NGO-led Disaster Response Through the Use of Interdisciplinary Teams

Abstract

Introduction:Japan is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The government has traditionally taken the lead during disaster responses, but now NGOs have begun to play an active role in disaster response. Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), is the first Japanese NGOs to utilize medical teams, search-and-rescue dogs, and disaster response in conjunction with one another. The presentation will be focused on operations and lessons learned.Method:Initially, the NGO only supported disaster-affected areas, both domestic and abroad, by providing relief supplies. However, in 2010 they began training rescue dogs to perform life-saving search-and-rescue operations immediately after sudden onset disasters. In 2014 NGO dispatched rescue dogs and a disaster response team for the first time at the Hiroshima landslide disaster. A medical team was added in 2018, and since then has sent out teams to ten other disaster sites, including West Japan Flood in 2018 and Ukraine Crisis as an international EMT in 2022.Results:One of the strengths of the organization is the ability to respond quickly by using aviation and maritime transport. They operate two helicopters and one vessel and can promptly and effectively transport patients and resources. Eight critical patients were transported from the hospital by helicopter during the West Japan Flood.Conclusion:Furthermore, joint rescue drills were conducted with both public and private organizations, and continue to seek ways for collaboration and cooperation in disaster settings.