Rescuing people after earthquake disasters was the focus of last week's international SIMEX exercise in Malaysia, Southeast Asia. I.S.A.R. Germany was represented by medical director Dr Frederic Ruckert.
The rehearsals covered the course of a complete mission for search and rescue teams and for medical teams. This included entry and exit formalities, customs clearance and the simulation of medical care for a large number of patients. This "virtual" exercise took place at the SMART (Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team) training centre, with particular attention paid to ensuring that World Health Organisation (WHO) standards were adhered to. I.S.A.R. Germany used the exercise to gain experience for the planned certification of the team by the WHO.