DISASTER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TEAM (DMAT

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department currently is part the Florida 5 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (FL-5 DMAT). The team members meet monthly for training and are on call for disaster deployment four times a year but may be called up at any time the team is needed. Bob Bertone (Safety Officer) currently serves on the team.

A Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is a group of professional and para-professional medical personnel, supported by a cadre of logistical and administrative staff, designed to provide medical care during a disaster or other critical national situations. As part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), it recruits personnel for specific vacancies and coordinates the deployment of the teams who respond to state, national, and international emergencies as well as significant large-scale national events.

DMATs are a rapid-response element to supplement local medical care until other resources can be mobilized, or the situation is resolved. DMATs deploy to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves for a period of 72 hours while providing medical care at a fixed or temporary medical care site.

In mass casualty incidents, their responsibilities may include triaging patients, providing high-quality medical care despite the adverse and austere environment often found at a disaster site, patient reception at staging facilities and preparing patients for evacuation. NDMS/DMAT personnel are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline. When personnel are activated as Federal employees, licensure and certification is recognized by all States. They function under the authority of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The Team members receive high quality and cutting-edge training. In 2018, the FL-5 team received an intensive week of simulation training at a biocontainment facility to enable the team to respond to an EBOLA crisis. This training became invaluable during 2019-20 as the team was called to respond for three COVID-19 emergencies.

The team is always prepared to assist with hurricanes, floods and wildfires if needed. We are proud to be able to answer the call!

Bob Bertone, at the Command Post in San Francisco at a previous deployment