Activity of a Medical Relief Team from Shizuoka Hospital that was Dispatched to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6 (2024)

Abstract

Objective The present study aimed to report on the activity of a medical relief team from Juntendo Shizuoka Hospital that was dispatched to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6.

Design Narrative report.

Results The activities conducted on-site in the Noto Peninsula involved multiple deployments of the Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital Disaster Medical Assistance Team (JS-DMAT). The first deployment from January 2nd to January 6th faced challenges due to damaged infrastructure, particularly roads, affecting mobility. The team focused on hospital medical support, patient transportation, and DMAT headquarters assistance. The second deployment, from January 8th to January 12th, encountered persistently damaged roads, leading to incidents but no significant vehicle damage. The team engaged in screening, zoning, medical examinations, and DMAT headquarters support in evacuation shelters. The third team’s planned activities in early February were canceled by Shizuoka Prefecture.Additionally, on January 7, 2024, personnel from Juntendo Shizuoka Hospital participated in the Shizuoka Prefectural DMAT Coordination Headquarters activity, documenting DMAT activities and assessing team members’ health. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s request for the fourth Shizuoka Prefecture DMAT dispatch led to the selection of the second JS-DMAT for deployment.

Conclusion The activities related to the Noto Peninsula earthquake by JS-DMAT were reported. Lessons from this disaster are being sought to guide future disaster response preparations.