Editorial
Ethics in EMS and Disaster Research
- Samuel J. Stratton
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 October 2012, p. 495
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Original Research
Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) One Year Following the Gulf Coast Oil Spill: Alabama and Mississippi, 2011
- Danielle Buttke, Sara Vagi, Amy Schnall, Tesfaye Bayleyegn, Melissa Morrison, Mardi Allen, Amy Wolkin
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 September 2012, pp. 496-502
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Background
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling unit exploded off the coast of Louisiana, resulting in 11 deaths and the largest marine petroleum release in history. Previous oil spill disasters have been associated with negative mental health outcomes in affected communities. In response to requests from Mississippi and Alabama, potential mental health issues resulting from this event were identified by implementing a novel use of a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) in the months immediately following the Gulf Coast oil spill.
PurposeThis assessment was repeated one year later to determine long-term mental health needs and changes.
MethodsA two-stage sampling method was used to select households, and a questionnaire including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questions was administered. Weighted cluster analysis was conducted, and BRFSS questions were compared to the most recent BRFSS reports and the 2010 results.
ResultsIn 2011, 8.8%-15.1% of individuals reported depressive symptoms compared to 15.4%–24.5% of individuals in 2010, with 13.2%-20.3% reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety disorder compared to 21.4%-31.5% of individuals in 2010. Respondents reporting decreased income following the oil spill were more likely to report mental health symptoms compared to respondents reporting no change in income.
ConclusionsOverall, mental health symptoms were higher in the three assessment areas compared to BRFSS reports, but lower than 2010 surveys. These results suggest that mental health services are still needed, particularly in households experiencing decreased income since the oil spill.
. ,Buttke D ,Vagi S ,Schnall A ,Bayleyegn T ,Morrison M ,Allen M .Wolkin A Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) One Year Following the Gulf Coast Oil Spill: Alabama and Mississippi, 2011 . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-7
Flood-Related Work Disruption and Poor Health Outcomes Among University Students
- Corinne Peek-Asa, Marizen Ramirez, Tracy Young, YanYan Cao
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- 03 October 2012, pp. 503-508
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Introduction
Globally, floods are the most common and among the most devastating of natural disasters. Natural disasters such as floods impact local businesses, increasing local unemployment by up to 8.2%. Previous research has linked individual losses from disasters with symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder. However, little is known about the impact of work disruption and job loss on post-disaster psychological symptoms. University students, who are often living far away from family support structures and have limited resources, may be particularly vulnerable. This study examines student psychological health following a large flood at a university.
HypothesisStudents who experienced flood-related job loss or disruption had a higher proportion of psychological symptoms than those who did not experience job loss or disruption, controlling for individual loss such as injury, home loss or evacuation.
MethodsOn June 8, 2008, a major flood affected seven US Midwestern states. A total of two dozen people were killed and 148 injured, although no deaths or serious injuries were reported in the population used for this study. At the study university, operations were closed for one week, and 20 buildings were severely damaged. A cross-sectional survey of all students enrolled during the semester of the flood was conducted. Students were sent an online survey six weeks after the flood. In addition to questions about damage to their homes, the survey asked students if their work was disrupted because of the floods. Symptoms of PTSD were measured through the modified Child PTSD Symptom Scale.
ResultsOf the 1,231 responding students with complete surveys, 667 (54.2%) reported that their work was disrupted due to the floods. Controlling for gender, ethnicity, grade, and damage to the student's home, students reporting work disruption were more than four times more likely to report PTSD symptoms (95% CI, 2.5-8.2). Work disruption was independently associated with decreases in general mental and physical health following the floods, as well as with increases in alcohol use.
ConclusionDisaster research has focused on damage to individuals and homes, but there has been little focus on work losses. Individuals who lose their jobs may be a vulnerable population post-disaster.
. ,Peek-Asa C ,Ramirez M ,Young T .Cao Y Flood-Related Work Disruption and Poor Health Outcomes Among University Students . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1 -6
A First Aid Training Course for Primary Health Care Providers in Nagorno Karabagh: Assessing Knowledge Retention
- Michael E. Thompson, Tsovinar L. Harutyunyan, Alina H. Dorian
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- 21 September 2012, pp. 509-514
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Introduction
Conflict in the South Caucasus’ Nagorno Karabagh region has damaged health facilities and disrupted the delivery of services and supplies as well as led to depletion of human and fixed capital and weakened the de facto government's ability to provide training for health care providers.
