About health and emergency response operations
In partnership with the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC), Australia can respond quickly to sudden onset health emergencies.
Under the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) we can deploy doctors, nurses, paramedics, allied health and logisticians at short notice to areas of need during local, national and international crises.
The NCCTRC is a critical part of our emergency response. It:
- coordinates and deploys AUSMAT
- provides national training and coordination of personnel registered to deploy with AUSMAT
- stocks equipment and medical supplies for AUSMAT, including
- a fully self-contained field hospital
- stores of medical consumables
- personal protective equipment.
Once deployed, AUSMAT are self-sufficient.
Through the National Health Emergency Management Standing Committee, we work closely with states, territories, and other Australian Government agencies such as National Health Emergency Agency.
The committee develops advice and guidance on response to national health emergencies in an all-hazards context, with a focus on:
- prevention
- preparedness
- response
- recovery.
Impact
During an emergency, the demand on local responders and health practitioners can quickly surpass resources.
AUSMAT provides experienced and trained surge support to meet demand and ensure communities have access to support.
Role of the CDC
The CDC manages the approval for the deployment of AUSMAT in response to a request for assistance from an affected jurisdiction (domestic or international).
All AUSMAT deployments:
- must have approval from the Australian Health Protection Committee
- are formally tasked through the National Health Emergency Standing Committee.