Improving global prehospital and emergency medicine, public health, and disaster health care and preparedness

Killarney, Ireland – 2023

WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine

9-12 May 2023
Killarney Convention Centre

Natural hazards and climate change. A pandemic and novel diseases. Conflict and forced displacement. Food insecurity and famine.

Well into the third decade of the 21st century, the need for robust, responsive, standards-based disaster and emergency medicine has never been greater as the issues faced become more complex and increasingly vexing. Emergency situations and disasters continue to impact large portions of humanity, resulting in significant individual, cultural, economic, and societal burdens on health and wellness.

The crises of the past few years, from the coronavirus pandemic to refugees fleeing war to extreme weather conditions, have altered people’s lives around the globe. Events such as WADEM’s biennial, international Congress are no exception. The Tokyo Congress scheduled for 2021 was postponed to 2025 due to the pandemic, and next year’s Congress in Dublin had to be changed as the planned venue was contracted in June by the Irish government to house refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Space and availability constraints resulted in the Congress being relocated within Ireland.

Please join WADEM in beautiful Killarney, as we host our first in-person Congress in four years! The theme is “Complexity and Continuity: Caring, Coping, and Overcoming in an Increasingly Challenging World.” This will be the 22nd edition of the WADEM Congress, a meeting that brings together global experts to exchange knowledge and best practices on disaster medicine, prehospital care, and the health aspects of emergency management and complex humanitarian crises.

Nestled in County Kerry in Ireland’s southwest, Killarney will provide an excellent backdrop for delegates to expand their professional networks, (re)connect with friends and colleagues, take in the stunning scenery, and enjoy Irish hospitality.

Please save the dates in your calendars!!!