Australia Sends Medical Assistance Team To New Zealand
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said an Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) comprising 25 doctors, nurses and surgeons has arrived in Christchurch to provide medical help to people injured in Tuesday’s earthquake.
Mr McClelland said a 75 bed field hospital with medical and support staff is also being transported to Christchurch from Amberley RAAF Base this morning on board an Australian Defence Force C17 Globemaster.
“The Medical Assistance Team – comprising Emergency Department doctors, more than a dozen nurses, three surgeons including an orthopaedic specialist and an Anaesthetist – will initially operate from Christchurch hospital,” Mr McClelland said.
“The team will also scope suitable locations for the field hospital, which is expected to arrive in Christchurch this afternoon.
“Overnight, the Australian Defence Force evacuated around 100 Australians from Christchurch.
“A C130 landed at Richmond RAAF base with around 40 passengers and a C17 landed at Brisbane International Airport with around 60 passengers on board. Commercial flights are also operating from Christchurch Airport.
“More than 140 Australian Urban Search and Rescue specialists are continuing to work on the ground in Christchurch searching through the rubble for survivors.
“These specialists are working on 12 hour shifts, 24 hours a day and doing an excellent job.”
In addition to rescue and medical expertise, other Australia is also assisting with:
- 300 Australian Police Officers – comprising 50 Australian Federal Police Officers and 250 Officers from NSW, Victoria and South Australia – will be deployed to New Zealand tomorrow for an initial period of two weeks;
- Two Emergency Management Australia Liaison Officers based in the Crisis Command Centre in New Zealand to ensure any requested assistance is provided as quickly as possible; and
- Seventeen Department of Foreign Affairs officials are on the ground in Christchurch to assist Australians, as well as four Centrelink Social Workers who are providing emotional support.
The Prime Minister has announced the Australian Government will donate $5 million to the Red Cross NZ Earthquake Appeal.
Topics: 2011, ADF, Amberley RAAF Base, assistance, AUSMAT, Australia, Australian Defence Force, Brisbane International Airport, C17 Globemaster, Christchurch, disaster relief, doctors, earthquake, field hospital, Governance, government, Medical Assistance Team, moniter, monitor, natural disaster, New Zealand, news, nurses, rescue, rescue operations, search, society, surgeons
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