Emergency Medicine in Samoa

14/04/2026

Over the past two days, the Ministry of Health Samoa conducted a Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) Assessment, bringing together key stakeholders to review Samoa’s preparedness and response systems for public health emergencies.

Representing our Emergency Department was one of our Nursing Leaders, RN Aruna Uno Suemalo Lautusi, who participated in the assessment discussions alongside other national health partners.

The review focused on evaluating the current structure, coordination systems, communication pathways, and operational readiness of the HEOC, with the aim of strengthening Samoa’s capacity to respond effectively to emergencies such as outbreaks, disasters, and other public health threats.

Several important gaps and opportunities for improvement were identified during the assessment. These include the need to strengthen coordination mechanisms, improve information management and data sharing, enhance emergency planning frameworks, and ensure clearer operational roles across responding agencies.

Moving forward, the assessment recommended the development of clear action plans to address these gaps, alongside continuous input and collaboration from all relevant stakeholders to ensure that planning, preparedness, and response systems remain effective and responsive.

Strengthening emergency preparedness is a shared national responsibility, and initiatives like this assessment help ensure Samoa continues to build a resilient health system capable of protecting our communities during times of crisis.

Public Reminder:
Preparedness is not only the responsibility of health systems, communities also play an important role. Staying informed, following public health guidance, and supporting emergency response efforts help ensure a safer Samoa for everyone.

13/04/2026

Today’s Grandround highlighted an important aspect of quality patient care in the Emergency Department.
Our Nurse in Charge of the Resuscitation Area, Paulo Niko, presented his audit on documentation practices within the resuscitation area. His findings emphasized the critical need for consistent and accurate documentation during emergency care. Proper documentation is not only essential for patient safety and continuity of care, but also for clinical review, audit, and improving our emergency systems.

Interestingly, the same issue was also highlighted during last week’s Trauma Audit, showing that documentation remains an area where we must continue to strengthen our practice as a team.

Moments like these remind us that good emergency care is not only about rapid clinical decisions, but also about clear and reliable records that support patient care and learning. Our team remains committed to continuous improvement through audit, education, and open discussion.

Public Tip:
If you or a family member attends the Emergency Department, always try to provide accurate information about symptoms, medications, allergies, and medical history. Clear information helps healthcare workers make faster and safer decisions during emergencies.

12/04/2026

Today’s SimDay, the team focused on the management of a severe trauma case that rapidly deteriorated into a tension pneumothorax leading to cardiac arrest. The scenario challenged the team to recognize the condition early, initiate resuscitation, and perform a life-saving chest drain insertion.
Simulation training like this allows our staff to practice critical decision-making, teamwork, and procedural skills in a safe learning environment. Managing conditions such as tension pneumothorax requires rapid recognition and immediate intervention, and regular simulation ensures our team remains prepared for these high-stakes emergencies.

Public Tip:
Severe chest injury after a crash, fall, or assault can be life-threatening. If someone develops severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or suddenly collapses after trauma, seek medical help immediately. Early treatment can save a life.

08/04/2026

PISEC 2026. See you in August

Samoa Tourism (VC)

07/04/2026

Today's GrandRound, Seinafolava Enisini Milikini, our Acting Principal Nurse and Nurse in Charge of the Trauma Area, presented the findings from his Trauma Audit.

The audit highlighted several important areas for improvement within our department, particularly around clinical documentation and ongoing training in trauma assessment and management. Accurate and consistent documentation is essential not only for patient care, but also for maintaining reliable data that helps guide improvements in our emergency systems.

The discussion emphasized the need for continued staff training, strengthening trauma management skills, and improving documentation practices so that every trauma case is recorded clearly and accurately. High-quality data allows us to better understand injury patterns in Samoa and improve how we respond to trauma cases in the future.

As we continue to strengthen emergency care in Samoa, these regular audits and discussions remain an important part of our commitment to learning, accountability, and better patient outcomes.

Prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting our families and communities.

01/04/2026

This week’s Grand Round was presented by our Nurse in Charge of Triage, Belinda Tolai, who shared the findings from her recent triage audit in the Emergency Department.

Belinda is also currently undergoing professional development training with The Alfred Emergency & Trauma Centre, further strengthening her expertise in emergency care systems and triage processes.

Her audit highlighted the increasing number of low-acuity, non-urgent cases presenting to the ED, which continues to place significant pressure on our emergency service. When large volumes of non-urgent patients attend the ED, it can slow down the assessment and treatment of critically ill and injured patients who require immediate emergency care.

The audit findings also emphasized the importance of effective triage streaming, ensuring patients are directed to the right level of care, whether emergency, urgent, or primary care. Strengthening triage systems helps improve patient flow, reduce congestion, and allows the ED team to focus on identifying and managing true emergencies quickly and safely.

These discussions are important as we continue working to improve patient flow, strengthen triage processes, and maintain the Emergency Department’s ability to respond rapidly to life-threatening conditions.

29/03/2026

Last week during our GrandRound, one of our dedicated nurses, Uaina Fata Siaosi, delivered an insightful presentation on Lower Limb Fractures. The session covered key aspects of assessment, stabilization, and early management of common fractures seen in the emergency department, highlighting the importance of timely recognition to prevent complications such as neurovascular compromise, compartment syndrome, and long-term disability.

We were also privileged to have the Orthopaedic team join the discussion, including Magele Dr Shaun Mauiliu, whose expertise added valuable clinical perspectives on fracture management, imaging, and referral pathways. The collaborative discussion between nursing staff, doctors, and the orthopaedic team strengthened our shared understanding of best practices and reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in delivering quality emergency care.

Public Tip: If you or someone suffers a suspected fracture after a fall, accident, or sports injury, avoid moving the injured limb unnecessarily. Immobilize it if possible and seek medical care promptly, as early treatment can prevent serious complications.

18/03/2026

🌏 New Evidence: Why Emergency Care Matters in the Pacific

A recent study published in Emergency Medicine Australasia highlights a critical reality for our region:

Nearly half of all deaths and illness in Melanesia are due to time-sensitive conditions—conditions where rapid assessment and treatment can save lives.
The leading causes include:
1. Ischaemic heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Injuries
4. Respiratory infections
5. Diarrhoeal diseases

These alone account for up to 60% of deaths.This reinforces what we see every day in the Emergency Department: Emergency care is not optional — it is essential.

Strong emergency systems mean:
✔ Faster recognition of critical illness
✔ Timely resuscitation and treatment
✔ Better patient outcomes
✔ Lives saved

As we continue to strengthen emergency care in Samoa and across the Pacific, this evidence supports our direction — building systems that are responsive, resilient, and ready

Background Emergency care (EC) systems provide an integrated platform for addressing urgent healthcare needs. It has been estimated that time-sensitive conditions comprise approximately half of the ...

18/03/2026

❌️Stop Scrolling
✅️FREE SCHOLARSHIPS for Everyone.

Sharing this again, 2 more days left. Don't miss this great opportunity.

🌏 Scholarship Opportunity for Pacific and Timor-Leste Clinicians to attend the Pacific Island Society for Emergency Care (PISEC ) Scientific Conference and Annual Meeting 2026 🌊

This conference will bring together emergency care leaders, clinicians, nurses, paramedics, researchers, and partners from across the Pacific and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance emergency care systems for our region.

📅 Dates: 11–14 August 2026
📍 Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

PISEC have launched an EOI for travel scholarships to attend the conference and pre-conference leadership workshop.

