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Disaster Reanimatology Potentials: A Structured Interview Study in Armenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Edmund M. Ricci ,
Ernesto A. Pretto ,
Peter Safar ,
Miroslav Klain ,
Derek Angus ,
Samuel A. Tisherman ,
Joel Abrams ,
David Crippen ,
Louise Comfort  and
Victor Semenov
Edmund M. Ricci*
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Ernesto A. Pretto*
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Peter Safar
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Miroslav Klain
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Derek Angus
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Samuel A. Tisherman
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Joel Abrams
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
David Crippen
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Louise Comfort
Affiliation:
From the International Resuscitation Research Center (IRRC), the School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Victor Semenov
Affiliation:
Institute of Reanimatolgy of the USSR Academy of Medical Science, Moscow, USSR, and the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pa., USA
*
E. Ricci, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Room A621, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA, or E. Pretto, International Resuscitation Research Center, 3434 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260USA
E. Ricci, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Room A621, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA, or E. Pretto, International Resuscitation Research Center, 3434 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260USA
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Abstract

The study of a disaster which has occurred cannot be researched using the traditional techniques as it is not possible to conceive or conduct controlled, randomized experiments for such an event. Paper I of this series described non-experimental, scientific methodologies which were applied to study the detection-extrication-resuscitation activities which occurred following the devastating 1988 earthquake in the Republic of Armenia, USSR. This paper critically evaluates the methodologies used for the Armenia study and proposes modifications in these methods for application to the study of future disasters.

Approaches which could be applied to the study of future disasters are defined and critically evaluated from the view of reliability, validity, costs, and practicability. The revised set of protocols is discussed in terms of: 1) the structured interview process; 2) training of personnel to conduct, synthesize, and evaluate the interviews; 3) the time required to complete the interview process; 4) sampling techniques; 5) mechanisms for cross-checking the data; and 6) the addition of preliminary data collection immediately following or during the event. Use of this revised approach should assist in the collection and analysis of data associated with future disasters so that it is possible to: 1) further enhance life-saving and reduce mortality; 2) improve relief efforts; 3) reduce damage to communities; 4) evaluate the long-term effects of such events; and 5) assist in better preparation for future events.

Type
Investigator
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , June 1991 , pp. 159 - 166
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 1991

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