Theme 7. Sharing International Experiences in Disasters: Summary and Action Plan

2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Braham ◽  
Richard Aghababian ◽  
Richard A. Andrews ◽  
Cher Austin ◽  
Ross Brown ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:The discussions in this theme provided an opportunity to share specific experiences with disasters that occurred outside of the Asia-Pacific Rim.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the preceding paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. Since the findings from the Theme 7 and Theme 3 groups were similar, the chairs of both groups presided over one workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of action plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:The main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) disaster response planning, (2) predetermined command and organizational structure, (3) rapid response capability, (4) mitigation, and (5) communications and alternatives.Discussion:The action plans presented are in common with those presented by Theme 3, and include: (1) plan disaster responses including the different types, identification of hazards, training based on experiences, and provision of public education; (2) improving coordination and control; (3) maintaining communications assuming infrastructure breakdown; (4) maximizing mitigation through standardized evaluations, creation of a legal framework, and recognition of advocacy and public participation; and (5) providing resources and knowledge through access to existing therapies, using the media, and increasing decentralization of hospital inventories.Conclusions:Most of the problems that occurred outside the Asia-Pacific rim relative to disaster management are similar to those experienced within it. They should be addressed in common with the rest of the world.

2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Hickson ◽  
Michael Schull ◽  
Emilio Huertas Arias ◽  
Yasufumi Asai ◽  
Jih-Chang Chen ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:The discussions in this theme provided an opportunity to address the unique hazards facing the Pacific Rim.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the preceding paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. Since the findings from the Theme 3 and Theme 7 groups were similar, the chairs of both groups presided over one workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of action plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:The main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) communication, (2) coordination, (3) advance planning and risk assessment, and (4) resources and knowledge.Discussion:Action plans were summarized in the following ideas: (1) plan disaster responses including the different types, identification of hazards, focusing training based on experiences, and provision of public education; (2) improve coordination and control; (3) maintain communications, assuming infrastructure breakdown; (4) maximize mitigation through standardized evaluations, the creation of a legal framework, and recognition of advocacy and public participation; and (5) provide resources and knowledge through access to existing therapies, the media, and increasing and decentralizing hospital inventories.Conclusions:The problems in the Asia-Pacific rim are little different from those encountered elsewhere in the world. They should be addressed in common with the rest of the world.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric K. Noji ◽  
SWA Gunn ◽  
A. Abdul Aziz ◽  
Huan-Teng Chi ◽  
Wayne Dauphinee ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:To effectively respond to this relatively new, complex mandate it is essential to find effective models of coordination to ensure that medical and health services can meet the standards now expected in a disaster situation. This theme explored various models, noting both the strengths that can be built on and the weaknesses that still need to be overcome.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the preceding paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. Since the findings from the Theme 1 and Theme 4 groups were similar, the chairs of both groups presided over one workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:The main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) preplanning (predisaster goals), (2) information collection (assessment), (3) communication (materials and methods); and (4) response centres and personnel. There exists a need for institutionalization of processes for learning from experiences obtained from disasters.Discussion:Action plans presented include: (1) creation of an information and data clearinghouse on disaster management, (2) identification of incentives and disincentives for readiness and develop strategies and interventions, and (3) action on lessons learned from evidence-based research and practical experience.Conclusions:There is an urgent need to proactively establish coordination and management procedures in advance of any crisis. A number of important insights for improvement in coordination and management during disasters emerged.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Cruz-Vega ◽  
Charles Sun ◽  
Bruce Brink ◽  
Robert (Bob) Bugslag ◽  
Beatriz González Del Castillo ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:Multidisciplinary team interaction has become a commonplace phrase in the discussion of disaster response. Theme 6 explored multidisciplinary team interactions and attempted to identify some of the key issues and possible solutions to the seemingly intractable problems inherent in this endeavour.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The Cochairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The Cochairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) promotion of multidisciplinary collaboration, (2) standardization, (3) the Incident Command System, (4) professionalism, (5) regional disparities, and (6) psychosocial impact.Discussion:Action plans recommended: (1) a standardized template for Needs Assessment be developed, implemented, and applied using collaboration with international organizations, focusing on needs and criteria appropriate to each type of event, and (2) team needs assessments be recognized for local responses and for determination of when international assistance may be required, for planning a command system, and for evaluating the psychosocial impact.Conclusions:There is a clear need for the development of standardized methods for the assessment of needs, development and implementation of a command structure, and for appreciation of regional differences and the psychosocial impact of all interventions.


