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The Washington-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (WA-1 DMAT) is located in Seattle Washington and is a component of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). The team initially formed in 1985 as the Seattle King County Disaster Team (SKCDT) in response to the Mexico City earthquake. In 1992, the team formed a Federal branch; under the name of the WA-1 DMAT.  The team consists of medical, logistical and administrative personnel designed to provide medical care during a disaster.

 

WA-1 DMAT is designed for rapid-response to supplement local medical care until other Federal or contract resources can be mobilized, or the situation resolved.  The team deploys to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves for a period of 72 hours while providing medical care at a fixed or temporary medical care site.

 

The responsibilities of the team include triaging patients, providing high-quality medical care despite the adverse and austere environment often found at a disaster site, and preparing patients for evacuation.  WA-1 may also be on the receiving end of evacuation victims to support patient reception and disposition to hospitals.

 

Team personnel are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline.  When personnel are activated as Federal employees, licensure and certification is recognized by all States.  Additionally, DMAT personnel are paid while serving as intermittent federal employees and have the protection of the Federal Tort Claims Act in which the Federal Government becomes the defendant in the event of a malpractice claim.