About ESDA
Emergency Systems Development Australia (ESDA) is an Australian charity working alongside local clinicians and hospital leaders to strengthen emergency care in resource-limited settings.
We help teams connect clinical training with practical changes to triage, patient flow and emergency care processes. Our aim is to support systems that hospitals can maintain and develop within their available resources.
Our beginnings
ESDA was founded by clinicians who met while working at a major trauma centre in Melbourne. Drawing on experience across a range of countries and health services, they established the organisation to support sustained partnerships in emergency care development.
Our current work centres on The Gambia Emergency and Trauma Care Collaboration, in partnership with Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and Gambian clinical teams.
Our principles
Local leadership and ownership
We work with hospital teams to identify priorities and shape implementation. Local clinicians and leaders guide the development of their services.
Practical, sustainable change
We develop approaches that fit existing staffing, space and equipment, supported by local trainers and ongoing education.
Equitable partnerships
We bring complementary experience and work towards shared goals, recognising local expertise and making decisions together.
Learning and evaluation
We use staff feedback and collaborative research to understand what works, identify challenges and guide improvements.
Working with us
We welcome conversations with hospital teams, educators, researchers and supporters who share our commitment to strengthening emergency care. We aim to complement the efforts of others, and avoid duplication of projects.
In the Media
— The Voice Newspaper, The Gambia— EFSTH TV— EFSTH TV