Teams and individuals from Vachira Phuket Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Phuket were recognised at the 17th National Emergency Medical Conference 2026: National EMS FORUM 2026, held from Mar 4-6 at the Grand Richmond Hotel in Nonthaburi.
The event, organised under the theme ‘Research and Innovation Driving Thailand’s EMS for All’, brought together emergency medical professionals from across the country to showcase research, innovations and operational expertise in emergency care.
A joint team from Vachira Phuket Hospital and the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation earned national recognition in the Emergency Medical Simulation Management Competition, which tested teams’ ability to respond to complex emergency scenarios.
The Phuket team included: Ms Suthamas Pongsing (Emergency Nurse Practitioner); Ms Nantanat Sangkhu (Emergency Nurse Practitioner); Ms Metheera Chuayok; (EMT-Intermediate); Mr Apichat Yimon (EMT-Basic); and Mr Pasathorn Suwanpahu (EMT-Basic).
The team tackled a simulated mass-casualty burn incident, applying the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management system while emphasising coordination and teamwork across multiple disciplines.
According to the team, the exercise reflected real-world emergency responses, where medical professionals must work closely with personnel from various sectors.
“We believe that in real situations it is not only doctors, nurses or emergency medical staff who are involved, but many professions working together,” the team noted.
The Phuket group was voted one of the most popular teams nationwide, receiving the Popular Vote Award from viewers across the country. Judges also ranked the team fourth runner-up overall in the national simulation management competition.
Another Phuket healthcare professional, Wiraphon Panthuchai, Head of the Accident and Emergency Nursing Group at Vachira Phuket Hospital, received the First Runner-up Award in the Academic Poster Research category.
The research project, titled ‘Pit Stop and Seamless Integration: A Management Model for Emergency Medical Systems at a World-Class Music Festival’, examined EMS operations during the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand held earlier this year at Rhythm Park in Cherng Talay.
The study explored how emergency response teams coordinated medical services during the large-scale festival, focusing on rapid patient assessment, efficient treatment points and integrated communication between medical teams.
In addition to the competition and research awards, Napaphat Chotibunthisa of Bangkok Hospital Phuket received the National Institute for Emergency Medical Services Commendation Pin, Class 5, recognising dedication, volunteerism and contributions to Thailand’s emergency medical services system.
The recognition was awarded by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine.
Representatives from several Phuket organisations also participated in the conference, including personnel from Vachira Phuket Hospital, the Wichit Subdistrict Municipality and the Koh Kaew Subdistrict Administrative Organization.
Participants dedicated the awards to the many government agencies, private organisations, foundations and local administrative bodies that support emergency medical operations in Phuket.
Officials said the recognition reflects the strength of cooperation across the island’s emergency response network and the commitment of local teams to improving emergency care for residents and visitors alike.