Disaster medical response: maximizing your effectiveness.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, physicians and other health professionals volunteered for deployment to the affected area to provide medical services. The frustrating reality most of them encountered was the incapacity of those in charge to use the number of professional volunteers expressing interest. Untrained volunteers, though well intentioned, are often not that helpful. The immediate needs of a disaster area relate to public health and other safety issues. Until a proper infrastructure is re-established, general medical services cannot be provided. Physician services are most effectively provided in collaboration with, or as part of, an organized local response agency.
Campos-Outcalt
Doug
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Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 4001 North Third Street #415, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA. dougco@u.arizona.edu
D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014838:Volunteers / Q000458:organization & administration