Physical therapists’ potential support activities within DMAT (Disaster medical assistance team)

Abstract

[Introduction] A physical therapist joined the Kyoto Prefectural Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) as a logistics coordinator. We report on the support activities that physical therapists are potentially required to perform within DMAT. [Progress] In 2015, a physical therapist participated in the Kyoto Prefectural DMAT training workshop and registered for membership. During the same year, a large-scale disaster response training exercise was held at our hospital. In the workshop and training, there were many circumstances in which a logistics coordinator communicated victim information to DMAT/disaster response headquarters/fire fighters in order to request treatment and a medical ambulance. Physical therapists with medical knowledge assuming the role of logistics coordinators enabled better cooperation among various professionals. [Discussion] Physical therapists have the opportunity to be involved in the treatment of patients with serious conditions and have the ability to respond appropriately and quickly during disasters; thus, they are deemed promising members of DMAT.