Our research has been chosen for both poster and digital poster presentations at the 6th WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting. The selected studies focus on enhancing disaster response capabilities, with particular emphasis on strengthening the management and training strategies of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) and highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive international intervention in the Syrian humanitarian crisis.
Notably, the study on the humanitarian crisis in Syria was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Radwan Al Barbandi, an international adjunct faculty member of the SCH Disaster Medicine Center’s Humanitarian Aid Education Division, who is a Syrian refugee now residing in the UK. This research is of special significance, as it was developed using data collected by the White Helmets, a civilian humanitarian rescue organization in Syria, who risked their lives to gather this critical information.
Accepted Abstracts:
1️⃣ Enhancing KDRT's Administration and Organizational Management through SWOT Analysis: A Systematic Review (Selected for Digital Poster Presentation)
Presenter: Hee Jun Shin (Director, SCH Disaster Medicine Center) – First Author and Corresponding Author
This study identifies key improvements for KDRT's administrative and organizational management through a comparative analysis with other emergency medical teams. Based on SWOT analysis, it emphasizes the need for improved resource allocation, streamlined processes, and diversified funding to strengthen KDRT’s disaster response capabilities and contribute to effective international humanitarian assistance.
2️⃣ Developing Guidelines to Enhance Technological Interoperability of Communication and Information Management Systems for KDRT Medical Teams: A Systematic Literature Review (Selected for Digital Poster Presentation)
Presenter: Hee Jun Shin (Director, SCH Disaster Medicine Center) – First Author and Corresponding Author
This research aims to develop guidelines for the technological interoperability of KDRT’s communication and information management systems to ensure effective operations in international disaster settings. Key recommendations include improving governance structures, standardizing SOPs, integrating advanced communication systems, and implementing comprehensive training programs to align with global standards.
3️⃣ Multi-dimensional Analysis of Attacks on Medical Facilities and Hospitals: Evidence of Humanitarian Crisis during the Syrian War (Selected for Poster Presentation)
Presenter: Radwan Al Barbandi (International Adjunct Faculty of Humanitarian Aid Education Division, SCH Disaster Medicine Center) – First Author / Hee Jun Shin – Co-first Author and Corresponding Author
This study, based on data collected by the White Helmets, highlights the humanitarian crisis reflected in attacks on medical facilities during the Syrian conflict. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive international support to address the severe impacts on healthcare infrastructure.
4️⃣ Enhancing KDRT’s Training and Capacity Building Programs: A Systematic Review (Selected for Poster Presentation)
Presenter: Hee Jun Shin (Director, SCH Disaster Medicine Center) – Primary Author and Corresponding Author
This study evaluates the current state of KDRT’s training programs and identifies gaps and needs for improvement. It emphasizes the incorporation of psychological preparedness modules, regular updates to training packages, and simulation-based training to enhance team proficiency and align with international standards.
These research presentations represent a significant step forward in strengthening KDRT’s disaster response capabilities and advancing global humanitarian efforts.
We at the SCH Disaster Medicine Center are looking forward to reconnecting with disaster medicine and emergency medical experts from around the world at the WHO EMT Global Meeting.
This invaluable opportunity to learn from their wisdom and share experiences will undoubtedly strengthen our collective capabilities.
Sharing knowledge and collaborating in these critical fields is a crucial step toward improving our responses in times of crisis.
Thank you.