Applicants must:
✅ Be a registered healthcare professional
✅ Be currently practicing in an eligible Pacific Island Country
✅ Be working in emergency, critical, acute or pre-hospital care, or in a disaster setting
✅ Have employer endorsement to attend
✅ Have a passport that expires in or after March 2027

📌 Applications close: Friday, 20 March 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8W8uIbqfqPMGal8tlq-L_p2LqTj9vRJmrMvWAXX15rU0Hlg/viewform
🔗Program details: https://www.recsi.org.au/events-courses-training/pacific-island-society-for-emergency-care-scientific-meeting-2026-(partner-led-event)

You can also scan the QR code to go directly to the EOI Form.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders and colleagues from across the region and contribute to conversations shaping emergency care!

16/03/2026

Grand Round – Infection Prevention & Control

Today’s GrandRound was presented by our Charge Nurse Aruna Suemalo Lautusi, who delivered an important and timely session on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).

Infection prevention is a cornerstone of safe healthcare. In the Emergency Department, where patients arrive with a wide range of illnesses and conditions, strong IPC practices help protect patients, staff, and the wider community from the spread of infectious diseases.With the emergence of new infectious diseases and the ongoing risk of outbreaks, strong IPC practices are more important than ever to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.

The session highlighted key principles such as proper hand hygiene, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental cleaning, and early identification of infectious risks.

Public Tip:
✅️Good infection prevention starts with simple habits. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially before and after visiting hospitals
✅️If you are unwell with cough, fever, or flu-like symptoms, wearing a mask in public places and when visiting health facilities can help prevent spreading infections to others.
✅️Simple actions like wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, and covering your cough can make a big difference in protecting your community.

15/03/2026

Monday SimDay focused on a critical and time-sensitive emergency: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

The team worked through a high-pressure scenario involving a woman presenting with severe abdominal pain, shock, and internal bleeding due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The exercise tested rapid assessment, resuscitation, teamwork, and coordination.

⚠️ Public Health Tip
Know the warning signs of ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the womb, most commonly in the fallopian tube. If it ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.

✅️Seek urgent medical care if a woman of child-bearing age experiences:
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Shoulder tip pain
• Dizziness, fainting, or weakness

Early medical attention can save lives

11/03/2026

Scholarship Opportunity – PISEC 2026

Samoan healthcare professionals working in emergency, acute, critical care, or disaster response are encouraged to apply for scholarships to attend the PISEC Scientific Conference & Annual Meeting 2026.

📅 11–14 August 2026
📍 Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa
📝 Applications close: 20 March 2026

🔗 Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8W8uIbqfqPMGal8tlq-L_p2LqTj9vRJmrMvWAXX15rU0Hlg/viewform⁠�

A great opportunity to connect, learn, and strengthen emergency care in Samoa and across the Pacific.

🌏 Scholarship Opportunity for Pacific and Timor-Leste Clinicians to attend the Pacific Island Society for Emergency Care (PISEC ) Scientific Conference and Annual Meeting 2026 🌊

This conference will bring together emergency care leaders, clinicians, nurses, paramedics, researchers, and partners from across the Pacific and beyond to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance emergency care systems for our region.

📅 Dates: 11–14 August 2026
📍 Location: Taumeasina Island Resort, Samoa

PISEC have launched an EOI for travel scholarships to attend the conference and pre-conference leadership workshop.

Applicants must:
✅ Be a registered healthcare professional
✅ Be currently practicing in an eligible Pacific Island Country
✅ Be working in emergency, critical, acute or pre-hospital care, or in a disaster setting
✅ Have employer endorsement to attend
✅ Have a passport that expires in or after March 2027

📌 Applications close: Friday, 20 March 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8W8uIbqfqPMGal8tlq-L_p2LqTj9vRJmrMvWAXX15rU0Hlg/viewform
🔗Program details: https://www.recsi.org.au/events-courses-training/pacific-island-society-for-emergency-care-scientific-meeting-2026-(partner-led-event)

You can also scan the QR code to go directly to the EOI Form.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders and colleagues from across the region and contribute to conversations shaping emergency care!