#Japan #Tokyo #disaster response #earthquake training #Japan Red Cross

Disaster Preparedness Training for Tokyo's Potential Earthquake

On January 31, 2023, the Tokyo chapter of the Japan Red Cross will host a large-scale disaster response drill that unites nine prefectural branches in the Kanto region. This training is designed to prepare for a scenario involving a major earthquake, specifically in the Tamagawa area. It represents the largest collaborative effort of its kind to date, involving numerous participants and training venues.

Training Overview

The upcoming exercise aims to enhance emergency medical services and readiness for a potential earthquake that is predicted to strike the Tokyo area within the next 30 years. With a probability of 70%, the Japan Red Cross is committed to fulfilling its mission of saving lives during disasters. This integrated drill combines administrative agencies and relevant organizations, covering responses from the moment of disaster onset through hyper-acute phases.

Training will include table-top exercises focused on decision-making and information exchange, alongside practical field drills by medical care teams that will simulate hospital support and evacuation shelter operations.

Scope of the Training Event

This training event is not only the first of its scale but also the first initiative to integrate Kanto Block DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) training during the exercise. Various medical teams will coordinate to conduct training in both hospital settings and designated evacuation centers, including Shibuya's Japan Red Cross Medical Center and Musashino Red Cross Hospital, which will serve as the main venues.

Participants will include medical care teams consisting of doctors, nurses, and support personnel, along with approximately 700 individuals including administrative staff and disaster relief volunteers who will simulate affected individuals during the exercise. Each medical team will also include additional healthcare professionals such as pharmacists and mental health care specialists.

Specific Activities Planned

As part of the training, emergency medical drills will address multiple scenarios, including triage processes and patient management in a disaster context. The drill also includes mobile health check-ups and support for those in evacuation centers. The areas covered will reflect realistic disaster scenarios, with expected conditions such as structural damage, fires, widespread power outages, and water supply disruptions.

In addition to life-saving medical care, mental health support and community health assessments will be integral components of the training, underlining the importance of holistic care in disaster response.

Media Coverage and Participation

Media representatives are invited to cover this vital training exercise, focusing on the critical skills and preparedness measures that can ultimately help save lives in real emergencies. Interested parties should fill out and submit the registration form by January 29 to ensure accommodations for coverage.

This operation further establishes the Japan Red Cross's commitment to improve disaster response and raises awareness of emergency practices throughout the community. The organization’s ongoing coordination with various entities underscores a cohesive approach to disaster preparedness and resilience.

Training Schedule Highlights

The training schedule features multiple sessions at two main venues:

• - Tokyo Medical Center (Shibuya)
• - Musashino Red Cross Hospital

Drills will include patient assessments and treatment procedures that mirror real-life emergency scenarios, all aimed at effectively training all participating teams in rapid response techniques.

In conclusion, the Japan Red Cross Tokyo training promises to be a significant event in enhancing disaster preparedness and fostering a community-wide understanding of emergency medical care dynamics. As we approach potential natural disasters, this training exemplifies a proactive approach to safeguarding health and lives in challenging situations.