UNAIR NEWS – The surge in demand for medical services during disasters demands the readiness of health workers and a coordinated support system. Garda Ksatria Airlangga (GARKA) and the UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR) formed an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to strengthen medical response readiness in emergency situations.
The event took place on Friday (October 16, 2026) at Amerta Hall, 4th floor, Management Office, MERR-C Campus, UNAIR. Dr dr Abdullah Machin SpN Subsp NKI(K), of Community Service at IKA UNAIR, explained that the collaboration is an effort to bring together the competencies of health workers and resources in disaster response.
Five basic pillars for forming EMT
Dr Machin explained that forming an EMT requires clinical and operational readiness, not merely creating an organizational structure. Five main pillars deserve attention: personnel, services, logistics, safety, and coordination.
Personnel must have adequate competence and readiness. In addition, the protection of personnel safety and well-directed coordination are needed to ensure that team activation, referrals, and reporting run smoothly. “That way, the EMT will be ready clinically and operationally when facing disasters,” he said.
Logistical support, from medicines and medical equipment to water and sanitation needs, also ensures the smooth operation of services in the field. All these aspects are needed so the team can respond to medical needs according to the conditions and emergency level of a disaster.
The importance of coordination and protocols
Beyond resource readiness, an EMT needs clear governance. According to Dr Machin, the division of roles, cross-sector coordination, and operational standards need to be confirmed before implementation and development.
In line with Dr Machin, IKA UNAIR Sidoarjo representative Rizki Daniarto responded positively to the formation of the EMT. “As a university, we must indeed be at the forefront of handling disasters like this. But governance needs attention. Strengthen coordination so that there is no confusion when we are in the field,” he said.
He suggested that the EMT protocol be documented as a joint guideline that clearly sets out standard operating procedures (SOPs). The guideline is expected to clarify the division of responsibilities and the flow of coordination, so that the collaboration between GARKA and IKA UNAIR can support a more strategic medical response to disasters.
Author: Vaneza Ika Artamevia
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
