American journal of disaster medicine
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Review
Disaster planning: potential effects of an influenza pandemic on community healthcare resources.
The federal government states that local communities are primarily responsible for public health planning and implementation during a severe pandemic. Accordingly, an assessment of the current healthcare capabilities in these communities and planning for deficiencies is required. This article assesses the impact and healthcare capabilities of a specific model local community in a mid-Atlantic state. ⋯ Both models reveal significant deficiencies that local communities may face. In the event of a severe 1918-type pandemic influenza or a mild influenza pandemic, many local community healthcare systems will likely have inadequate resources to respond to the crisis; such a healthcare emergency would likely overwhelm local community resources and current public health practices. Proper planning at the community level is critical for being truly prepared for such a public health emergency.
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The goal of this study is to assess the European status in the case of mass casualties regarding legislation, responsibilities of ministries and organizations, education and training, material and equipment, and bottlenecks. ⋯ The following recommendations were given to the EU Commission: Organize focused experts meetings on the above mentioned subjects. Promote common exercises. Collect and promote best practices by supporting research for evidence-based results. Promote crossborder cooperation and possibly preplanned reinforcements.