A 25-person task force from Queensland (Health Support Team Foxtrot) arrived in Bander Aceh, Sumatra, in February 2005 and commenced operations. The team consisted of doctors, nurses, paramedics, environmental health officers and a USAR-trained firefighter. The team has four elements: primary health care, public health, surgery and logistics. The team took 27 pallets of medical supplies, flying Brisbane/Sydney (commercial air). Sydney/Penang (charter) and Penang/Aceh (military aircraft). PHTLS instructors Paul De Yong, MD, and Therese Lee, RN, are among the team members.
Back in Brisbane, the team and its supplies were put together by instructors Trevor Barnes from Queensland and Leo McNamara who provided liaison with Queensland Ambulance. It is likely that providers have also deployed with other Australian civilian and military teams.
All responders go with our best wishes and we pray for a safe return.
Trevor Barnes
Coordinator Emergency Health Services
Queensland Health