title: Operation Nightingale: the role of BMH Dharan following the 1988. Nepal earthquake, and some observations on Third World earthquake disaster relief missions.
abstract: Following a large earthquake in Nepal, the experience of a small hospital in dealing with the resulting mass casualties is described. The value of pre-planning and effective triage of the injured is stressed, and aspects of surgical and medical care specific to earthquake victims discussed. Clinical and administrative challenges encountered in mounting a major relief exercise in a Third World setting are also described. frequent exercising of military hospitals and personnel in handling mass casualties is an applicable to civilian natural catastrophies as to battlefield medical support.
authors.affiliation: BMH Hannover.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Guy
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ineson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bailie
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grimwood
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D004630:Emergencies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009390:Nepal; D012066:Relief Work; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*