Disaster medicine and public health preparedness
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Disaster Med Public Health Prep · Aug 2014
Expanding the use of noninvasive ventilation during an epidemic.
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a proved and effective therapeutic option for some patients with respiratory failure. During an epidemic, NIV can free up respirators and other intensive care unit equipment for patients with respiratory insufficiency whose survival depends exclusively on invasive ventilation. ⋯ We discuss NIV use during epidemics and indicate the need for prospective randomized clinical studies on the efficacy of NIV in epidemic conditions to provide important information to the current body of literature. Meanwhile, the use of NIV under strict infection control guidelines should be incorporated into epidemic preparedness planning.
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Disaster Med Public Health Prep · Jun 2014
Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on acute myocardial infarction in Fukushima prefecture.
The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) reportedly increases following a huge disaster. On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake hit a large area of eastern Japan. In Fukushima prefecture, many people suffered from the consequences of the earthquake, the subsequent tsunami, and especially the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. We assessed whether the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increased after the earthquake. ⋯ The Great East Japan Earthquake affected the incidence of AMI only in limited areas of Fukushima prefecture.
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Disaster Med Public Health Prep · Apr 2014
An Analysis of Mass Casualty Incidents in the Setting of Mass Gatherings and Special Events.
Mass gatherings (MGs) and special events typically involve large numbers of people in unfamiliar settings, potentially creating unpredictable situations. To assess the information available to guide emergency services and onsite medical teams in planning and preparing for potential mass casualty incidents (MCIs), we analyzed the literature for the past 30 years. ⋯ Based on our findings, we recommend that a centralized database be created. With this database, researchers can further develop evidence to guide prevention efforts and mitigate the effects of MCIs during MGs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-7).