The Darwin-based ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) has deployed a six-person Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), all from the Northern Territory, on behalf of the Australian Government to assist in the earthquake response in Vanuatu.
Led by Ms. Kath McDermott RN, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response at the NCCTRC, the team includes two doctors from Royal Darwin Hospital, two nurses from the NCCTRC, and a logistician from the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service.
The team departed Darwin on Wednesday, 18 December, aboard a CareFlight jet funded by the Australian Government
They will work alongside the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to assess emergency health response requirements following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck at 12:45 pm on 17 December 2024.
The AUSMAT is expected to remain in Vanuatu for up to seven days.
Minister for Health, Steve Edgington, said: “The CLP Government is proud to support this significant humanitarian response. The deployment of AUSMAT highlights the critical role played by the NCCTRC in responding to disasters and health emergencies both nationally and internationally.”
The NCCTRC, which is led by Professor Len Notaras AO, is federally funded under a $55 million agreement between the NT Government and the Australian Government, ensuring AUSMAT are ready to respond to health emergencies when needed.
“This morning, I was briefed by Professor Notaras about this important deployment, and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of his team for their vital work in ensuring AUSMAT is prepared to respond to health emergencies, including international disasters, when called upon.”
“The NCCTRC continues to be a cornerstone of Australia’s disaster response capability, supported by NT Health and its dedicated staff. Their expertise and preparedness have once again ensured the Territory is at the forefront of providing life-saving support in times of crisis,” said Minister Edgington.
The NCCTRC was established in 2004 following the 2002 Bali bombings. Survivors were airlifted to Darwin, where they received emergency care at Royal Darwin Hospital.
This legacy of health emergency response has solidified the position of the NCCTC as a global leader in disaster readiness.
