Evaluating Current Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) Medical Tool Kit for Disaster Health Management in ASEAN Countries – First Phase Report

Introduction: To achieve the target: “one ASEAN, one response” of the ARCH project**, the question is whether the existing EMTs within and among ASEAN countries are similar? Therefore, we have conducted the research. (**): Project for Strengthening the ASEAN Regional Capacity on Disaster Health Management Methods: A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was designed for 5 target ASEAN member states (AMS): Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The data of 8 EMTs in 3 targeted AMS (Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam) were collected from 10th September to 30th October 2024, using a data-collecting form developed in consultation with the ARCH project. Subsequently, data collection for 2 AMS, Malaysia and Thailand, is scheduled to be conducted. Results: There were 4 EMTs at the national level (N-EMTs) and four international EMTs (I-EMTs). These four I-EMTs were waiting for WHO recognition under the classification of the EMT type 1 (fixed). The average number of registered EMT members was 91.13± 69.70 (5-189), of which I-EMTs had a larger number than N-EMTs. I-EMT members also had a more diverse professional structure than N-EMT members. EMTs were provided all seven main groups of medicines, including medicines for pain and palliative care, cardiovascular care, the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal diseases, diuretic effects, nervous system disorders, as well as infection control; however, no EMTs had all 30 medicine groups as recommended by WHO. 5/8 EMTs had cold chain drugs. The average expiry date of medicine ranged from 8.87± 6.41 months to 42±12.21 months. 100% of EMTs had planned for maintenance, periodic operation of medical equipment, and replacement of medication and medical supplies. Conclusion: There were different workforces and medical materials, as well as medicines of EMTs, among ASEAN countries. It is necessary to develop a standard for EMTs from the ARCH project.