Comparison of Treatment Accuracy Between Hospital Personnel and Regional Health Center Staff - Case Study of Regional Disaster Drill in Taiwan

Introduction: A Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) provides rapid-response medical care, supports overwhelmed hospitals, and conducts patient triage and emergency care. In Taiwan, most DMATs are hospital-based, formed of healthcare personnel from the same hospital. But in Eastern Taiwan, due to elongated terrain and fewer medical personnel, regional health center staff are utilized for DMAT. These health center staff typically focus on preventive medicine and chronic care, resulting in less experience with emergency cases. This study aimed to explore the differences in emergency medical responses between health center personnel and hospital staff within disaster medical teams. Methods: On October 15, 2024, a DMAT drill was held in Taitung, simulating a magnitude 7 earthquake. Two teams were formed to treat simulated patients, with an injury distribution of 50% mild, 30% moderate, and 20% severe. Station A comprised a newly established team from health center personnel, while Station B consisted of a five-year-old DMAT with hospital staff. Key assessment items included wound cleaning and dressing, limb stabilization, airway management, and continuous assessments of consciousness and vital signs. Results were analyzed to compare the accuracy of medical interventions. Results: At Station A, 21 patients were encountered, with two excluded as black triage, resulting in 19 treated patients and a treatment accuracy of 93.4%. Station B treated 24 of 25 patients (excluding one black triage), achieving a 96.2% accuracy. The percentage of completely correct treatments was 73.7% for Station A and 83.3% for Station B. Repeated assessments of consciousness and vital signs were frequently overlooked at both stations. Conclusion: The findings indicated no statistically significant differences in the performance of health center personnel compared to hospital staff. Thus, health center personnel, with appropriate disaster training, can effectively perform emergency medical tasks in pre-hospital settings.