American journal of disaster medicine
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The threat of suicide bombing attacks has become a worldwide problem. This special type of multiple casualty incidents (MCI) seriously challenges the most experienced medical facilities. ⋯ A predetermined metropolitan triage system which directs trauma victims of a MCI to the appropriate medical center and prevents overcrowding of the level I facility with less severe injured patients will assure that critically injured patients of a suicide bombing attack will receive a level of care that is comparable with the care given to similar patients under normal circumstances. Severe blast injury victims without penetrating injuries but with significant pulmonary damage can be effectively managed in ICUs of level II trauma centers.
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The Institute of Medicine has issued two reports over the past 10 years raising concerns about the care of children in the emergency medical care system of the United States. Given that children are involved in most mass casualty events and there are deficiencies in the day-to-day emergency care of children, this project was undertaken to document the preparedness of hospitals in AR for the care of children in mass casualty or disaster situations. ⋯ This survey demonstrated important deficiencies in the preparedness of hospitals in AR for the care of children in disaster. Although many hospitals are relatively well prepared for the care of adults in disaster situations, the needs of children are different and hospitals in AR are not as well prepared for pediatric disaster care.
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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.