Objective To analyze the equipment and the working model of Pakistan international medical rescue team in Wenchuan earthquake in order to provide the first hand references for our medical rescue.
Methods We analyzed the aim, the staff composition, the medical equipment, the logistic material and the working model of the Pakistan international medical rescue team by working with the Pakistan team, and summarized its strengths and weaknesses.
Result The main aim of the Pakistan international medical rescue team is to search, rescue and treat the wounded and sick in mass casualty incident. The team consisted of 28 staffs, including 2 leaders (the executive leader was an epidemic expert, and the vise leader was an administrative officer), 6 clinical doctors, 2 nurses, 3 medical technicians, 10 field search and rescue staffs and 5 logistics staffs. The medical equipment included a field ambulance, 7 field tents and 2 marine satellite phones. The medical equipment and instruments include an X-ray table, a B-ultrasound scanner, an ECG tester, a set of surgery operation equipment and 2 sets of ICU instruments. The main medicines included antibiotics, analgesics and for trauma treatment. Narcotic drugs and surgical supplies supported 200 patients; fluid infusion and drugs were enough for 500 patients; other laboratory reagents were enough for 500 patients; oral drugs, disinfection cotton and bandages were for 3 000 patients. Logistics materials contained a set of cooking appliances, 2 sets of toilet facilities and enough rice, flour and water for the whole team for two weeks. The field tent hospital was built in one day. In the field tent hospital, 1 256 patients were treated, 14 surgeries were performed, 236 X-ray and B-ultrasound examinations as well as 314 biochemical examinations were conducted within 10 days.
Conclusion With complete disciplines and rational structure, the configuration of the Pakistan team is fitful for its aim, and it balances the function of search, rescue and public health. Apart from equipment and instruments enough for 300-500 patients rescue, the team also considers both its own survival and environmental protection. The outcome would be better if they could arrive at the spot in the first week after the earthquake happened.
Citation： TENG Yongjun,YU Qin,TANG Hanbo,CAI Chen,HA Mei. The Equipment and the Working Model of Pakistan International Medical Rescue Team in Wenchuan Earthquake. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2008, 08(8): 616-619. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.20080138 Copy