ProblemIn response to documented medical training deficits, the American University of Armenia organized a first aid training course (FATC) for primary health care providers within the scope of the USAID-funded Humanitarian Assistance Project in Nagorno Karabagh. This paper reports the follow-up assessments conducted to inform policy makers regarding FATC knowledge and skill retention and the potential need for periodic refresher training.
MethodsFollow-up assessments were conducted six months and 18 months following the FATC to assess the retention of knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices. Eighty-four providers participated in the first follow-up and 210 in the second. The assessment tool contained items addressing the use and quality of the first aid skills, trainee's evaluation of the course, and randomly selected test questions to assess knowledge retention.
ResultsAt both follow-up points, the participants’ assessment of the course was positive. More than 85% of the trainees self-assessed their skills as “excellent” or “good” and noted that skills were frequently practiced. Scores of approximately 58% on knowledge tests at both the first and second follow-ups indicated no knowledge decay between the first and second survey waves, but substantial decline from the immediate post-test assessment in the classroom.
ConclusionThe trainees assessed the FATC as effective, and the skills covered as important and well utilized. Knowledge retention was modest, but stable. Refresher courses are necessary to reverse the decay of technical knowledge and to ensure proper application in the field.
. ,Thompson ME ,Harutyunyan TL .Dorian AH A First Aid Training Course for Primary Health Care Providers in Nagorno Karabagh: Assessing Knowledge Retention . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-6
Resource Utilization in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care University-Based Hospital in Tokyo Before and After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
- Mai Shimada, Aska Tanabe, Masataka Gunshin, Robert H. Riffenburgh, David A. Tanen
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- 08 October 2012, pp. 515-518
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Introduction
The objective of this study was to determine the resource utilization of a tertiary care Japanese emergency department (ED) that was not immediately adjacent to the area of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.
MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care university-based urban ED located approximately 290 km from the primary site of destruction secondary to an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale and the resulting tsunami. All patients who presented for a period of twelve days before and twelve days after the disaster were included. Data were collected using preformed data collection sheets, and stored in an Excel file. Abstracted data included gender, time in the ED, intravenous fluid administration, blood transfusion, oxygen, laboratories, electrocardiograms (ECGs), radiographs, ultrasound, diagnoses, surgical and medical referrals, and prescriptions written. Ten percent of the charts were reviewed for accuracy, and an error rate reported. Data were analyzed using 2-tailed t-tests, Fisher's exact tests or rank sum tests. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust P values for multiple comparisons.
ResultsCharts for 1193 patients were evaluated. The error rate for the abstracted data was 3.2% (95% CI, 2.4%-4.1%). Six hundred fifty-seven patients (53% male) were evaluated in the ED after the earthquake, representing a 23% increase in patient volume. Mean patient time spent in the ED decreased from 61 minutes to 52 minutes (median decrease from 35 minutes to 32 minutes; P = .005). Laboratory utilization decreased from 51% to 43% (P = .006). The percentage of patients receiving prescriptions increased from 48% to 54% (P = .002). There was no change in the number of patients evaluated for surgical complaints, but there was an increase in the number treated for medical or psychiatric complaints.
ConclusionThere was a significant increase in the number of people utilizing the ED in Tokyo after the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. Time spent in the ED was decreased along with laboratory utilization, possibly reflecting decreased patient acuity. This information may help in the allocation of national resources when planning for disasters.
. ,Shimada M ,Tanabe A ,Gunshin M ,Riffenburgh RH .Tanen DA Resource Utilization in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care University-Based Hospital in Tokyo Before and After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1 -4
Rate of Prescription of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Drugs after Cyclone Yasi in North Queensland
- Kim Usher, Lawrence H. Brown, Petra Buettner, Beverley Glass, Helen Boon, Caryn West, Joseph Grasso, Jennifer Chamberlain-Salaun, Cindy Woods
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- 25 September 2012, pp. 519-523
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Introduction
The need to manage psychological symptoms after disasters can result in an increase in the prescription of psychotropic drugs, including antidepressants and anxiolytics. Therefore, an increase in the prescription of antidepressants and anxiolytics could be an indicator of general psychological distress in the community.
