DMAT Teams Leave Behind Goodwill For Guam 

Release Date: December 27, 2002
Release Number: 1446-13

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Dededo, Guam -- Guam's medical community and those seeking medical attention following Super Typhoon Pongsona received help from two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) from California and Ohio. Coordinated and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the DMAT teams arrived in Guam December 15 and immediately set up two clinics, one in Agat Community Center and one at the Micronesia Mall. Even though the clinic was not technically open, nearly 50 patients were seen that first day.

The DMAT clinics closed their operations on Saturday, December 21 after treating 1,166 patients for everything from rashes to broken bones. Nearly 200 patients were treated for trauma/musculoskeletal complaints, more than 300 for respiratory problems, 75 for cardiovascular issues.

Another 60 patients were treated for gastrointestinal problems, more than 200 for infectious situations, 21 for diabetes, 141 for skin problems, nine had psychiatric issues and another 143 had a number of miscellaneous complaints including tetanus shots, medication refills, allergies, well-baby/child visits and others.

The leading causes for visits to the DMAT clinics were coughs, respiratory or bronchitis, and rashes or skin problems. These accounted for nearly a third of all the clinic visits.

As the DMAT personnel packed up their gear to leave they left behind for the medical community a number of supplies including: antibiotics, various ointments, IV fluids, ICU medications, cough syrup and cough drops, Calamine lotion, and Ibuprofen. They also left a sign on the wall of the Micronesia Mall thanking the people of Guam for the opportunity to help them.

"DMAT is pleased to be able to help with rebuilding the Guam Medical Community," said Dr. Bill Piggott, lead emergency coordinator for DMAT. "We are glad we could help local practices get back on line."

"Our teams are volunteers, leaving their regular jobs to respond to disaster situations," stated Charles Hutchins chief of field operations in charge of the team. "They were glad to come and help."

"In addition to helping meet immediate medical needs of Guam residents, through the DMAT deployment, we learned valuable lessons about the capability of federal disaster response to medical issues. This information will assist us in responding to other disasters in the future," Federal Coordinating Officer David Fukutomi said.

Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Jan-2003 15:34:32