This lifeline delivers lifesaving and life-sustaining medical care and public health services to affected populations. Components include Medical Care (treatment facilities and providers), Public Health (disease prevention and surveillance), Patient Movement (transport and evacuation), Medical Supply Chain (pharmaceuticals and equipment), and Fatality Management. It addresses immediate injuries, ongoing health needs, infectious disease risks, and dignified handling of deceased individuals, making rapid restoration essential to minimize loss of life and support long-term community recovery.

Key components of the Health & Medical lifeline include:

• Medical Care: Maintaining hospital operational capacity, medical treatment capabilities, and patient care in affected areas.

• Patient Movement: Coordinating the transport of patients and evacuations from hospitals or nursing homes.

• Public Health: Ensuring essential public health functions, including disease surveillance and monitoring.

• Medical Supply Chain: Ensuring availability of medications, medical devices, and other critical supplies.

• Fatality Management: Handling the identification and management of deceased victims with dignity.