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine if there was a change in the rate of prescription of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs following Cyclone Yasi.
MethodsA quantitative evaluation of new prescriptions of antidepressants and anxiolytics was conducted. The total number of new prescriptions for these drugs was calculated for the period six months after the cyclone and compared with the same six month period in the preceding year. Two control drugs were also included to rule out changes in the general rate of drug prescription in the affected communities.
ResultsAfter Cyclone Yasi, there was an increase in the prescription of antidepressant drugs across all age and gender groups in the affected communities except for males 14-54 years of age. The prescription of anxiolytic drugs decreased immediately after the cyclone, but increased by the end of the six-month post-cyclone period. Control drug prescription did not change.
ConclusionThere was a quantifiable increase in the prescription of antidepressant drugs following Cyclone Yasi that may indicate an increase in psychosocial distress in the community.
. ,Usher K ,Brown LH ,Buettner P ,Glass B ,Boon H ,West C ,Grasso J ,Chamberlain-Salaun J .Woods C Rate of Prescription of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Drugs after Cyclone Yasi in North Queensland . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-5
Development of a Decision Framework for Establishing a Health Register Following a Major Incident
- Karthikeyan Paranthaman, Mike Catchpole, John Simpson, Jill Morris, Colin R. Muirhead, Giovanni S. Leonardi
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- 04 October 2012, pp. 524-530
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Introduction
Health registers have been established in the United Kingdom (UK) and elsewhere following mass exposure to novel agents or known agents, but there is no consensus on the criteria for establishing such registers.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a decision framework to assess the need for establishing a health register for major chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.
MethodsThe study comprised three stages. In the first stage, the study team prepared a list of potential criteria that may be used to assess the need for setting up a health register based on literature review and personal experiences in previous incidents. In the second stage, the potential criteria were evaluated in two Delphi rounds involving experts and key decision makers from the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) and academic organizations. In the final stage, the criteria were converted into a decision framework, and its utility was tested using four fictional scenarios.
ResultsA total of 11 statements were proposed by the study group. These criteria were revised following feedback from 16 experts in the first Delphi round. All 11 statements achieved consensus at the end of the second Delphi round. Pilot testing of the agreed criteria on four fictional scenarios confirmed validity and reliability for use in the decision process.
ConclusionsA decision framework to assess the need for setting up a health register after a major incident was agreed upon and tested using fictional scenarios. Further areas of work for practical implementation of the criteria and related planning for systems and protocols have been identified.
. ,Paranthaman K ,Catchpole M ,Simpson J ,Morris J ,Muirhead CR .Leonardi GS Development of a Decision Framework for Establishing a Health Register Following a Major Incident . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-7
Research Report
Triage During Mass Gatherings
- Sheila A. Turris, Adam Lund
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 October 2012, pp. 531-535
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Triage is a complex process and is one means for determining which patients most need access to limited resources. Triage has been studied extensively, particularly in relation to triage in overcrowded emergency departments, where individuals presenting for treatment often are competing for the available stretchers. Research also has been done in relation to the use of prehospital and field triage during mass-casualty incidents and disasters.
In contrast, scant research has been done to develop and test an effective triage approach for use in mass-gathering and mass-participation events, although there is a growing body of knowledge regarding the health needs of persons attending large events. Existing triage and acuity scoring systems are suboptimal for this unique population, as these events can involve high patient presentation rates (PPR) and, occasionally, critically ill patients. Mass-gathering events are dangerous; a higher incidence of injury occurs than would be expected from general population statistics.
The need for an effective triage and acuity scoring system for use during mass gatherings is clear, as these events not only create multiple patient encounters, but also have the potential to become mass-casualty incidents. Furthermore, triage during a large-scale disaster or mass-casualty incident requires that multiple, local agencies work together, necessitating a common language for triage and acuity scoring.
