A Review of Medical Response to Disaster Casualties

Summary

This chapter summarizes a review of medical response to disaster casualties. The goals are the following:

• (1) to develop a hypothetical model for investigating the health and medical aspects of disaster preparedness;

• (2) to determine investigational areas most critical to the health and medical aspects of international disaster care planning;

• (3) to identify available medical data on specific injuries and illnesses associated with particular types of disasters;

• (4) to begin collection and analysis of specific disaster plans for the United States and NATO countries.

By studying disaster reports of recent years, one may be able to compile types and magnitude of injuries and illnesses expected in specific types of disasters and measures taken in disaster care. In such a fashion we could develop strategies for anticipating health and medical needs in specific disasters, and assessing such needs in the affected areas based on early data from the disaster areas. In light of such findings I will be examining the emergency medical response portion of the disaster plans of NATO countries to determine areas that require further development, and to determine when and what kind of international aid may be necessary. I would also like to present an outline for projects requiring coordinated international effort such as developing a coding scheme for medical equipment and supplies, a standardized strategy for early mobilization of appropriate experts, and effective operating procedures for developing a system for proper international response.