Classification and minimum standards for foreign medical teams in sudden onset disasters

The Foreign Medical Teams (FMT) Working Group under the auspices of the Global Health Cluster and the WHO commissioned this document. It introduces a simple classification, minimums standards and a registration form for FMTs that may provide surgical and trauma care arriving within the aftermath of a sudden onset disaster (SOD). These can serve as tools to improve the coordination of the foreign medical team response, and be the reference for registration on arrival as well as a possible global registration mechanism similar to what exists for urban search and rescue teams. The document explains the registration form that allows FMTs to declare their services and capacities, and an overview of the classification system, principles and standards. The definitions, process and technical details of the various requirements for teams to be registered are further elaborated. The classification and standards are designed for FMTs, but can also serve as guidance for developing domestic trauma response capacities. (abbreviated author introduction)