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Emergency Medicine in the developing world
(23-26 November 2009)

Mass Gathering and Disaster Medicine in the Developing World

EMSSA’s second international conference on Emergency Medicine in the Developing World followed on from the world-class 2007 inaugural conference by the same name. The focus for 2009 was Mass Gathering and Disaster Medicine, with an emphasis on best practices for a resource poor setting, whether this is in the developing world or in a hostile environment.

Several parallel streams highlighted new advances in the field, but also revisited old topics- covering all disciplines from prehospital care to medical and trauma care (including emergency nursing). Once again, this conference offered a real opportunity for international experts to help shape the way that the speciality develops in the developing world.

On 26 November at 12:01 the African Federation of Emergency Medicine (AFEM) was founded. As a Federation, AFEM would bring together all existing initiatives and societies who have an interest in emergency medicine in Africa (inside and out). This would include doctors, nurses and prehospital services. AFEM would not only serve as a source of expertise and policies, but will also become a meeting place where various African emergency medicine societies and foreign voluntary organisations can exchange ideas, discuss strategies and foster cooperation. More importantly, AFEM, through its membership and contacts, would be able to support individual members in setting up emergency care systems in their home countries. There is no doubt that this would streamline emergency provision in Africa, improve the delivery of emergency care in Africa and allow Africans to turn the tide on emergencies in Africa.

For more information on this event and future EMSSA events contact Belinda Chapman.