Rapid Response Team successfully handled the emergency: DMCH director
The Rapid Response Team of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) made heroic efforts yesterday after people injured in the explosion at a building in Dhaka's Gulistan were brought to the hospital.
The 50-person team, which is made up of doctors, nurses, and ward boys, is intended to handle emergency situations in the event of a disaster.
DMCH Director Brig Gen Md Nazmul Haque told The Daily Star that at least 120 injured people came to the hospital for treatment after the explosion.
"The Rapid Response Team successfully handled them by providing primary treatment and transferring them to required departments for further care."
He said the 50-member team is connected through a WhatsApp group. The members are alerted there when an emergency occurs, and they have to respond as quickly as possible.
This specialised team assists other doctors by treating patients, giving them medication, and transferring them to other departments in addition to the care provided by the doctors at the hospital's emergency department. As a result, patients receive treatment on an urgent basis.
This Rapid Response Team has its own fund and stock of medical supplies, including medicines, blood, and equipment. As in an emergency, the majority of injured patients are brought to the hospital without a name, family information, or money, the team assumes responsibility and pays for all necessary care.
"This team transfers patients to other departments after providing primary care. For instance, if someone needs ICU care, they will be sent to the ICU, and if someone needs an urgent operation, they will be sent to the OT," the director told The Daily Star over phone.
The team has received specialised training to handle crisis situations and perform under time constraint. Once a month, they receive training, and frequent meetings are held to discuss how to improve services, he added.
At least 17 people were killed and more than 100 injured in an explosion at a building in Dhaka's Gulistan area yesterday.
Fire officials said the explosion took place around 4:45pm near the BRTC bus counter.