Tzong-Luen Wang, MD, PhD; Wen-Jone Chen, MD, PhD;and Hang Chang, MD, PhD

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Abstract ---To investigate the appropriateness of the distribution of Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) in Taiwan, we analyzed the personnel data registered in Disaster Response HOspital and PErsonnel registry (Dr. Hope registry) database and correlated them with the frequencies and severities of the earthquakes (from January 2001 to December 2001), one of the most possible devastating events in Taiwan. The relative risk of perceptive earthquake is highest in Hualien county and lowest in Taoyuan county, Taipei city, and Kaohsiung city. The DMAT personnel is highest in Taipei city (total 1,042 persons) and lowest in Keelung city, Taipei county, Ilan county, Hsinchu county, Miaoli county, Yunlin county and Taitung county. A linear regression model revealed that poor correlation between the relative risk of the earthquakes and DMAT personnel (R2=0.018). The covariance value was -2.75. The linear regression model also demonstrated that poor correlation between the population density at risk and the distribution of DMATs (R2=0.024). The covariance value was -913.39. In conclusion, we find that the distribution of DMAT personnel is not correlated with the relative risk and damage of earthquakes in each geographic area at present in Taiwan. Detailed reevaluation and redistribution of DMAT resources may be vital in good preparedness of disasters nowadays. (Ann. Disaster Med 2002;1:1-10)