Proactive management of natural disasters

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Since the natural disasters create lot many casualties (cas), it is

important to train the people in cas management to save lives and

limbs. Cas rescue (single rescuer, two rescuers, stretcher

improvisation), first aid training (at incident site, after shifting

the cas, prior to transportation to hospital), carriage of cas, cas

transportation, cas reception on arrival at the hospital, cas

classification depending on severity of injury (triage as practiced

in armed forces - cat I, II, III) are important steps so that even

handful trained personnel at each level can carry out the assigned

tasks smoothly, speedily and to the perfection. According to me it

is the training during peace time which pays during the disasters.

Unpreparedness, panic reaction, over crowding, jamming of

communication lines, political visits, over enthusiastic media, non

availability of PA system at the hospital are the worst things in

management of disasters.

Vijay

>

>  

> Dear Friends,

>  

> Injuries and drowning are two commonest health problems

encountered, immediately after a natural disaster.

>  

> Important considerations for managing injured survivors having

injuries should be categorized by severity of their injuries and

treatment, prioritized in terms of available resources and chances

for survival.

>  

> The underlying principle of treatment is allocation of resources

in a manner ensuring the greatest health benefit for the greatest

number.

>  

> Open wounds:should be considered as contaminated and should not be

closed.

>  

> • Debridement of dead tissue is essential.

>  

> Depending on the size of the wound, debridement may necessitate a

surgical procedure undertaken in appropriate conditions.

>  

> After debridement:

> Wounds should be dressed with sterile dressings

> Patients are scheduled for delayed primary closure.

>  

> •Tetanus Prophylaxis is necessary for patients with open wounds.

Active immunization with

> tetanus toxoid (TT) prevents tetanus.Scheduled as follows:

>  

> 1st dose 2nd dose 3rd dose at 0, 6 weeks & 6 months.

>  

> Severe injuries - Many injuries ie. spinal cord , complicated

fractures & crush injury may be severe enough to lead to long term

functional impairment and disability if not managed correctly.

>  

> Such injuries must be recognized and referred to specialty or

tertiary hospitals (with proper position  and immobilization

required) that can manage such cases and are appropriately equipped

with mobility aids, assistive devices and physiotherapy

>  

> I request esteem members to share their views on injury management.

>  

> Trupti Swain

>  

>  

>

[Guest guest]

Dear All, As Dr Vijay has rightly mentioned, training of personels for handling injured patients is very vital.One should also avoid wild or stray animals and biting or stinging insects.Local authorities may be contacted to handle animals. Dead animals, should be disposed of according to local guidelines, as soon as possible. One should stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe, by a building inspector or other government authority. One should Leave immediately if hears shifting or unusual noises that signals that the structure may fall or if there is any smell of gas or suspect a leak. The increased stress associated with disruptions in families; challenges in meeting daily needs

such as food, water, and shelter; as well as disruptions in health and law enforcement services can increase the possibility of psychological trauma & violence. Strategies for preventing violence after disasters should focus on providing assistance to individuals in need and developing supportive networks for managing daily tasks.

Comments .

Trupti From: Vijay <drvijaythawani@...>Subject: Re: Proactive management of natural disastersnetrum Date: Friday, December 26, 2008, 9:55 PMHi,Since the natural disasters create lot many casualties (cas), it is important to train the people in cas management to save lives and limbs. Cas rescue (single rescuer, two rescuers, stretcher improvisation) , first aid training (at incident site, after shifting the cas, prior to transportation to hospital), carriage of cas, cas transportation, cas reception on arrival at the hospital, cas classification depending on severity of injury (triage as practiced in armed forces - cat I, II, III) are important steps so that even handful trained personnel at each level can carry out the assigned tasks

smoothly, speedily and to the perfection. According to me it is the training during peace time which pays during the disasters. Unpreparedness, panic reaction, over crowding, jamming of communication lines, political visits, over enthusiastic media, non availability of PA system at the hospital are the worst things in management of disasters.Vijay>>  > Dear Friends,>  > Injuries and drowning are two commonest health problems encountered, immediately after a natural disaster. >  > Important considerations for managing injured survivors having injuries should be categorized by severity of their injuries and treatment, prioritized in terms of available resources and chances for survival.>  > The underlying principle of treatment is

allocation of resources in a manner ensuring the greatest health benefit for the greatest number.>  > Open wounds:should be considered as contaminated and should not be closed.>  > ⤢ Debridement of dead tissue is essential.>  > Depending on the size of the wound, debridement may necessitate a surgical procedure undertaken in appropriate conditions.>  > After debridement:> Wounds should be dressed with sterile dressings> Patients are scheduled for delayed primary closure.>  > ⤢Tetanus Prophylaxis is necessary for patients with open wounds. Active immunization with> tetanus toxoid (TT) prevents tetanus.Scheduled as follows:>  > 1st dose 2nd dose 3rd dose at 0, 6 weeks & 6 months.>  > Severe injuries - Many injuries ie. spinal cord , complicated

fractures & crush injury may be severe enough to lead to long term functional impairment and disability if not managed correctly.>  > Such injuries must be recognized and referred to specialty or tertiary hospitals (with proper position and immobilization required) that can manage such cases and are appropriately equipped with mobility aids, assistive devices and physiotherapy>  > I request esteem members to share their views on injury management.>  > Trupti Swain>  >  >

[Guest guest]

Friends,

This is the last day of the discussion of the present topic.

I request the members to share their views on " What should

be the list of essential medicines to conduct a mobile camp

at different disster affected areas and its quantity " .

Trupti Swain