Toward More Efficient Multinational Work on Rescue and Aid for Disasters: Lessons Learned during the Aceh Tsunami and Yogya Earthquake

Abstract

Introduction:In the aftermath of the magnitude 9 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, a huge number of international responders launched rescue and relief missions in Aceh Province of Indonesia. Thousands of voluntary personnel came to help the wounded, assist with recovery, and rebuild damaged communities. As is often the case with disasters, the necessary disaster management manpower was not immediately athand. Consequently, rescue and relief missions did not coordinate with one another, and chaotic inefficiency prevailed.Just a little over a year after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, a second disaster occurred in Indonesia following a major earthquake that occurred in May 2006 on Indonesia's most populous island. The May 2006 earthquake killed 5,000 people in Yogyakarta Province, located in the central region of Java Island.

Disaster Radio for Communication of Vital Messages and Health-Related Information: Experiences From the Haiyan Typhoon, the Philippines

“…5 The total response after sudden-onset disasters should have a multidisciplinary approach and should include public health, emergency medicine interventions, and psychosocial response in addition to other humanitarian responses. 1,6,7 Typhoon Haiyan (also called Typhoon Yolanda) in the Philippines in November 2013 is thought to be one of the worst natural disasters in history. Around 14.9 million people lost their homes, 26,000 were injured, and about 7000 died in the disaster.…”

“…The total response after sudden-onset disasters should have a multidisciplinary approach and should include public health, emergency medicine interventions, and psychosocial response in addition to other humanitarian responses 1 6 , 7 …”

Surgical workload of a foreign medical team after Typhoon Haiyan

“…28 FMTs did not work collaboratively sometimes going so far as to displace the local health workers. Wherever possible, the AUSMAT field hospital endeavoured to work collaboratively with the local Philippine health professionals.…”

Preparedness of Anesthesiologists Working in Humanitarian Disasters

“…Often nonsurgical conditions prove challenging for medical staff, and outbreaks of diarrheal diseases or measles also heavily affect the work of the anaesthesiologist. 22 The lack of knowledge in tropical diseases was noted. In addition, knowledge of infectious diseases and tropical medicine can be important, as during many missions anesthesiologists serve as the intensivist.…”

“…Consequently, not only disaster-related injuries are to be treated, but capacities have to also include a broad surgical spectrum of care for the population including, for example, general surgery and obstetric or pediatric anesthesia. Often nonsurgical conditions prove challenging for medical staff, and outbreaks of diarrheal diseases or measles also heavily affect the work of the anaesthesiologist 22 . The lack of knowledge in tropical diseases was noted.…”