Disaster Response

The training has been put into action through the VCOM Medical Missions when VCOM sent faculty and student response teams to care for victims of the the Tsunami in India, Hurricane Katrina, the Virginia Tech shootings, floods in Missouri and a tornado in Suffolk, Virginia.

2004 - The Tsunami Relief (Indian coastal rural villages)

• Provided primary care teams for disaster relief for two weeks following the Tsunami.
• The relief teams treated patients in coastal, rural Indian villages where there was no other medical relief.
• Assisted one community in establishing an incubator for a small business to produce greatly needed supplies for wound care and feminine hygiene products. VCOM was given an award by the Indian Jaycees organization from that community.

2005 - Hurricane Katrina (Mississippi)

• Held mobile clinics for 21 days (days 6-27 following the storm) in Pass Christian, Biloxi and Waveland, Mississippi.
• Treated over 2,000 patients ranging from minor injuries to stabilizing critical illnesses.
• Provided medication replacement, tetanus immunizations, diabetes stabilization and a variety of other medical treatments.

2007 - Virginia Tech

VCOM students and faculty provided emergent care on the scene with VT EMS, treated the victims of the shooting in local Emergency rooms and surgical suites, cared for the families of the victims in the hours and days that followed, and provided grief counseling as Red Cross volunteers in the weeks following the event.

2008 - Missouri Flood Relief

VCOM students provide prevention programs, as well as a helping a hand to flood victims in the 2008 Missouri floods.

2008 - Virginia Tornado Assistance

VCOM Students provide assistance to the victims of the Suffolk, Virginia tornado in 2008.