.
DMAT's provide austere medical care in a disaster area or at transfer points and reception sites associated with patient evacuation. DMAT's, when activated, normally consist of about 35 members; 4-5 physicians, 10-12 nurses and paramedics, 8-12 EMT's, 1 communications specialist, 1 respiratory therapist and 1 pharmacist.
However, it is essential that there be several times that number on the team to account for unavailability of team members at any given time. The Los Angeles County DMAT has more than 200 members, so that if necessary two or more teams could be activated.
|
|
|
| In the event of a disaster in Los Angeles County and prior to any State or Federal disaster declaration, CA-9 could be activated by the County. The DMAT can also be activated by the State and deployed to another county. In either case, team members would respond as volunteer disaster service workers. This status provides liability and workers compensation protection.
In the event of Federal mobilization, team members are activated as Federal Officers and are paid and protected as such
When activated, DMAT'S may be deployed from several days to two weeks. The team may function and be quartered in fixed facilities or may have to set up their own temporary facilities.
The team must be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Because of this requirement, team training is directed toward deployment preparation.
In the event of Federal mobilization, team members are activated as Federal Officers and are paid and protected as such
When activated, DMAT'S may be deployed from several days to two weeks. The team may function and be quartered in fixed facilities or may have to set up their own temporary facilities.
The team must be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. Because of this requirement, team training is directed toward deployment preparation.
|
|