ILAR Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-202
Author(s):  
Gordon Roble ◽  
Jennifer Pullium ◽  
Takechia Hester ◽  
Stephen Harvey

Abstract Disaster response planning for laboratory animal facilities is a time- and personnel-intensive undertaking. This article outlines numerous considerations in formulating a plan for disaster response in a high containment animal unit. The planning process is discussed around a set of elements: planning team formation, situational understanding, goal and objective determination, plan development, preparation, and rehearsal or implementation. The importance of an appropriate planning team and personnel development is explored in relationship to exemplary disaster scenarios such as natural disaster and terrorism. Specific risks such as hazardous agent and animal species type serve to delineate goal-setting methods. These goals provide the framework for an institutional disaster plan. The review further uses elements of the planning process to explore the difficulties of euthanasia of animals treated with hazardous agents. Ultimately, the pitfalls of handling media relations following disaster are examined. Proactive measures for preparing to speak to the media and mitigate negative perceptions of research are presented.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Anderson ◽  
Kendall Ho ◽  
Stephen Braham ◽  
Patrick Brownsword ◽  
Hermann Delooz ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:Rapid innovations and improvements in communication technologies have opened many new channels for health education and delivery, as well as disaster management. Theme 2 examined the role and applicability of these technologies to Disaster Medicine and Management and the various issues involved in their use.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The chairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included harnessing convergence, seeking interoperability, building partnerships and making it appropriate. This group identified four Principles of Action underlying its plan: (1) investigate possibilities, (2) identify stake-holders, (3) invite participation, and (4) involve discussants in activities.Discussion:Action plans were categorized into three areas that included “thinking globally, acting regionally”, forming a telehealth advisory group, and increasing corporate partnerships.Conclusions:Technology is opening many opportunities that have applications in disaster management. To optimize benefits, goals and standards must be agreed upon and implemented.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Auf der Heide ◽  
Raymond Lafond ◽  
Anne Eyre ◽  
Nurit Fertel ◽  
Judith M. Fisher ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:Disaster is a collective responsibility requiring coordinated response from all parts of society. This theme focused on coordination and management issues in a diverse range of scenarios.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the preceding paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. Although the main points developed in Themes 1 and 4 were different from each other (as reported in the Results section), their implementation was similar. Therefore, the chairs of both groups presided over one workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of Action Plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:The main points developed during the presentations and discussions included: (1) the need for evidence-based assessments and planning, (2) the need for a shift in focus to health-sector readiness, (3) empowerment of survivors, (4) provision of relief for the caregivers, (5) address the incentives and disincentives to attain readiness, (6) engage in joint preparation, response, and training, (7) focus on prevention and mitigation of the damage from events, and (8) improve media relations. There exists a need for institutionalization of processes for learning from experiences obtained from disasters.Discussion:Action plans presented include: (1) creation of an Information and Data Clearinghouse on Disaster Management, (2) identification of incentives and disincentives for readiness and develop strategies and interventions, and (3) act on lessons learned from evidence-based research and practical experience.Conclusions:There is an urgent need to proactively establish coordination and management procedures in advance of any crisis. A number of important insights for improvement in coordination and management during disasters emerged.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 158-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma. Lourdes Veneracion-Rallonza

