Abstract
Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is expected to function self-supported for a period of 4 days starting from deployment immediately following a disaster. In order to test these capabilities, our hospital conducted a 4-day long DMAT deployment exercise. We report that the exercise was a success, leading to the valuable experience of a smooth initial response in an actual disaster. The exercise was conducted in September 2006 during the World Rally Championship Rally Japan, providing first aid inside the service park to drivers and spectators in a similar manner to a DMAT operation. Prior preparations were made following DMAT training materials and the hospital's DMAT deployment manual. Adjustments to supplies were made based upon experiences during the exercise. 2 months later, the hospital's DMAT was deployed to Saroma for injuries resulting from a tornado. As a result of the exercise, the team was able to depart 25 minutes following the decision to deploy. Before arriving to the scene, the team was recalled because of an improvement in the situation. Operations proceeded smoothly this time having learned what to expect in the 4-day exercise.
