title: Preparedness and training in staff responding to a burns disaster.
abstract: Effective disaster response is preceded by effective disaster planning, and insufficient staff training has been identified as a problem in the preparation of hospitals for major incidents. Despite this, little is known about the exact levels of training doctors and nurses responding to a disaster receive. The authors conducted a six-question survey delivered to staff involved in the hospital response to a burns mass disaster in Western Australia. The occupation, and also the clinical area in which the respondent worked, influenced the level of training they received. Training in formal disaster courses and practical exercises in mock disaster situations needs to be ongoing for all staff members for correct implantation of disaster plans. Findings may be useful in informing current and future efforts to improve hospital preparedness.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Registrar, Department of Plastic Surgery, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: Jolyon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: May
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Registrar, Burns Service of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Colbert
authors.affiliation: Consultant Burns Surgeon, Burns Service of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rea
authors.affiliation: Consultant Burns Surgeon, Burns Service of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner, Melbourne, Australia, Burn Injury Research Unit, University of Western Australia.
authors.forename: Raghav
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nara-Venkata
mesh_terms: D002056:Burns / Q000628:therapy*; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters; D060731:Emergency Responders / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Disaster planning; Disasters; Education; Emergency medicine; Mass casualty incidents