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Earthquakes

Australia Deploys Medical Assistance Team and Rescue Specialists to Christchurch

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Australian Government has swiftly deployed a team of 25 medical professionals to Christchurch to provide assistance to those affected by the recent earthquake. The Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) includes doctors, nurses, and surgeons, who will operate from Christchurch hospital and scope suitable locations for a field hospital. In addition to medical expertise, over 140 Australian Urban Search and Rescue specialists are working on the ground in Christchurch, with 300 Australian Police Officers to be deployed soon. The Australian Government is also providing $5 million to the Red Cross NZ Earthquake Appeal.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 25-member Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) has arrived in Christchurch to provide medical help to those injured in the earthquake.
  • The team includes Emergency Department doctors, nurses, surgeons, and an anaesthetist, and will initially operate from Christchurch hospital.
  • A 75-bed field hospital with medical and support staff is being transported to Christchurch on board an Australian Defence Force C17 Globemaster.
  • Over 140 Australian Urban Search and Rescue specialists are working on the ground in Christchurch, with 12-hour shifts and 24-hour operations.
  • 300 Australian Police Officers - 50 Australian Federal Police Officers and 250 Officers from NSW, Victoria, and South Australia - will be deployed to New Zealand for an initial period of two weeks.
  • Two Emergency Management Australia Liaison Officers will be based in the Crisis Command Centre in New Zealand to ensure requested assistance is provided quickly.
  • Seventeen Department of Foreign Affairs officials are on the ground in Christchurch to assist Australians, and four Centrelink Social Workers are providing emotional support.
  • The Australian Government has donated $5 million to the Red Cross NZ Earthquake Appeal.

Statistics:

  • 25 members of the AUSMAT have arrived in Christchurch to provide medical assistance.
  • 300 Australian Police Officers will be deployed to New Zealand for an initial period of two weeks.
  • 140 Australian Urban Search and Rescue specialists are working on the ground in Christchurch.
  • 75 beds in the field hospital will be available to treat earthquake victims.
  • 17 Department of Foreign Affairs officials are on the ground in Christchurch to assist Australians.
  • 4 Centrelink Social Workers are providing emotional support to those affected by the earthquake.
  • $5 million has been donated to the Red Cross NZ Earthquake Appeal by the Australian Government.

Sources:

  • "Australian Medical Assistance Team to help in Christchurch" (The Hon Robert McClelland, Attorney-General of Australia, press release)
  • Copyright HT Media Ltd.
  • Syndigate.info (an Albawaba.com company)

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