Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Connecticut Department of Public Health

September 5, 2008                                 Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                (860) 509-7270

                                                                                                            

Hartford – Eighteen members of the Connecticut Disaster Medical Assistance Team (CT-1 DMAT) were deployed today as part of the nation’s preparatory efforts for Hurricane Ike, which is expected to make landfall in the southeastern United States.  If the hurricane reaches the United States, the team will provide necessary medical assistance.  CT-1 DMAT is partnering with Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team members to complete a 35-person deployment team.

 

“We are very proud of the members of the CT-1 DMAT who will be ready to provide medical care to those in need in the event that Hurricane Ike strikes the United States,” stated Governor M. Jodi Rell.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Hurricane Ike’s path as well as the people who will be helping those in need.”

 

The CT-1 DMAT, as part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) were deployed to the southeastern part of the country in the event that Hurricane Ike reaches the United States.  This is the third deployment of CT-1 DMAT personnel this hurricane season.  Personnel were deployed earlier this year to New Orleans and Texas to care for Gulf Coast residents who were evacuated ahead of Hurricane Gustav.

 

The CT-1 DMAT was established through sponsorship by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in August of 2002.  Its mission is to provide emergency medical care during a disaster, public health emergency or other emergency event.  Part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), the CT-1 DMAT is a rapid-response element trained to deploy to disaster sites with sufficient supplies and equipment to sustain themselves for extended periods of time.  Their responsibilities include triaging patients, providing medical care, and preparing patients for evacuation.  The CT-1 DMAT currently has approximately 150 active volunteer members.

 

The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a section within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is responsible for supporting Federal agencies in the management and coordination of the Federal medical response to major emergencies and Federally declared disasters including: Natural Disasters, Technological Disasters, Major Transportation Accidents, Acts of Terrorism including Weapons of Mass Destruction Events.

 

For more information on CT-1 DMAT please go to www.dir.ct.gov/dph/ctdmat. 

 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.