In reviewing existing literature with regard to triage systems that might be employed for this population, it is noted that existing systems are biased toward traumatic injuries, usually ignoring mitigating factors such as alcohol and drug use and environmental exposures. Moreover, there is a substantial amount of over-triage that occurs with existing prehospital triage systems, which may lead to misallocation of limited resources. This manuscript presents a review of the available literature and proposes a triage system for use during mass gatherings that also may be used in the setting of mass-casualty incidents or disaster responses.
. ,Turris SA .Lund A Triage During Mass Gatherings . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-5
Theoretical Discussion
Prehospital Trauma Care Systems: Potential Role Toward Reducing Morbidities and Mortalities from Road Traffic Injuries in Nigeria
- Davies Adeloye
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- 02 October 2012, pp. 536-542
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Introduction
Road traffic injuries (RTIs) and attendant fatalities on Nigerian roads have been on an increasing trend over the past three decades. Mortality from RTIs in Nigeria is estimated to be 162 deaths/100,000 population. This study aims to compare and identify best prehospital trauma care practices in Nigeria and some other African countries where prehospital services operate.
MethodsA review of secondary data, grey literature, and pertinent published articles using a conceptual framework to assess: (1) policies; (2) structures; (3) first responders; (4) communication facilities; (5) transport and ambulance facilities, and (6) roadside emergency trauma units.
ResultsThere is no national prehospital trauma care system (PTCS) in Nigeria. The lack of a national emergency health policy is a factor in this absence. The Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) mainly has been responsible for prehospital services. South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Ghana have improved prehospital services in Africa.
ConclusionsCommercial drivers, laypersons, military, police, a centrally controlled communication network, and government ambulance services are feasible delivery models that can be incorporated into the Nigerian prehospital system. Prehospital trauma services have been useful in reducing morbidities and mortalities from traffic injuries, and appropriate implementation of this study's recommendations may reduce this burden in Nigeria.
. .Adeloye D Prehospital Trauma Care Systems: Potential Role Toward Reducing Morbidities and Mortalities from Road Traffic Injuries in Nigeria . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-7
Comprehensive Review
Minimum Data Set for Mass-Gathering Health Research and Evaluation: A Discussion Paper
- Jamie Ranse, Alison Hutton
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- 19 September 2012, pp. 543-550
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This paper discusses the need for consistency in mass-gathering data collection and biomedical reporting. Mass gatherings occur frequently throughout the world, and having an understanding of the complexities of mass gatherings is important to inform health services about the possible required health resources. Factors within the environmental, psychosocial and biomedical domains influence the usage of health services at mass gatherings. The biomedical domain includes the categorization of presenting injury or illness, and rates such as patient presentation rate, transferred to hospital rate and referred to hospital rate. These rates provide insight into the usage of onsite health services, prehospital ambulance services. and hospital emergency department services.
Within the literature, these rates are reported in a manner that is varied, haphazard and author dependent. This paper proposes moving away from an author-dependent practice of collection and reporting of data. An expert consensus approach is proposed as a means of further developing mass-gathering theory and moving beyond the current situation of reporting on individual case studies. To achieve this, a minimum data set with a data dictionary is proposed in an effort to generate conversation about a possible agreed minimum amount and type of information that should be collected consistently for research and evaluation at mass gatherings. Finally, this paper outlines future opportunities that will emerge from the consistent collection and reporting of mass-gathering data, including the possibility for meta-analysis, comparison of events across societies and modeling of various rates to inform health services.
,Ranse J .Hutton A Minimum Data Set for Mass-Gathering Health Research and Evaluation: A Discussion Paper . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-8.
Factors Associated with the Willingness of Health Care Personnel to Work During an Influenza Public Health Emergency: An Integrative Review
- Mahesh Devnani
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 October 2012, pp. 551-566
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Introduction
The first decade of the 21st century has witnessed three major influenza public health emergencies: (1) the severe acute respiratory syndrome of 2002-2003; (2) the avian flu of 2006; and (3) the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza. An effective public health response to an influenza public health emergency depends on the majority of uninfected health care personnel (HCP) continuing to report to work. The purposes of this study were to determine the state of the evidence concerning the willingness of HCP to work during an influenza public health emergency, to identify the gaps for future investigation, and to facilitate evidence-based influenza public health emergency planning.
