Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Introduction: In the face of increasing global crises and conflict, responding immediately to a disaster with life-saving interventions is an identified gap. Rapidly deployable, highly mobile surgical teams with prepared logistics and equipment is an identified solution to meet this need. Objectives: Develop a Mobile Surgical Theater (MST) that is adaptable to both sudden onset and conflict driven disasters. The MST should be immediately deployable on commercial aircraft. The team members will be trained not only on the clinical aspects but also the operational components of the MST. The MST should hold the ability to provide five major surgeries daily for the duration of response and be fully self-sufficient. Method/Description: Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) in Mobile Surgical and Golden Hour Surgical teams were consulted throughout development. Thorough research, testing, and development was performed on all components to ensure good function and reliability. While developing training and objectives, SMEs were also consulted to ensure optimal learning. All aspects of development and training used a collaborative, team driven approach. Results/Outcomes: Samaritan’s Purse currently maintains two MST units, prepositioned and ready to deploy. This includes four trained teams with future trainings planned. Samaritan’s Purse maintains logistics and supply chain to ensure readiness for rapid deployment. Conclusion: Samaritan’s Purse stands ready to deploy Mobile Surgical Teams into complex disaster scenarios. The rapid and nimble nature of the MST ensures delivery of quality lifesaving care into areas and timeframes previously unmet through traditional disaster response mechanisms.
Authors: Peter M Holz, John Troke, Sasha R Thew
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410565921