Hurricane Andrew and a Pediatric Emergency Department

E Mergency R Esponse T Eam : H Urricane G Eorges in K Ey W Est

“…[3][4][5] Significant increases in traumatic injuries have also been noted. 2,5,6 A significant proportion of patients seen at Lower Florida Keys Hospital suffered minor trauma and injuries, with the majority of these patients presenting after the hurricane.…”

“…1 Several studies have evaluated the effects of hurricanes on morbidity, mortality, and emergency department (ED) operations in the United States. [2][3][4][5][6] However, the majority of these studies evaluated ED census and diagnoses following the hurricane. There are few data concerning managing an ED during a hurricane and the medical problems that present during that time period.…”

Task Force II: Indirect and Secondary Cardiovascular Effects of Biological Terrorism Agents and Diseases

“…For example, in the 1 to 3 weeks following a major hurricane, the emergency department (ED) volume increases 17% to 40%, mostly due to an increase in patient visits relating to lacerations of all types, puncture wounds, stings, and falls (65,67). Unfortunately, sudden peaks in demand for emergency care are becoming increasingly difficult to handle because hospital surge capacity has eroded dramatically in the last decade due to: 1) decreased reimbursement by managed care organizations for inpatient care, resulting in a nationwide reduction of hospital beds, 2) the nursing shortage, 3) a more acute patient mix, and 4) a general deterioration in the health care safety net and an increase in ED visits by uninsured patients who cannot afford routine medical care (79).…”

Analysis of patients treated during four Disaster Medical Assistance Team deployments

“…Previous studies have examined patient needs after specific disasters and the effects of specific disasters on local Emergency Departments (5)(6)(7)(8). We are not aware of any previous studies that have addressed the optimal design of a DMAT in terms of diagnostic equipment.…”