On October 24-25, 2023 field exercise was conducted. The Georgia FSX uses a major earthquake scenario in Manila, Philippines, as the backdrop for all simulation activities. It presents a realistic and challenging application of a “mini deployment life cycle” as part of an international mission appropriate for Georgia EMT’s Type 1 (fixed) capability. In addition to clinical operations, the scenario incorporates a focus on public health issues and requires participants to contextualize their actions to fit a complex, multi-cultural and multi-layered operational environment. The exercise control team provided details of the scenario backdrop to participants as a verbal briefing at the point of exercise insertion. At that stage, participants were also given a map of the affected area and any additional templates/forms as deemed relevant to the exercise. 

As a result, the participants of the FSX were able to outline the mandated roles of responsibilities of the Georgia EMT in providing assistance to affected communities within a coordinated health emergency landscape; Recognize the individual roles that team members play at each stage of the deployment life-cycle in support of the Georgia Team’s internal organization and collective operations; Apply effective interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with colleagues and other actors; Apply individual and team-level strategies for managing safety and security risks relevant to Georgia Team deployments in austere or uncertain environments; Describe strategies to manage uncertainty and maintain public trust even with limited or unconfirmed information; Explain how to use effective risk communication plans and strategies in response to media and social media demands; Commit to the value of teamwork, collaboration and adaptability when engaged in EMT deployment contexts; Reflect on individual strengths and points for development as a potential EMT roster member; Set-up, operate, maintain and pack down EMT field equipment as it would be used during deployment. 

Following each activity, the lessons learned sessions were conducted to identify the main challenges, lessons learnt as well as discuss recommendations for improvement.