This article describes the development of an online, remote and interactive emergency medical team (EMT) training series to engage current and prospective Pacific EMT team members during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was done incorporating talanoa sessions. In many Pacific languages, talanoa means to tell a story or have a conversation.

This article describes the development of a national emergency medical team training package for Pacific island countries and areas. The training incorporates the logistical challenges faced in the Pacific and applies a mixed-method approach to training, with lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities and a simulation exercise.

Problem: Pacific island countries and areas represent some of the most disaster-vulnerable locations in the world, facing a range of natural and infectious hazards along with incredibly challenging logistics and limited human resource pools. Context: The World Health Organization supports the development of emergency medical teams across the Western Pacific Region. Since 2021, one aspect of this support has been supplying health emergency response equipment called cache kits for these unique island contexts. This report describes the process of designing and implementing standardized cache kits for these teams. Action: Emergency medical team cache kits were designed and sourced using a semi-structured six-step approach: 1) problem identification and review of existing literature; 2) targeted key informant interviews and stakeholder consultations; 3) the alignment of cache with the goals and objectives of the teams’ operations; 4) creation of the kits; 5) local and international procurement of selected items; and 6) monitoring of the delivery of cache to destination countries. Outcome: The Organization procured specialized cache kits for 12 teams across the Pacific subregion. They comprise portable, durable, lightweight equipment that enables teams to deliver high-quality emergency medical care in remote and resource-limited island contexts. Discussion: The Organization's centralized procurement of the cache kits in the Pacific aimed to facilitate nationally led health emergency responses, enhance team interoperability in the subregion, and ensure access to high-quality equipment in resource-constrained locations. The model established in the Pacific could serve as a blueprint for national emergency medical teams in low- and middle-income countries globally.

This article describes the development of national emergency medical teams in Pacific island countries and areas.

This regional analysis aims to provide a comprehensive review of emergency medical team development and action in health emergency response in the Western Pacific Region from 2010 to 2024. It details national, subregional and regional efforts to strengthen health emergency preparedness, response and resilience; it notes challenges faced by the teams in these efforts; and it provides examples that could be adopted or adapted to strengthen their development and action around the world. Emergency medical teams are critical components of national, regional and global health emergency workforces, enabling rapid, high-quality and self-sufficient responses to health emergencies domestically or internationally. They comprise clinical, mental health, public health, logistics and water/sanitation/hygiene personnel who collaborate in providing critical services to affected populations during health emergencies. By the end of 2024, emergency medical teams had been established in nearly every country in the Western Pacific Region, with 16 classified for international deployments, and many national teams developed to strengthen response to domestic emergencies. This analysis is based on published peer-reviewed literature on emergency medical team development and action in health emergencies in the Western Pacific Region, as well as publicly available data on team collaboration and deployment for health emergency response. This analysis considers the global evolution of the World Health Organization Emergency Medical Team Initiative and describes its development in the Western Pacific Region, including how the teams have contributed to emergency response efforts, and the key enabling factors and challenges faced as they develop and respond to emergencies. The analysis concludes by highlighting opportunities for future development, collaboration, research and insights that may be applicable to the global development of emergency medical teams.

This article describes the Western Pacific Region’s participation in the Emergency Medical Team Global Meeting held in November 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Participants from the region actively contributed to various panels, discussions, working sessions and abstract presentations throughout the 3-day meeting, highlighting the increased strength of the Western Pacific to respond to health emergencies.