Abstract:
During the 2022 seismic crisis on São Jorge Island in the Azores, disaster response teams were created to strengthen healthcare services and prepare for a rapid response to a potential catastrophic event. Healthcare professionals from other islands supported local services by organizing medical supplies, adapting emergency resources, developing evacuation plans, and providing training. This initiative highlighted the importance of family physicians in disaster response in isolated settings, as well as existing gaps in coordination and preparedness, reinforcing the need for better planning and increased training in emergency and disaster management.