Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) are essential during emergencies. To optimize efficiency and readiness, the Saudi DMAT established comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) so that it could pursue with vigorous implementation the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Health’s strategic plans. These operational models, incident management systems, and procedures govern team deployment, operations, and demobilization in disaster response settings.

This paper discusses the development and implementation of new standardized protocols for DMATs in Saudi Arabia, highlighting challenges, strategic decisions, and enhancements in team preparedness and performance.

The S-DMAT SoPs were developed through a detailed review of international standards and best practices, tailored to Saudi Arabia’s specific needs. Stakeholder consultations, iterative revisions, and pilot testing ensured the medical response teams are knowledgeable and ready for efficient, timely, and resource-adequate deployment.

The standardized protocols significantly improved S-DMATs’ readiness and operational performance. Enhanced coordination with local and international agencies, better resource allocation, and effective incident management were achieved. The SoPs provided a structured approach to deployment, triage, and patient care, ensuring high-quality medical assistance in critical situations. Evaluations showed that S-DMAT consistently met or exceeded key performance indicators, demonstrating quick mobilization and efficient execution.

Establishing standardized SoPs for S-DMAT has been pivotal in advancing disaster response in Saudi Arabia. The protocol development process emphasizes maintaining relevant training, meticulous review, and flexibility in disaster preparedness. These results offer valuable insights for future improvements to DMAT protocols and contribute to global best practices in disaster medical response.