“Prepare in Calm to Respond to Crisis”—USNS Mercy Pacific Partnership 2010 enhancing civil-military cooperation in humanitarian civic assistance and disaster preparation.
CDR Trent Douglas, M.D., F.A.C.S.; CAPT Alan Lim, M.D.2
1 Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA
2 Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA
Corresponding Author:
Trent Douglas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Department of Plastic Surgery
Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego, CA 92134
619-453-7001
Abstract: Natural disasters with deleterious effects like the tsunami in the Indian Ocean basin and the earthquake in Haiti serve to further emphasize the need for governmental and non-governmental organizations to be prepared to respond jointly to catastrophic events. The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Partnership Program was born from the disaster relief efforts after the Banda Aceh Tsunami in 2004. The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief skill set is now incorporated as one of the six core competencies in the US Navy’s Comprehensive Maritime Strategy. This presentation focuses on the capabilities and outcomes of the USNS Mercy’s Pacific Partnership 2010 mission with specific mention of the plastic surgery contributions. PP10 is unique in its incorporation of US military, partner nations, civilians, and NGOs into a comprehensive team that allows for exchanges and multilateral strategic planning and execution of the mission. Within four months, the team provided medical care to over 100,000 patients, performed 807 surgeries, repaired 124 pieces of medical equipment valued at 5.87 million US dollars, and implemented over 24,000 hours of medical, preventative medicine, surgical, and veterinary training in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.
Methods/Technique:Results/Complications:
Conclusion: PP10 aims to improve our understanding of host nation priorities, optimize utilization of partners’ skills and experience, and familiarize NGOs and partner nations with the equipment and capabilities of the PP platforms that will enable rapid integration and deployment of effective relief teams during actual disasters. In addition to preparing for disaster relief, the PP missions have the added benefit of providing peacetime humanitarian assistance, capacity building, international collaboration, and education. Plastic Surgery is a specialty that is uniquely suited to humanitarian assistance endeavors and the robust capabilities of the hospital ship platform make for a rewarding experience for military and cilvilian surgeons alike. The ability to provide safe, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care worldwide is an opportunity to continue to grow the volunteer population of active plastic surgeons throughout the country by making them aware of the missions and the organizations through which interested surgeons can participate.