Managing emergencies and disasters in general practice

Module 1 – Prevention and preparedness

Supplementary medical kits for GPs attending evacuation centres

      9. Supplementary medical kits for GPs attending evacuation centres
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Module 1 – Prevention and preparedness | Supplementary medical kits for GPs attending evacuation centres

A supplementary medical kit, which is designed to supplement a GPs own ‘Doctor’s bag’, could be provided for GPs attending an evacuation centre as part of a coordinated health response.

Please note that keeping your practice open an operational during an emergency is a priority. GPs should only attend evacuation centres when requested by your practice’s PHN, and only if the GP’s absence does not significantly impact your practice’s ability to remain operational. See ‘Working in an evacuation centre’ to find out more.

Supplementary medical kits may be sourced and provided by PHNs and can include:

  • identifying vest,
  • PPE (i.e., gloves, surgical and P2/N95 masks, gowns, eye protection),
  • stethoscope,
  • sphygmomanometer,
  • pulse oximeter,
  • torch and pen torch,
  • auroscope/ophthalmoscope,
  • a blood glucose monitor and testing strips,
  • urinalysis testing strips,
  • alcohol-based hand sanitiser,
  • alcohol cleaning wipes,
  • basic dressing packs, sterile water, steri-strips, dressings, disposable suture sets and sutures, cotton buds, needles, syringes, bandages, slings,
  • basic First Aid pack,
  • blank prescription templates, ideally triplicate carbon copy,
  • referral forms for local x-ray and pathology providers
  • blank note pads,
  • pens,
  • spare batteries for all battery-operated devices,
  • relevant forms (i.e., disaster medical assessment forms, clinical notes forms, end-of-shift patient list forms, deidentified patient list, copies of consultation notes) and envelopes,
  • pathology jars and specimen bags for urine and stool samples, rapid antigen testing kits/ respiratory PCR swabs,
  • list of relevant contact numbers including GP Liaison Officer (where applicable), PHN contact person, hospital emergency department, hospital switchboard, local pharmacies, other health services such as mental health, community health, alcohol and other drug services (some PHNs have live online dashboards with this information, including opening hours for general practices, pharmacies etc),
  • local area map with resources including accessible healthcare services (this should be marked up to understand road closures, hazards, etc.),
  • supplementary medical kit checklist, and
  • bottled water.

The supplementary medical kit could also include:

  • a defibrillator,
  • clinical waste containers/bags, and
  • a sharps container.

Anyone working outside of their usual practice(s) should consider what personal items they may need to stay comfortable and ready for action. Examples of personal items to consider preparing prior to attending an offsite location include:

  • spare changes of clothes,
  • wet weather gear,
  • sun protective gear (e.g. hat, sunglasses, sunscreen),
  • toiletries (e.g. toothbrush, deodorant),
  • appropriate supply of their own medications,
  • heavy duty gloves,
  • food (e.g. dried meal packs or dehydrated food), and
  • insect repellent.

Take action

  • Contact your local PHN to find out if they can supply you with a supplementary medical kit(s).
    • If your PHN cannot provide your practice with a kit, consider developing your own. You can use the list we have provided to understand what items should be included.
  • Regularly check the contents of your practice's supplementary kit to ensure the equipment is functional and supplies are within their expiry date where relevant, particularly before the onset of usual disaster seasons.
  • Ensure the location of your supplementary kit(s) is detailed in your emergency response plan.
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