| Team Status | |
|---|---|
| VMAT-1 | Normal |
| VMAT-2 | Normal |
| VMAT-3 | Normal |
| VMAT-4 | Normal |
| VMAT-5 | Normal |
VMAT Mission: It is the mission of the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams to assist the local veterinary community with the care of animals and to provide veterinary oversight and advice concerning animal related issues and public health during a disaster or following a request from an appropriate agency.
Photo by: Polly A. Fleckenstein, DVM, MS
(Click image for larger picture.)
VMAT is designed for response to large-scale disasters but has adequate flexibility to permit response to disasters of limited scope. Though the initial response to disasters occurs at the local level, resources within a disaster area may be inadequate to fully cope with the effects of a major disaster, or local resources may need time to recover before resuming complete responsibility. The VMAT provide assistance during those times when the local veterinary community is overwhelmed.
The VMAT are highly trained teams composed of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, scientists, epidemiologists, toxicologists, and other medical and lay support personnel. They provide nationwide coverage during times of disaster and can be deployed to any state or United States territory. VMAT team members triage and stabilize patients at a disaster site and provide austere veterinary medical care. These teams are mobile units that can deploy within 24-48 hours when their assistance is requested by the state officials from the affected state. The members carry a 3-day supply of food, water, personal living necessities, and medical supplies and equipment, if needed. Each team is capable of establishing a veterinary field hospital and can provide any other veterinary services needed to support a complete disaster relief effort.
Any state that is interested in establishing a relationship with VMAT can contact the AVMA Assistance Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at 800-248-2862 ext. 6632.
For more information about the formation and responsibilities of VMAT, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).
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