【A-PAD /A-PAD Philippines】 A-PAD Philippines Joins ARROWS’ Marine Training
2024.12.05
Civic Force, a partner of A-PAD, is working as a member of the emergency medical assistance project Airborne Rescue & Relief Operations With Search (ARROWS). On November 29 – December 1, A-PAD participated in a multi-agency disaster medical rescue training held on ARROWS’ disaster assistance ship, Power of Change, docked in Hiroshima, Japan.
The simulation training was based on a magnitude 6+ earthquake that occurred in Hiroshima Prefecture, and that many people needed to be rescued from Eta Island and other places off the coast of Hiroshima City. On November 30, the medical team dispatched to Eta Island and confirmed the procedures for transporting the injured onto the ship to provide treatment. On December 1, the team began accepting evacuees at Hiroshima Port.
The training included ARROWS registered doctors and nurses, Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), Disaster Humanitarian Medical Assistance Association (HUMA), and emergency medical teams from Taiwan and A-PAD Philippines. 100 participated in the training and discussed possible challenges that could arise in an actual emergency.
In addition, at a concurrent symposium, representatives from Peace Winds Japan, A-PAD Philippines, and partners from Taiwan, shared the emergency medical system and current situation in their respective countries. In the panel discussion, participants discussed issues such as licensing issues and paperwork when practicing medicine overseas.
An A-PAD staff member said, ”Similar to Japan, licenses for overseas teams are an issue in Taiwan and the Philippines. But in the Philippines, having an MOU or other agreement in advance allows for smooth coordination in the event of an emergency. Each country has its own circumstances and characteristics, and I feel that joint training and A-PAD projects like this one are necessary to strengthen these partnerships.”