Great East Japan earthquake: anesthetists in Minamisoma

Abstract

changes in public health policies; mental health issues; general illness; legal problems [1]. These problems particularly affect the elderly and children. Air radiation levels have decreased through decontamination efforts, but the local population is declining. Social changes include a decrease in the number of children and able workers [2]. We are concerned about the effects of radiation on the children of hospital employees which has the potential to affect staffing levels and lead to fewer hospital beds. If the present trend continues, we will be unable to increase the number of hospital anesthesiologists and hence the number of surgeries performed. The average age of our anesthesiologists is 58.5 years at this time and is progressively increasing. We are very concerned about this situation, which amounts to a medical crisis.