It is hoped the UK medics can help when natural disasters strike UK doctors, nurses and surgeons will be able to register ways they might help in the event of an overseas disaster, the government has announced.Medical professionals who want to deploy to emergencies will now be able to put their names on the International Emergency Trauma Register (UKIETR).
It is hoped up to 400 personnel will be registered and trained by 2014.
The announcement comes on the anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004.
More than 230,000 people were killed when an earthquake caused a massive tidal wave to hit the shores of 14 countries.
Outlining the UK government's plan, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: "This is one way the UK can help to stop problems spiralling out of control and also helps us to develop our own disaster resilience."
Continue reading the main storyThe experience gained in both training and deployment overseas can only reinforce our response to disasters here at home”End Quote The UKIETR was set up by the medical charity UK Med in 2011 and has already deployed surgical team members in Haiti, Libya and Tunisia.
Ms Greening's Department for International Development and the Department of Health have now incorporated the register into the UK's official overseas disaster response.
The register co-ordinates the use of volunteers, ensuring there is the right mix of skills, training and experience for the specific situation being faced.
Professor Tony Redmond of UK Med said: "The register is a major step forwards in harnessing the skills and goodwill of UK healthcare workers and bringing them to the immediate benefit of those most in need.
"Although not its primary purpose, the experience gained in both training and deployment overseas can only reinforce our response to disasters here at home."