MethodsA systemic literature review of relevant, peer-reviewed, quantitative, English language studies published from January 1, 2001 through June 30, 2010 was conducted. Search strategies included the Cochrane Library, PubMed, PubMed Central, EBSCO Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Google Scholar, ancestry searching of citations in relevant publications, and information from individuals with a known interest in the topic.
ResultsThirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Factors associated with a willingness to work during an influenza public health emergency include: being male, being a doctor or nurse, working in a clinical or emergency department, working full-time, prior influenza education and training, prior experience working during an influenza emergency, the perception of value in response, the belief in duty, the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and confidence in one's employer. Factors found to be associated with less willingness were: being female, being in a supportive staff position, working part-time, the peak phase of the influenza emergency, concern for family and loved ones, and personal obligations. Interventions that resulted in the greatest increase in the HCP's willingness to work were preferential access to Tamiflu for the HCP and his/her family, and the provision of a vaccine for the individual and his/her family.
ConclusionsUnderstanding the factors that contribute to the willingness of HCP to report to work during an influenza public health emergency is critical to emergency planning and preparedness. Information from this review can guide emergency policy makers, planners, and implementers in both understanding and influencing the willingness of HCP to work during an influenza public health emergency.
. .Devnani M Factors Associated with the Willingness of Health Care Personnel to Work During an Influenza Public Health Emergency: An Integrative Review . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-16
Framework for Research on Children's Reactions to Disasters and Terrorist Events
- Betty Pfefferbaum, Mary A. Noffsinger, Kathleen Sherrieb, Fran H. Norris
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- 04 October 2012, pp. 567-576
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Clinical work and research relative to child mental health during and following disaster are especially challenging due to the complex child maturational processes and family and social contexts of children's lives. The effects of disasters and terrorist events on children and adolescents necessitate diligent and responsible preparation and implementation of research endeavors. Disasters present numerous practical and methodological barriers that may influence the selection of participants, timing of assessments, and constructs being investigated. This article describes an efficient approach to guide both novice and experienced researchers as they prepare to conduct disaster research involving children. The approach is based on five fundamental research questions: “Why?, Who?, When?, What?, and How?” Addressing each of the “four Ws” will assist researchers in determining “How” to construct and implement a study from start to finish. A simple diagram of the five questions guides the reader through the components involved in studying children's reactions to disasters. The use of this approach is illustrated with examples from disaster mental health studies in children, thus simultaneously providing a review of the literature.
. ,Pfefferbaum B ,Noffsinger MA ,Sherrieb K ,Fran H. .Norris FH. Framework for Research on Children's Reactions to Disasters and Terrorist Events . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-10
Special Report
Emergency Surgery Data and Documentation Reporting Forms for Sudden-Onset Humanitarian Crises, Natural Disasters and the Existing Burden of Surgical Disease
- Frederick M. Burkle, Jr., Jason W. Nickerson, Johan von Schreeb, Anthony D. Redmond, Kelly A. McQueen, Ian Norton, Nobhojit Roy
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 September 2012, pp. 577-582
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Following large-scale disasters and major complex emergencies, especially in resource-poor settings, emergency surgery is practiced by Foreign Medical Teams (FMTs) sent by governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These surgical experiences have not yielded an appropriate standardized collection of data and reporting to meet standards required by national authorities, the World Health Organization, and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Global Health Cluster. Utilizing the 2011 International Data Collection guidelines for surgery initiated by Médecins Sans Frontières, the authors of this paper developed an individual patient-centric form and an International Standard Reporting Template for Surgical Care to record data for victims of a disaster as well as the co-existing burden of surgical disease within the affected community. The data includes surgical patient outcomes and perioperative mortality, along with referrals for rehabilitation, mental health and psychosocial care. The purpose of the standard data format is fourfold: (1) to ensure that all surgical providers, especially from indigenous first responder teams and others performing emergency surgery, from national and international (Foreign) medical teams, contribute relevant and purposeful reporting; (2) to provide universally acceptable forms that meet the minimal needs of both national authorities and the Health Cluster; (3) to increase transparency and accountability, contributing to improved humanitarian coordination; and (4) to facilitate a comprehensive review of services provided to those affected by the crisis.
