Disaster Preparedness Daily News

Posts Tagged ‘disaster planning’

When a terrorist bomb explodes, a tornado rips through a town, a hurricane devastates a region, or wildfires ravage homes and businesses, plastic surgeons are not typically atop the list of emergency responders. But they should be, UT Southwestern Medical Center plastic surgeons and disaster experts recommend in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Including plastic surgeons in disaster-relief efforts could improve long-term outcomes for victims of catastrophes, particularly in medical cases that might involve physical scarring and nerve damage, but which can be made worse by lack of quick attention.

“Plastic surgeons are often being overlooked in disaster-planning efforts, particularly in developing medical-team responders,” said Dr. Rod Rohrich, chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern and the study’s senior author. “Plastic surgeons, particularly those based at academic medical centers and/or major trauma centers, are far more engaged in complex reconstruction procedures on a day-to-day basis than cosmetic surgeons. We are intimately involved in preventing and treating face and tissue scarring, treating burns, and handling sensitive nerve-related injuries, some of which can be best served by having plastic surgeons on the scene or at least near the front lines where disaster victims are being evacuated.”

Examining the on-site evidence of several disasters, the authors identified four pivotal areas in trauma care where plastic surgeons have added expertise:
•    soft tissue trauma;
•    upper and lower extremity trauma;
•    facial trauma; and
•    burn management. Read the rest of this entry »

September was National Preparedness Month and the American Academy of Disaster Medicine (AADM) reminds the public that disaster emergencies come in many forms, some natural and others man-made. AADM, comprised of physician leaders from all medical specialties with knowledge in disaster management, offered these emergency planning tips that may save your life or that of a loved one.

First, consider what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur in your community and how residents will be notified (e.g., hurricane, tornado, flood, blizzard, etc.).
• Think about the different safety needs for every kind of potential emergency.
• Determine where the nearest disaster emergency centers or shelters are in your community.
• Map out an evacuation route in case it is necessary.
• Post emergency phone numbers near telephones, program them into your cellular phone, or keep in wallets or pocketbooks at all times.
• Prepare a list of family physicians in the event you or a family member is injured.
• Store all necessary emergency items at easily accessible places in Read the rest of this entry »