Scottsdale Captain Mike Norling, who was recently named as the department’s EMS Captain, has been named as AZ-1 DMAT Team Commander for the National Disaster Medical System.
Norling has served with the NDMS for 10 years and is deployed about twice a year. These 14-day deployments have included providing backup to hospitals hit by hurricanes, assisting with COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and staging for large scale events like the funeral for Sen. John McCain. In his new position, Norling will manage approximately 90 personnel assigned to the team, and coordinate daily operations, deployments, and training.
“Mike is a strong leader, and his knowledge of emergency scene management and paramedicine is extensive,” says Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “It makes sense to have him selected to this position. We are extremely proud of him.”
Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are employed to provide patient care support when requested by authorities from States, Localities, Tribes and Territories, or other federal departments after disasters and emergencies. In a disease outbreak, they may aid in the reduction or prevention of transmission. During national special events, they stand ready to serve in case of an emergency. Ultimately, these teams provide expert patient care that protects individual health and promotes national health security.
NDMS is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.