,Burkle FM Jr ,Nickerson JW ,von Schreeb J ,Redmond AD ,McQueen KA ,Norton I .Roy N Emergency Surgery Data and Documentation Reporting Forms for Sudden-Onset Humanitarian Crises, Natural Disasters and the Existing Burden of Surgical Disease . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-6.
Ethical Considerations in Embedding a Surgeon in a Military or Civilian Tactical Team
- Lewis J. Kaplan, Mark D. Siegel, Alexander L. Eastman, Lisa M. Flynn, Stanley H. Rosenbaum, David C. Cone, David P. Blake, Jonathan Mulhern
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- 21 August 2012, pp. 583-588
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Tactical emergency medical services (TEMS) bring immediate medical support to the inner perimeter of special weapons and tactics team activations. While initially envisioned as a role for an individual dually trained as a police officer and paramedic, TEMS is increasingly undertaken by physicians and paramedics who are not police officers. This report explores the ethical underpinnings of embedding a surgeon within a military or civilian tactical team with regard to identity, ethically acceptable actions, triage, responsibility set, training, certification, and potential future refinements of the role of the tactical police surgeon.
. ,Kaplan LJ ,Siegel MD ,Eastman AL ,Flynn LM ,Rosenbaum SH ,Cone DC ,Blake DP .Mulhern J Ethical Considerations in Embedding a Surgeon in a Military or Civilian Tactical Team . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1 -6
Public Health Preparedness for the World's Largest Mass Gathering: 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, China
- He Yi, Yuan Zheng'an, Wu Fan, Guo Xiang, Dong Chen, He Yongchao, Sun Xiaodong, Pan Hao, Mollie Mahany, Mark Keim
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- 21 September 2012, pp. 589-594
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The 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai China (Expo) was the largest mass gathering in world history, attracting a record 72 million visitors. More than 190 countries participated in the Expo, along with more than 50 international organizations. The 2010 Expo was six months in duration (May 1 through October 30, 2010), and the size of the venue site comprised 5.28 square kilometers. Great challenges were imposed on the public health system in Shanghai due to the high number and density of visitors, long duration of the event, and other risk factors such as high temperatures, typhoon, etc.
As the major metropolitan public health agency in Shanghai, the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDC) implemented a series of actions in preparing for, and responding to, the potential health impact of the world's largest mass gathering to date, which included partnerships for capacity building, enhancement of internal organizational structure, risk assessment, strengthened surveillance, disaster planning and exercises, laboratory management, vaccination campaign, health education, health intervention, risk communication and mass media surveillance, and technical support for health inspection. The clear-cut organizational structures and job responsibilities, as well as comprehensive operational and scientific preparations, were key elements to ensure the success of the 2010 World Exposition.
. ,Yi H ,Zheng'an Y ,Fan W ,Xiang G ,Chen D ,Yongchao H ,Xiaodong S ,Hao P ,Mahany M .Keim M Public Health Preparedness for the World's Largest Mass Gathering: 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, China . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-6
Special report
Analysis of Presentations to On-site Medical Units During World Youth Day 2008
- Sophie E. Tyner, Louise Hennessy, Lisa J. Coombs, Jan Fizzell
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 October 2012, pp. 595-600
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World Youth Day 2008 was held in Sydney, Australia in July 2008. New South Wales (NSW) Health, the government health provider in Australia's most populous state, worked with partner agencies to provide medical services via on-site medical units at key event venues.
A post-event review of medical records from the on-site medical units indicated 465 patient presentations, comprised largely of infectious respiratory symptoms and general health concerns of a primary care nature. Providing on-site health services is considered an important risk-mitigation action for many mass gatherings, especially those that generate a substantial temporary population of participants and take place over a number of days.
