Essential Disaster Life Support (EDLS)

About the Course

As the frequency and intensity of natural and artificial disasters increase globally, the demand for a highly trained healthcare workforce capable of responding swiftly and effectively has never been more critical. Disasters often overwhelm local healthcare systems, requiring professionals to make quick, high-stakes decisions with limited resources. This 5-day Essential Disaster Life Support (EDLS) training course addresses the need by providing a comprehensive, hands-on approach that equips delegates with the necessary skills to manage and support life-saving interventions under extreme conditions. It is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the required skills and knowledge to effectively respond to mass casualty incidents and complex disaster situations to enhance the capabilities of medical teams by focusing on key aspects such as triage, resource management, and providing emergency medical care under extreme conditions.

Delegates will understand the importance of effective disaster response, learning to address the complexities of high-pressure environments where time and resources are limited. It emphasizes the need for collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to adapt to evolving disaster scenarios quickly. Healthcare providers will improve their decision-making and prioritisation skills, enabling them to effectively allocate resources and manage large numbers of patients in multi-casualty situations. Also, it highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of disaster care, ensuring that delegates are well-prepared to support patients and healthcare providers during and after the crisis.

By the end of the training program, delegates can implement life-saving strategies, manage disaster-related injuries, and work cohesively with multidisciplinary teams. It promotes confidence in handling anticipated and unforeseen challenges, ensuring healthcare professionals can deliver optimal care in disaster scenarios. It is essential for those who may find themselves on the front lines of disaster response, whether in local or international settings. It provides the tools necessary to respond with precision and compassion, making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by disaster events.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Identify and comprehend the fundamental principles of disaster response and life support in crisis situations
• Evaluate complex disaster scenarios to determine the most effective response strategies for managing resources and patient care
• Demonstrate practical skills for triaging patients and implementing life-saving interventions in high-pressure environments
• Assess disaster response plans and procedures to identify areas of improvement for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency
• Develop tailored action plans and protocols to address diverse disaster scenarios with limited resources
• Facilitate teamwork and communication among multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure coordinated disaster response efforts
• Modify approaches to respond effectively to rapidly changing disaster dynamics, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients and responders

Training Approach

This training course emphasizes interactive and experiential learning to ensure delegates gain practical and actionable skills. It combines hands-on exercises, simulation-based scenarios, and collaborative group activities to mirror real-world disaster settings. This approach adopts critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability, enabling them to respond effectively to the complexities of disaster situations.

The Attendees

This training course is intended for professionals and specialists from diverse backgrounds who are pivotal in disaster preparedness and response.

It will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Paramedics
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• Emergency Management Specialists
• Physicians and Surgeons
• Public Health Professionals
• Disaster Response Coordinators
• Hospital Administrators
• Firefighters and First Responders
• Police Officers and Law Enforcement Personnel
• Military Medical Personnel
• Trauma Care Specialists
• Crisis Intervention Teams
• Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Personnel
• Community Health Workers
• Environmental Health Specialists
• Disaster Preparedness Trainers
• Civil Defense Personnel

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: OVERVIEW OF DISASTER LIFE SUPPORT AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE RESPONSE

• Role of Healthcare Providers in Disaster Response
• Key Principles of Disaster Management
• Triage and Patient Prioritisation
• Psychological Support in Disaster Situations
• Incident Command and Coordination Structures
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Disaster Response

DAY TWO: TRIAGE AND FIELD ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

• Advanced Triage Methods: START and JumpSTART
• Triage Tagging and Prioritisation Systems
• Handling Multiple Casualties in Disaster Settings
• Field Assessment and Rapid Primary Survey
• Managing Airway, Breathing, and Circulation in Crisis
• Field Diagnostic Equipment and Tools

DAY THREE: CLINICAL MANAGEMENT IN DISASTER SETTINGS

• Trauma and Injury Management in Mass Casualty Events
• Disaster-Specific Infectious Disease Management
• Advanced Life Support in Disaster Situations
• Stabilisation and Transfer of Critical Patients
• Administration of Medications in Disaster Care
• Ethical Dilemmas in Life-Saving Decisions

DAY FOUR: ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNICAL CHALLENGES IN DISASTER MEDICINE

• Environmental Hazards and Safety Protocols
• Decontamination and Infection Control in Disaster Response
• Shelter and Field Hospital Set-Up
• Managing Medical Logistics and Supply Chain
• Use of Technology in Disaster Medical Management
• Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations

DAY FIVE: TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN DISASTER RESPONSE

• Effective Team Communication During Crisis Situations
• Managing Healthcare Workers’ Well-being in Disaster Settings
• Resource Allocation and Management in Mass Casualty Events
• Collaboration Between Local and International Medical Teams
• Evacuation Procedures and Patient Transport
• Post-Disaster Recovery and Mental Health Support