Women, Peace and Security (wps) as a global agenda has gained traction since it was institutionalized in the United Nations Security Council fifteen years ago. By December 2014, 46 out of 193 Member States of the United Nations have adopted their National Action Plans to systematically implement their respective country commitments to wps. To date, 24 of the countries with National Action Plans are in Europe while 13 are in Africa; the Asia Pacific Region has 6 and the Americas have 3. In Southeast Asia, only the Philippines has developed a National Action Plan within the framework of the wps while other countries integrated it in the existing broad policy and programmatic frames such as addressing violence against women. At the level of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (asean), taking on the agenda of women, peace and security has yet to move beyond communicative rhetoric. This paper is an attempt to explore how wps can be made part of the regional agenda on human protection and mass atrocities prevention, by mapping out discursive and institutional entry points within several asean Member States and within asean itself through the idea of multi-focal norm entrepreneurship.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick M. Burkle ◽  
Judy Isaac-Renton ◽  
A. Beck ◽  
Clifford P. Belgica ◽  
John Blatherwick ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:The need for the application of international standards has been evolving over the last decade. Consistency is needed not just in how we respond, but in when we respond. The discussions in this theme reflected on the progress of standard setting both at the local level and internationally.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The chairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of action plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) requirement of standards of care for ALL disasters and core parameters, (2) process and procedure is best when there is interagency collaboration and coordination, (3) problems in disasters are management-related, not skill-related, and (4) standards of care must encompass evolving emergencies (e.g., emerging diseases, landmines).Discussion:The action plans for Theme 5 included: (1) develop positions of standards for management, health and public health, education and training, research, psychosocial aspects, and disaster plans; (2) advocate for actions and task forces to deal with evolving and emerging disasters, terrorism, landmines, and emerging infections; (3) proactively work to advocate and facilitate the multidisciplinary and multiorganizational requirements for disaster management; and (4) develop a resource list of interdisciplinary institutions and activities organized by country and topic including the design and maintenance of a website.Conclusions:There is a clear need for international standards for the management of disasters. Positions and advocacy for these positions are required to define and implement such standards.


2001 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Pearce ◽  
Linda B. Bourque ◽  
S.J. Armour ◽  
Peter Bastone ◽  
Marvin Birnbaum ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:Change must begin with education. Theme 8 explored issues that need attention in Disaster Medicine education.Methods:Details of the methods used are provided in the introductory paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. The chairs then presided over a workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of action plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates.Results:Main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) formal education, (2) standardized definitions, (3) integration (4) evaluation of programs and interventions, (5) international cooperation, (6) identifying the psychosocial consequences of disaster, (7) meaningful research, and (8) hazard, impact, risk and vulnerability analysis.Discussion:Three main components of the action plans were identified as evaluation, research, and education. The action plans recommended that: (1) education on disasters should be formalized, (2) evaluation of education and interventions must be improved, and (3) meaningful research should be promulgated and published for use at multiple levels and that applied research techniques be the subject of future conferences.Conclusions:The one unanimous conclusion was that we need more and better education on the disaster phenomenon, both in its impacts and in our response to them. Such education must be increasingly evidence-based.


1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murray N. Charlton ◽  
Robin Le Sage

Abstract A series of water samples and Secchi depth measurements were conducted in Hamilton Harbour between 1987 and 1995. The data indicate little recent improvement in the harbour generally. Detection of real improvements may require high frequency sampling and a more extensive sample grid once a cause for improvement is in place. Some measures, such as chlorophyll and Secchi depth, approach RAP initial goals sometimes during recent years, but algal blooms still occur, which prevent attainment of satisfactory average conditions. The cause of aesthetic improvements in water clarity reported in the media was investigated with sampling along an inshore-offshore transect and intense Secchi measurements in the LaSalle Park area. The data are consistent with a transient clarifying effect of zebra mussels on structures near shore. The need to reduce nutrient loads as recommended in the Remedial Action Plan continues.


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