In an increasingly volatile world, the critical need for effective emergency medical responses in conflict zones and natural disasters has become paramount.
Recent training sessions conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Norwegian Red Cross in Nairobi aim to strengthen these responses by harmonising operational protocols among healthcare professionals from various backgrounds.
The rise in global conflicts and emergencies constantly jeopardises the lives of those affected, as many areas lack essential life-saving medical facilities and prompt access to them. For the second consecutive time, Nairobi hosted the Joint Emergency Hospital training, a collaborative simulation training programme for emergency hospitals.
This programme focuses on creating a facility that can deploy within 96 hours of an emergency, equipped with essential supplies, medications and dedicated medical staff.
The training brings together healthcare delegates from different Red Cross Societies, providing them with real-life simulations to prepare for deployment in any part of the world that may require their services.
NEED FOR COLLABORATION
Yves Giebens, ICRC Hospital Care programme coordinator, emphasised the importance of this collaboration to tackle the medical needs of communities affected by crises.
“A successful deployment relies on skilled professionals and efficient procedures,” he said. Giebens highlighted the vital role local healthcare workers play, especially in regions like Gaza, where the urgent demand for medical aid persists.
“Local medical staff are indispensable in ensuring we meet the needs of patients on the ground,” Giebens said.
Past deployments faced challenges in low-resource environments. Giebens cited the ICRC’s responses to natural disasters and conflict in countries like the Philippines, Syria and Yemen.
These informed various adaptations, for example, the establishment of a field hospital in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
This marked the initial significant collaboration between ICRC and Norwegian Red Cross for disaster response. Subsequent deployments included a field hospital in Syria and a Covid-19 treatment centre in Yemen.
“Through these experiences, we recognised the need for better coordination and shared practices,” he said.
These training sessions aim to create standardised protocols for future deployments, thereby enhancing the responsiveness of medical teams.
A crucial focus is on capacity building. Giebens emphasised the importance of training local personnel to adapt to specific challenges in their environments.
“We cannot expect the same level of training from local staff. Our goal is to equip them with the skills they need to deliver quality care, even under difficult conditions.”
The collaboration also addresses logistical challenges inherent in conflict zones, where access to essential resources, such as electricity and medical supplies, can be severely restricted.
“We have to prepare our teams for working in environments that may not have the infrastructure of a modern hospital,” Giebens said.
Sustainable practices are essential for effective operations, she added.
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
The ICRC provides logistical support to facilitate deployments worldwide, rapidly distributing large volumes of medical equipment via chartered flights and long-haul trucks. Looking ahead, Giebens expressed optimism about the future of emergency medical responses.
“By learning from past deployments and continuously improving our training, we can ensure that we are ready to meet the urgent needs of those affected by conflict and disaster.”
This commitment reflects a shared dedication to providing vital aid to those in dire situations. Claire Durham, the logistics deployment coordinator for the Emergency Hospital (NorHosp), said a strategic approach is essential for swift and effective deployment.
“We have developed a highly adaptable logistics system that allows us to respond to varying emergency requirements effectively,” Durham said.
“By sending only necessary components, such as surgical equipment or X-ray machines, the team maximises efficiency and resource management.”
Over the past year, modular hospitals have been deployed to Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad and Gaza via Amman, greatly assisting those facing emergencies and life-threatening risks.
More than Sh600 million has been allocated to these deployments, with more than Sh400 million directed towards procuring medical equipment. Durham said each deployment underscores their commitment to addressing immediate healthcare challenges.
“We are prepared to deploy within 72 to 96 hours, thanks to a strategically located warehouse in Nairobi,” she added.
During the training, participants practise receiving and treating patients, performing surgeries in makeshift operating theatres, and managing critical care situations in simulated ICU environments.
LIFE-SAVING PREPAREDNESS
Anaesthetist Paulin Banguti, participating in specialised training, stressed the need for preparedness in the face of unpredictable emergencies.
“Whether it’s war, flooding or an outbreak of diseases like cholera or Ebola, medical professionals must respond swiftly and effectively. Arriving unprepared can mean the difference between life and death,” Banguti said.
Simulations during the training are designed to mimic real-life emergencies, helping participants prepare for the chaos that often accompanies such scenarios.
“These simulations allow us to set up a fully functional hospital in a matter of hours,” adds Banguti, noting the programme’s emphasis on practical readiness.
A unique aspect of this initiative is the collaboration among medical professionals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Cristiana Scano, acting Head of Delegation for ICRC Nairobi, also highlighted the importance of these trainings. “With the ever-changing dynamics of the world in relation to disasters and conflict, it’s crucial to always have the capability to respond to any emergencies that may arise from such situations,” Scano said.
“This is why these trainings are important for readiness.” As the training progresses, participants leave equipped not just with technical skills but also with a shared commitment to deliver critical medical care wherever it’s needed most.
In times of crisis, their ability to act swiftly and decisively can save countless lives, and these dedicated healthcare professionals are poised to make a profound difference.
Furthermore, the training places significant emphasis on building cohesive teams that can communicate effectively and make quick decisions when deployed. Familiarity among team members ultimately improves patient care.
“It enables them to communicate effectively and make quick decisions,” Durham said.
As global emergencies escalate, the logistics framework supporting emergency medical responses plays a vital role in ensuring that the Emergency Hospital can deliver timely and effective care to those in need.
The commitment of organisations
like the ICRC and Norwegian Red
Cross to enhance emergency medical response capabilities exemplifies their dedication to providing
essential aid during humanitarian
crises, ensuring that help reaches
those most in need, no matter the
challenge.