SMAT I / SORT - State Level
The Special Operations Response Team (SORT) is a non-profit, federally supported disaster medical team capable of responding nationwide. The SORT is trained to provide both medical care and decontamination and may serve the resource needs of North Carolina should federal resources not be immediately available.

SMAT II – Regional Level
A SMAT II is a regional team comprised of medical and logistic personnel whose mission involves patient decontamination, mass medical care, establishment of alternate care facilities and pharmaceutical distribution points. Each of the eight lead RAC facilities (level I trauma centers) assume ownership of SMAT II assets(SMAT II Trailer, M8 Mobile Field Hospital) as well as the associated responsibilities in team development, training and mobilization.

SMAT II Trailer
MTAC’s SMAT II Trailer serves as a sibling resource to the M8 mobile field hospital. The trailer makes mobile, capabilities of providing hazardous material decontamination and medical care in disastrous events. It is fully stocked with medical equipment, prescription drugs, personal protective equipment, a decontamination tent and supplies.

M8 Mobile Field Hospital
The M8 serves a wide range of utility, particularly the needs of mass medical triage, surge capacity and alternate care facility purposes. Most notably utilized as a 50-bed, six-unit mobile hospital, the M8 also serves the use as an emergency operations center and housing for responding personnel. In meeting its mission, the trailer makes mobile, all necessary tents, equipment, and supplies. Once unloaded, the 53’ trailer converts into a multi-functional command center, housing, and storage center. The trailer’s 340 square foot interior cargo space can sleep up to 28 plus personnel. The interior command center contains an advanced communication system, audio visual components, refrigeration, microwave, dry erase walls and 100 square feet of climate-controlled work and storage space.

Upon assembly, any remote location can be transformed into a 3,826 square foot environmentally secure acute care facility. Each tent’s floor, roof, and walls are integrated with EasySeal™ insulation and climate control is maintained via six HVAC environmental control units. Vestibule connectors provide isolation of connecting tents facilitating the use of positive or negative pressure. The system also incorporates means of water purification and distribution, hygiene support, sanitation disposal, and interior electrical support.
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The M8 Mobile Field Hospital permits unlimited connection to other Western Shelter tents and systems. Depending on the scale of disaster, North Carolina’s SMATs and other Western Shelter users (FEMA, DMAT, USAR, NDMS) can readily and directly connect to each other. North Carolina’s SMAT teams have the capability of establishing a 400-bed plus facility!

SMAT III – Local Level
As the third tier of the SMRS, the SMAT III serves as a disaster response resource (EMS or Fire based) at the local level. Existing within the MTAC region alone is six of the states thirty SMAT III teams. The MTAC SMAT III teams are strategically placed and represented by the county EMS systems of Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, and Stanly as well as the Charlotte Fire Department. SMAT III teams deploy with a minimum of seven members supporting the needs of local agencies as a first line of disaster response.