About the event

The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre is a key component of the Australian Government’s disaster and emergency medical preparedness and response capability to incidents of local, national and international significance. Key elements of the NCCTRC’s capacity to quickly and effectively respond include the coordination and deployment of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) capability. During this presentation, Kath McDermott, Acting Director Disaster Preparedness and Response, will share insights into the NCCTRC’s mission, explore the role of nurses within AUSMAT and draw from her extensive experience in leading emergency responses.

Key learning Objectives

• Understanding the NCCTRC's Role: Gain insights into the National Critical Care & Trauma Response Center's mission and its global impact.
• Nursing Considerations: Learn what nurses need to consider if they wish to join the NCCTRC AUSMET team.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response: Explore the strategies and operations involved in disaster preparedness and response led by the NCCTRC.

About the speaker

Kathleen McDermott - Acting Director Disaster Preparedness and Response, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Kath played a significant, senior role in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both operationally and in the field. She served as the Clinical Nurse Lead and then Mission Lead, supporting the establishment and operations of the AUSMAT Howard Springs International Quarantine Program from October 2020 – May 2021. As a registered nurse, with sub-specialties that include public health, peri-operative care, emergency and infectious diseases, and as an established AUSMAT member, Kath has contributed to multiple deployments for incidents of national and international significance. Having lived and worked in the Northern Territory for almost 30 years Kath joined the NCCTRC in 2008. Her experience includes roles as Research Coordinator and AUSMAT Health Information System Manager at NCCTRC, as well as serving as the AUSMAT representative on the WHO Minimum Data Set Working Group for EMTs. She has contributed to the AUSMAT field operations and is a member of various AUSMAT Technical Working Groups. Most recently, Kath was deployed to Vanuatu as Mission Lead in response to the 2024 earthquake.