WHAT IS A DISASTER MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TEAM (DMAT)?

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) , through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), fosters the development of Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) throughout the United States. A DMAT is a group of medical and non-medical personnel trained to provide emergency medical care during a disaster or other catastrophic event, commonly referred to as an Incident of National Significance (INS) as well as non-disaster mass gathering events such as the Presidential Inauguration or Super Bowl, also known as a National Special Security Event (NSSE). When local medical resources become overwhelmed or are non-existent, DMATs go to work.

Much like Army Reservists, DMAT members volunteer to become Permanent Intermittent Federal Employees who, when activated, are deployed and must commit to two weeks service if called. The exceptions to this are Team Physicians who may deploy for a shorter time.

DMATs are essentially designed to be a rapid-response element that deploys to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves and care for patients for a period of 72 hours. In mass casualty incidents, their responsibilities include triaging patients, providing austere medical care, and preparing patients for evacuation. In other types of situations, DMATs may provide primary health care and/or may serve to augment local health care staffs. Should disaster victims need to be evacuated to a different locale to receive more definitive medical care, DMATs may also be activated to support patient packaging, transport, reception and disposition in both a civilian or military environment.

The units are supported by a cadre of administrative , logistical, and communications personnel whose roles are vital to successful deployment.

Medical members are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline. When members are activated as intermittent Federal employees, all States recognize licensure and certification. Additionally, as Federal employees, all DMAT members are paid while serving.

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FL-3 Mission Statement

When called to service, FL-3 DMAT is dedicated to quickly respond to mitigate desperate National medical emergencies with a team of well equipped, trained and skilled professionals that will provide the highest level of patient care, even under the most austere and dire circumstances.

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The year 2008 marks a milestone for FL-3

Since 1993, FL-3 DMAT has been quietly serving the Tampa Bay community and the Nation. When catastrophic incidents strike, or our help has been needed, FL-3 has always been ready.  In the past 15 years, FL-3 has traveled to 10 states and 2 foreign countries to provide medical services and expertise to those in need. We have come to grips with the full gamut of medical problems, from potential injury at major sporting events like the Olympics, to the ravages of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, to the horrible aftermath of hurricanes like Katrina. The Team has also taken a lead role in the Nation's efforts to thwart possible avian flu and other pandemic threats.  We plan to celebrate our proud 15-year anniversary with continued service to our Country.

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FL-3 DMAT Medical Team

Medical personnel from many disciplines come together in FL-3 under the direction of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Brown and Senior Medical Officer Dr. Sue Pettyjohn. The team’s roster includes physicians with a wide range of medical specialties from emergency medicine to primary care to pediatrics. Pharmacists necessary for the handling and dispensing of drugs also compliment the unit along with ARNPs and PAs. The team is also replete with an experienced pool of nursing and prehospital care talent with diverse medical backgrounds, ranging from RNs and LPNs to Nurses Assistants, Paramedics and EMTs, all with years of training and daily emergency experience and who are also an integral part of the team. Respiratory therapists bring yet another medical specialty to help round out the deep medical resources of FL-3.

Depending on the nature of the deployment, it is individuals from this extraordinary group of medical professionals that are called on to deploy and serve with FL-3 DMAT. If you have a medical specialty and the inclination to provide care in times of dire need, we would welcome your application. The team also seeks interested individuals to fill non-medical roles in Logistics, Administration, Security, and Safety.

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