Mobile operating theater kit

Abstract

The Region of the Americas is exposed to a wide range of emergencies and disasters of increasing scale and frequency. As climate extremes drive up the frequency and severity of natural disasters, compounded by poverty, urbanization, and overcrowding, many will need surgical care, exceeding baseline capacity. Addressing universal access to care is especially critical in crises, as 5 billion people globally still lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care and anesthesia. This number grows significantly following a disaster, where delays can result in severe complications or mortality. The mobile operating theater kit (MOTK) is designed to support emergency medical teams (EMTs) and health facilities in delivering critical surgical care during disasters and crises. Developed through a collaborative process involving international experts, the MOTK is tailored to address the complex and urgent surgical needs that arise in austere environments where local health infrastructure may be damaged or nonoperational. This kit provides a solution for performing up to 200 major and minor surgical procedures, including trauma, orthopedic, obstetric, and emergency general surgeries. Designed for use by specialized surgical teams, Type 2 EMTs, and district or provincial hospitals, the MOTK can be rapidly deployed and operationalized. This publication outlines the development, methodology, and contents of the MOTK, offering practical guidance for its deployment and use. It gathers the expertise of surgical specialists from the Region and from around the world, experts from national and international EMTs, logistics and supply chain experts, and other institutions that have developed relevant knowledge on surgical care during emergencies and disasters. It is hoped that this document will serve as a guide to provide national authorities and other institutions responsible for providing surgical care with the equipment and supplies needed to facilitate this task, enabling them to apply international standards and provide high-quality patient-centered care.