Helping Others in Times of need.

 

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) website defines itself as:

 “The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a section within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Response Division, Operations Branch, and has the responsibility for managing and coordinating the Federal medical response to major emergencies and Federally declared disasters including:

·         Natural Disasters

·         Technological Disasters

·         Major Transportation Accidents

·         Acts of Terrorism including Weapons of Mass Destruction Events

Working in partnership with the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Defense (DoD), and Veterans Affairs (VA), the NDMS Section serves as the lead Federal agency for medical response under the National Response Plan. “

One of the teams that operates as a part of this system is a Defense Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). This is a local asset used in times of emergencies or natural disaster that can also be federalized in cases of mass disaster like the Oklahoma City Bombing. The teams are made up of health care professional and non-professional volunteers that have the support and financial backing of community hospitals and emergency organizations. Here is a list of the current teams in operation around the country.

 

I am in the process of applying to the Dayton Area DMAT team know as Dayton DMAT OH-5. I strongly encourage anyone who is incined to help in emergency situations to investigate their local DMAT teams. Help is always needed even if you are not able to deploy with the team you can still volunteer time!

 

Check back as I update my the site with more exciting DMAT information.

 

Other Links to Local and Federal Emergency Assistance Agencies: