On the issue of legal regulation and methodological support for the activities of joint medical teams of FMBA of Russia

Introduction. Modern challenges to the national security of Russia necessitate improvements in the medical and sanitary support system, including the medical personnel and resources of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia during emergency situations, terrorist attacks, and armed conflicts. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing the promptness, effectiveness, and organization of providing specialized medical assistance and carrying out medical evacuations for victims, injured persons, and patients. This need is underscored by the existing experience of Joint Medical Teams (JMTs) of the FMBA of Russia participating in the elimination of large-scale emergency consequences and ongoing Special Military Operation (SMO).

Objective. Development of proposals for improving the regulatory framework and methodological support for the creation, preparation, use, and operation of FMBA JMTs.

Materials and methods. The study utilized normative and methodological documents of the Agency, reports from district medical centers (DMCs), and data from a survey questionnaire involving 192 medical specialists engaged in the activities of JMTs over the period from February 2022 to June 2025, including their involvement in the SMO. The following methods were employed in conducting this research: formal legal analysis, content analysis, expert evaluation, statistical processing of data, as well as logical and information modeling techniques. The study encompassed legal, organizational, and methodological aspects related to the functioning of JMTs in various types of emergency situations. The analysis took into account extensive experience in mitigating health-related consequences of emergencies and the role of such teams in facilitating medical evacuation, delivering medical aid to affected individuals, wounded soldiers, and ill servicemen.

Results. Gaps in the normative and methodological support for the activities of FMBA JMTs were established, despite their relatively high response efficiency and functional effectiveness, confirmed by their participation in providing medical support during the SMO. The expert assessments among 192 medical professionals, most of whom (60.4%) had practical experience of working within JMTs, showed dissatisfaction with the current normative and methodological basis. According to the experts, the current framework does not provide for sufficient clarity or regulation for establishing, preparing, utilizing, maintaining, and implementing medical evacuation processes by JMTs. The collected data indicate a pressing need for a comprehensive improvement of the legal and methodological basis for JMT activities. These improvements include drafting and adopting a single Standardized Regulation for JMTs, supplementing FMBA Order No. 126 dated 25.04.2022, taking into account specific tasks related to medical evacuation, entrusting DMCs with responsibilities for forming, training, and managing JMTs, and elaborating detailed methodological recommendations aimed at standardizing the organizational structure, equipping standards, and preparedness criteria for JMTs. The results obtained form a basis for resolving numerous problematic issues impeding effective functioning of JMTs.

Conclusions. The results obtained indicate gaps in the normative and methodological framework regulating the activities of FMBA JMTs, which hinder the development of clear mechanisms for their formation, application, and functioning when organizing and providing medical assistance to victims of emergencies, terrorist acts, and military conflicts. Implementation of the proposed measures will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of JMTs within the healthcare system, contributing significantly to national security interests.

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