{"title":"Computer vulnerability, consequences and preparedness - experiences from World Trade Center","authors":"P. Conocenti, Cindy Azima","doi":"10.1080/15031430310004168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430310004168","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives To report the consequences of the computer system breakdown for three New York hospitals involved with the terrorist attack of September 11, the immediate measures performed to maintain function, and the following recovery and planning processes. Methodology Analysis of the experiences from the course of the event both with regard to the computer systems, the urgent salvage procedures, the impact on the functions in the hospitals, the existance/function of reserve systems, and the impact on planning for the future. Results The analysis showed an extensive dependence on computer technology for all functions in the hospitals and to a great extent abscense of prepared reserve or backup procedures. A dramatic cross-campus effort saved and restored the computer operations of the three involved hospitals, using Mount Sinai's resources as a backup. The experiences resulted in a plan to minimize or if possible eliminate these risks for dysfunction of the medical care system in similar events in the fut...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"50 ","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133847019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Emotional impact of 2004 Asian tsunami on Singapore medical relief workers","authors":"Angelina O. M. Chan, C. Y. Huak","doi":"10.1080/15031430510034695","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430510034695","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The aim was to study the emotional impact of the Asian tsunami on Singapore medical teams who responded in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Method: Health‐care workers who returned from the medical missions were offered crisis intervention sessions (CISD). After the session, they were invited to participate in the study. Participation was strictly voluntary and their responses were anonymous. Twenty‐two (73.3%) health‐care workers participated in the crisis intervention sessions and completed the questionnaires. Questionnaires used were: demographics, General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ), Impact of Events Scale (IES), CISD feedback form. Results: None of the 22 responders had GHQ ⩾5. In all, 40% of the participants scored moderate (8.6–19) to high (>19.0) on the IES. The mean (SD) IES total score was 10.0 (11.0), range 0–42, with both the intrusive and avoidance scales contributing equally to the total score. There were two workers (9.1%, 95% CI 1.1–29.2) with IES >30. About 80% of the...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122256773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"WHO International Diploma Course in Vulnerability Reduction and Emergency Preparedness","authors":"M. Dubouloz","doi":"10.1080/15031430310013438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430310013438","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives To develop and evaluate a course specifically designed for senior managers from health and health-related sectors with responsibilities in the area of emergency preparedness and management. In particular, demonstrating ways to implement risk management policies at community level and train health managers in policy, planning and organizational aspects of risk management through standardizing knowledge of key technical areas in health and health-related disciplines. Methodology A residential part of the course was designed including five modules: planning, disaster medicine, epidemiology, hazardous material and bio-terrorism, public health and urban search and rescue. The participants had to deliver individual presentations of selected topics based on personal experience and expertise. After successful completion of a written examination, the participants were awarded with a certificate for this part of the course from an accredited university institution in disaster medicine. The participants w...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127883022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How to collect and transmit medical data from the site to hospitals during disaster response","authors":"D. Lam","doi":"10.1080/15031430701709149","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430701709149","url":null,"abstract":"This article discusses some of the lessons learned in recent disaster response efforts with regard to medical data transmission in disasters, along with various alternatives to the accomplishment of this task and their associated problem areas. One possible solution devised by the US Army and currently fielded will be discussed in detail – the BMIST‐J (Battlefield Medical Information System Tactical ‐ Joint).","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"202 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123038994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introduction to the International Journal of Disaster Medicine : Why a New Journal?","authors":"S. Lennquist","doi":"10.1080/15031430310000856","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430310000856","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"63 6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132985408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Nitschke, F. Einsle, C. Lippmann, G. Simonis, V. Köllner, R. Strasser
{"title":"Emergency evacuation of the Dresden Heart Centre in the flood disaster in Germany 2002: perceptions of patients and psychosocial burdens","authors":"M. Nitschke, F. Einsle, C. Lippmann, G. Simonis, V. Köllner, R. Strasser","doi":"10.1080/15031430601138290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430601138290","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: In a changing climate, flood disaster may not only threaten the health of the population, but may also interfere with the function of its health providers. Few data are available about hospital evacuation in these situations. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of the emergency evacuation of the Dresden Heart Centre in August, 2002, due to the flood disaster along the Elbe, on its 168 critically ill patients, i.e. the patients' perceptions and their psychological stress. Materials and methods: A retrospective survey was started 1 month after the evacuation (T1) and a prospective follow‐up study was carried out 6 months later (T2). The questionnaire consisted of a list of items related to the evacuation as well as standardized psychosocial tools – Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS‐10) and Impact of Event Scale (IES‐R). A module of the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) was applied to validate post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In all, ...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"73 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133879872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Role of Ultrasound in Mass‐Casualty Situations","authors":"K. Dittrich, F. Abu-Zidan","doi":"10.1080/15031430410024813","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430410024813","url":null,"abstract":"Ultrasound has been accepted as an important initial screening tool for diagnosing severely traumatized patients. The discovery of free fluid in the abdomen and chest can lead to appropriate and timely definitive care. Mass trauma in disasters may occur in remote places where routine radiological diagnostic tools are not available. The portability, small size, light weight, improved quality and low price are advantages of the new hand-held portable ultrasound machines. Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma (FAST) can be used as a quick adjuvant method for triaging patients. It accurately, and rapidly provides objective information on injured victims, which ultimately aids in assessment, triage and allocation of resources. Furthermore, it can be repeated during transportation. Satellite and mobile wireless transmission of FAST has also been tested using hand-held units. Interpretation of these images was correct in more than 90% of the studied cases. These new developments in technology have a tremendou...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"315 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127443365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychosocial issues following a natural disaster in a developing country: a qualitative longitudinal observational study","authors":"N. Kar","doi":"10.1080/15031430701875551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430701875551","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: To study qualitatively the psychosocial sequelae following a natural disaster in a developing country and to determine the change in presentations over time. Subjects and methods: This was a qualitative, longitudinal observational study. Information was collected from multiple sources, primarily from disaster workers and including victims through periodic interviews spread over 3 years post‐disaster. Contents were analysed. Results: Various psychosocial consequences were observed. Post‐traumatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, dissociation, suicidality, dissocial behaviour and substance abuse were common. Most symptoms started soon after the disaster and were evident in the majority of victims. A number of victims continued to have psychiatric symptoms with considerable intensity, clarity and multiplicity, which suggested probable syndromes. Religious observations and self‐help groups were the usual coping methods of the community. Psychosocial manifestations could be conceptualized in five pha...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116226161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introduction to the First Issue","authors":"S. Lennquist, T. Wikström, P. Örtenwall","doi":"10.1080/15031430310009406","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430310009406","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116229798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hospital treatment capacity for casualties exposed to irritant gases in The Netherlands","authors":"Jacquo van Remmen","doi":"10.1080/15031430600703797","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15031430600703797","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The aim of this study was to define the hospital treatment capacity (HTC) for casualties exposed to irritant gases in the Netherlands. The HTC score is determined by the hospital disaster plan (HDP), the staff and the equipment. The HTC percentage is the number of victims per hour per beds under the condition that the HDP has a score of 5. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 110 boards of directors of all general hospitals. The HTC status could be determined from responses ranging from not available to available and trained, with a score from 1 to 5. The respondents were also asked to perform a table‐top exercise regarding the number of ventilation beds available. Along with this questionnaire the national internet site of vacant ventilation beds was visited during a 3‐month period. Results: The average respons was 68%. The HTC score was 3.0. Only 5% of the responding hospitals considered themselves to be completely equipped for decontamination procedures. The HTC percentage was 0.3%. Conclus...","PeriodicalId":257480,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Disaster Medicine","volume":"89 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125558703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}