The role of telemedicine in disaster medicine

Abstract

Telecommunications from telephone and radio to two-way audio, video, facsimile (fax), and digital imaging via satellite transmission have been used in responses to disasters. Current and rapidly emerging communications technology offers the prospect of enormously expanded and more efficient application in predisaster, acute, and postdisaster rehabilitation activities. A survey of present and potential roles for telemedicine in disaster medicine will be presented with particular focus on initial on-going medical needs assessment, prevention programs, and emergency assistance for provision of emergency care of victims, care for other survivors, and public health and sanitation services. Attention will also focus on telemedicine in education and training, disaster response exercises, development of comprehensive plans, and research. Finally, the essential relationship between the routine utilization of telemedicine in predisaster health care and effective employment in disaster situations will be discussed.

An internet-based telemedicine system in Nigeria

“…In 1988, NASA conducted the first international telehealth programme, known as space bridge now called space for Russia, to provide medical consultation to earthquake victims in Armenia. This programme was based on technology originally developed for astronauts (Garshnek, 1991;Llewellyn, 1995). Consultants used satellite-based communication to deliver one-way video, voice, and facsimile medical care from four medical centres in the US to a health centre in Yerevan, Armenia, in the areas of psychiatry orthopaedics, neurology, infections disease, and general surgey (Garshnek & Burkle, 1999;Nicogossian, 1989).…”

National telemental health responses to a major bushfire disaster

“…These services were provided through mediums such as the telephone, email, internet, videoconferencing and mobile satellite technology. [14][15][16][17] Prominent international initiatives have included LifeNet, a mental health information and referral hotline, [18][19] crisis counselling on the basis of Psychological First Aid, 20 both in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and psychological assistance for victims of Hurricane Katrina. 21 The application of telehealth services in post-disaster contexts can also be fraught with challenges which may result from a breakdown of electricity supply and telecommunication infrastructure.…”

Applications of Telemedicine and Telecommunications to Disaster Medicine: Historical and Future Perspectives

“…Space Bridge was employed after the Armenian earthquake in 1988. 2,3 The project used satellite communication (Intelsat and Comsat) to provide clinical consultation to several Armenian regional hospitals, linking them with four U.S. medical centers (The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas; and LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah). The program utilized two-way interactive audio and unidirectional full-motion video transmissions from Armenia to the United States.…”