. ,Tyner SE ,Hennessy L ,Coombs LJ .Fizzell J Analysis of Presentations to On-site Medical Units During World Youth Day 2008 . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-6
Special Report
Mass-Gathering Medicine: Creation of an Online Event and Patient Registry
- Adam Lund, Sheila A. Turris, Neda Amiri, Kerrie Lewis, Michael Carson
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 03 October 2012, pp. 601-611
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Introduction/Problem
A review of the mass-gathering medicine literature confirms that the research community currently lacks a standardized approach to data collection and reporting in relation to large-scale community events. This lack of consistency, particularly with regard to event characteristics, patient characteristics, acuity determination, and reporting of illness and injury rates makes comparisons between and across events difficult. In addition, a lack of access to good data across events makes planning medical support on-site, for transport, and at receiving hospitals, challenging. This report describes the development of an Internet-hosted, secure registry for event and patient data in relation to mass gatherings.
MethodsDescriptive; development and pilot testing of a Web-based event and patient registry.
ResultsSeveral iterations of the registry have resulted in a cross-event platform for standardized data collection at a variety of events. Registry and reporting field descriptions, successes, and challenges are discussed based on pilot testing and early implementation over two years of event enrollment.
ConclusionThe Mass-Gathering Medicine Event and Patient Registry provides an effective tool for recording and reporting both event and patient-related variables in the context of mass-gathering events. Standardizing data collection will serve researchers and policy makers well. The structure of the database permits numerous queries to be written to generate standardized reports of similar and dissimilar events, which supports hypothesis generation and the development of theoretical foundations in mass-gathering medicine.
. ,Lund A ,Turris SA ,Amiri N ,Lewis K .Carson M Mass-Gathering Medicine: Creation of an Online Event and Patient Registry . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-11
Case Report
Multiple Patients with Carbon Monoxide Toxicity from Water-Pipe Smoking
- Simon F.J. Clarke, Caroline Stephens, Maisse Farhan, Patricia Ward, Catherine Keshishian, Virginia Murray, Dominik Zenner
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 September 2012, pp. 612-614
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This case report describes carbon monoxide toxicity from prolonged shisha (water-pipe) smoking. The evidence base for the source and pathway of toxicity is discussed. This practice has been increasing in the UK in recent years, and emergency physicians need to be aware of the high levels of CO, with the consequent risk of clinical poisoning from water-pipe smoking.
,Clarke SFJ ,Stephens C ,Farhan M ,Ward P ,Keshishian C ,Murray V .Zenner D Multiple Patients with Carbon Monoxide Toxicity from Water-Pipe Smoking . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1 -3 .
Role of the French Rescue Teams in Diquini Hospital: Port-au-Prince, January 2010
- Patrick Benner, Jérome Stephan, Aurélien Renard, Frédérique Petitjean, Denis Larger, Dominique Pons, Bruno Paklepa, Cécile Deniel, Pierre LeDreff
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 September 2012, pp. 615-619
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On January 12, 2010, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was shattered by a violent earthquake that killed or injured thousands of its citizens. Local emergency services became overwhelmed and international assistance was required. French relief teams were deployed to assist local hospitals in caring for the victims. The medical care activity of the team at Diquini Hospital from January 17-26 was analyzed.
Priority was given to surgery, leading to the creation of a pre- and post-operative area and a medical care unit. Special attention was required for infection prevention, pain relief, minor surgery, and pre-surgery triage. The continual influx of accompanied victims necessitated the creation of a receiving area.
In spite of the assistance from several foreign surgical teams, some patients had to be evacuated to French or American facilities, particularly children, patients with spinal cord injuries, and those needing intensive care.
Analysis of the actions undertaken highlights the importance of well-prepared and flexible medical teams and the ability to provide local and regional anesthesia, including the necessary medical supplies and equipment. Medical care activity, especially post-surgical care, was a predominant, ongoing need. The ability to provide medical care required organization and cooperation among local health care providers and other relief workers.
,Benner P ,Stephan J ,Renard A ,Petitjean F ,Larger D ,Pons D ,Paklepa B ,Deniel C .LeDreff P Role of the French Rescue Teams in Diquini Hospital: Port-au-Prince, January 2010 . Prehosp Disaster Med.2012 ;27 (6 ):1-5.
Letter to the Editor
Electronic Health Records Critical in the Aftermath of Disasters
- Mahshid Abir, Farzad Mostashari, Parmeeth Atwal, Nicole Lurie
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- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 September 2012, pp. 620-622
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