ASEAN Journal of Disaster Health Management (AJDHM)

Evaluation of the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) Hybrid Training Course and Its Field Impact During the Mandalay Earthquake Relief Mission Using the Kirkpatrick Framework

2026-03-10T11:45:56+07:00

Introduction: Effective pre-deployment training enables disaster relief medical teams to operate safely and efficiently in resource-limited environments. Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) Hybrid Training Course in preparing personnel for WHO Type 1 (Fixed) EMT accreditation and subsequent deployment to Mandalay following a major earthquake. Methods: Training outcomes were assessed using the Kirkpatrick four-level evaluation model, which included post-training surveys, training completion records, thematic analysis of free-text responses, WHO EMT classification exercise, deployment operational metrics and post-deployment evaluation. Results: Participants reported high satisfaction and perceived role relevance (Kirkpatrick-Level-1) Thematic analysis revealed enhanced confidence and operational preparedness (Kirkpatrick-Level-2). After attaining WHO EMT accreditation, SGEMT underwent its first deployment, treating 1,803 patients over eight days, including 33 high-acuity cases with no adverse events (Kirkpatrick-Levels-3-and-4). Key program enablers were realistic scenarios conducted in a collaborative learning environment that reinforced technical and non-technical skills such as team collaboration, open communication, and psychological resilience. Conclusion: The SGEMT Hybrid Training Course helped foster individual and team competencies, which supported effective real-world disaster response. This study provides evidence supporting a multi-component, team-based training model grounded in adult learning principles and offers a practical framework for evaluating EMT training programs

Managing External Radiation Exposure and Area Zoning in Industrial Radiography Training: A Case Report

2026-03-10T11:49:04+07:00

Industrial radiography poses significant risks of external radiation exposure, particularly in training and operational environments. Effective radiation protection requires comprehensive understanding and application of key safety principles, including time, distance, shielding, and radiation zone identification. This study aims to evaluate external radiation exposure control through a series of practical activities conducted at the Vocational of Nuclear Technology X. Twenty-one participants performed tasks using gamma radiation sources to identify potential hazards, determine control and supervision areas, evaluate dose rate variations with distance and time, and assess the effectiveness of shielding materials. Data were collected through direct measurement and theoretical calculations and analyzed thematically. Findings confirmed that increasing distance and reducing exposure time significantly lowered dose rates, while shielding materials such as lead and concrete effectively attenuated gamma radiation. Conclusions: The study concludes that practical, scenario-based training reinforces technical competencies and safety culture among trainees. The results offer a valuable reference for students, researchers, and radiation workers in understanding external radiation management within radiographic practices.

Operationalization of a District-Level Health Emergency Operation Center During the Mount Semeru Eruption: A Field Report

2026-03-10T11:47:00+07:00

Introduction: Indonesia is highly prone to natural disaster, including volcanic eruptions that often generate sudden public health emergencies requiring rapid coordination and effective management of health resources. The eruption of Mount Semeru in December 2021 caused mass displacement and increased demand for emergency health services in Lumajang District, East Java. Objective: This field report aims to describe the establishment and operationalization of a district-level Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) during the acute response to the Mount Semeru eruption. Methods: A descriptive field report design was applied using operational documents, real-time coordination records, and field observations collected during the first ten days of the emergency response. Data were analyzed descriptively to examine coordination mechanisms, information management, volunteer deployment, and logistics monitoring. Results: HEOC activation strengthened command and coordination through routine coordination meetings, centralized health information management, structured volunteer deployment, and integrated logistics monitoring. These mechanisms improved situational awareness, reduced duplication of efforts, and supported timely operational decision-making despite resource constraints. Conclusion: The operationalization of a district-level HEOC enhanced health sector coordination and operational efficiency during the acute response phase. This report provides practical insights into HEOC implementation and highlights its importance for strengthening district-level health emergency preparedness in disaster-prone settings.

Stairwell-Based Meal Delivery During Hospital Elevator Outages in Disasters: A Simulation Feasibility Study

2026-03-10T11:48:06+07:00

Introduction: Large-scale disasters can disable hospital elevators, disrupting vertical transport of supplies and meals. Ensuring continued meal provision for inpatients is critical for patient health and hospital continuity. Objective: We simulated a stairway-based “bucket brigade” meal delivery system to quantify the time and staffing required when elevators are out of service, informing hospital disaster business continuity planning. Methods: A relay of 41 staff was stationed from a basement kitchen (B2) to a ward on the 3rd floor. A load of 32 meal trays (one cart) was passed hand-to-hand up the stairs, and return descent times were measured. We extrapolated these results to higher floors (3rd–12th) for a full meal round (64 trays/ward). Results: Delivering 32 trays to 3F took 5 min 56 sec upward and 3 min 49 sec downward. No drops or injuries occurred. Extrapolation indicated 69 min upward and 44 min downward to supply 64 meals to all wards up to 12F, requiring approximately 130 personnel positions. Conclusions: Stairwell delivery is feasible but labor-intensive. Over one hour and a large multidisciplinary team would be needed to deliver meals hospital-wide during elevator outages. Hospitals should incorporate such scenarios into disaster plans to ensure continuity of care.

Women at the Frontline of Survival: Lessons Learned from Deployment Portable Ultrasound in Disaster-Affected Highland Communities in Bener Meriah, Aceh

2026-03-10T11:44:48+07:00

Introduction: Disasters exacerbate gender-based vulnerabilities while underscoring women’s critical role in sustaining community health systems. In Aceh, disaster-related damage to infrastructure disrupted access to essential maternal and reproductive health services. Objective: This study reports lessons learned from the deployment of portable ultrasound (USG) within a mobile disaster health response in Bener Meriah, Aceh, focusing on women’s intersecting vulnerability and agency. Methods: A descriptive lessons-learned design was applied using service logs, field observations, team debriefings, and informal discussions with affected women and community midwives during a Universitas Gadjah Mada–led response. Portable USG was integrated into community-based midwifery networks to support point-of-care assessments in isolated areas. Results: Disrupted transportation and damaged health facilities significantly limited access to care. Mobile services using portable USG reduced geographic and mobility barriers, enabled timely assessments, and strengthened trust in health services. Community midwives played a central role in outreach, service delivery, and continuity of care. Conclusion: Disaster health responses are more effective when mobile health technologies are embedded within trusted community-based female health worker networks, reinforcing women’s roles in equitable and resilient health systems.