(P1-111) Japan Medical Association Team (JMAT)

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s135-s136
Author(s):  
T. Nagata ◽  
T. Ishihara ◽  
H. Inasaka ◽  
T. Sakamoto ◽  
M. Akashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Association ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Medical Response

Disaster preparedness is one of the national priorities. In Japan, disaster medicine is defined as a part of the national medical plan initiated by Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor. The Japan Medical Association is the largest professional physicians' group in Japan, and has contributed to all kinds of disaster relief work regionally and nation-wide for years. Based on past successes, the Japan Medical Association proposes a new disaster action plan named Japan Medical Association Team (JMAT). The primary mission of JMAT is to deploy to the disaster scene requested and work for disaster relief. JMAT covers the acute to sub-acute phase of disaster response, and also collaborate with other agencies. In the preparation and mitigation phases, the Japan Medical Association work for establishing mutual disaster aid partnerships, disaster plans, networks with other agencies, team building, disaster medicine training and education, etc. In Japan, the Disaster Medical Assistant Team (DMAT) has been established based on the experience of the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, when lots of preventable trauma deaths occurred because of delayed medical response. The mission of DMAT is to deploy to the scene immediately and triage/transfer the most serious disaster victims outside the scene for advanced medical care. DMAT covers the first 48 hours of disaster response phase, and then JMAT takes charge of the work. JMAT will also respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters, and international humanitarian work. The present issues of establishing JMAT are 1.training and education for Japan Medical Association members, 2.establising cooperation with other agencies, and 3.having presence at the Central Disaster Committee, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.

scholarly journals (A105) A Core Curriculum for Nurses in Disaster Preparedness and Response

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s29-s29 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Chang ◽  
S.M. Briggs
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Field Triage ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

BackgroundNurses play an essential role in disaster response. All health care responders, including nurses, must have knowledge of the key principles of disaster medicine. The International Trauma and Disaster Institute (ITDI) at Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a core curriculum for Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management. The curriculum provides all members of the multidisciplinary disaster team with the fundamentals of the MCI response. The proposed concurrent session will report on understanding of the fundamental knowledge in disaster medicine and preparedness for nurses in local and international disaster responses.Discussion and ObservationsDisasters follow no rules. Traditionally, medical providers have held the erroneous belief that all disasters are different, especially those involving terrorism. In reality, all disasters, regardless of etiology, have similar medical and public health consequences. A consistent medical approach to disasters, based on an understanding of their common features and the response they require, is becoming the accepted practice throughout the world. This strategy, called the MCI response, has the primary objective of reducing the mortality/morbidity caused by the disaster. The Advanced Disaster Medical Response (ADMR) Course, available in eight languages, including Chinese, is designed to train nurses in the ABC's of basic medical and public health disaster care. The delivery of optimal care in a disaster relies on a common understanding of each health professional's role and common mastery of defined essentials of disaster response such as the Incident Command System, field triage, decontamination, care of specific injuries, environmental considerations, psychological response to disasters, and care of the dead and their families. Understanding key principles and training in medical disaster response will guide nurses in disaster preparedness and response to future disasters.

The Japan Medical Association's Disaster Preparedness: Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masami Ishii ◽  
Takashi Nagata
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Association ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Great East Japan Earthquake ◽  
Medical Organization ◽  
Medical Response

AbstractA complex disaster, the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, consisted of a large-scale earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident, resulting in more than 15 000 fatalities, injuries, and missing persons and damage over a 500-km area. The entire Japanese public was profoundly affected by “3/11.” The risk of radiation exposure initially delayed the medical response, prolonging the recovery efforts. Japan's representative medical organization, the Japan Medical Association (JMA), began dispatching Japan Medical Association Teams (JMATs) to affected areas beginning March 15, 2011. About 1400 JMATs comprising nearly 5500 health workers were launched. The JMA coordinated JMAT operations and cooperated in conducting postmortem examination, transporting large quantities of medical supplies, and establishing a multiorganizational council to provide health assistance to disaster survivors. Importantly, these response efforts contributed to the complete recovery of the health care system in affected areas within 3 months, and by July 15, 2011, JMATs were withdrawn. Subsequently, JMATs II have been providing long-term continuing medical support to disaster-affected areas. However, Japan is at great risk for future natural disasters because of its Pacific Rim location. Also, its rapidly aging population, uneven distribution of and shortage of medical resources in regional communities, and an overburdened public health insurance system highlight the need for a highly prepared and effective disaster response system. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:507-512)

Use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Medical Response to the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster in Japan

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Nagata ◽  
Yoshinari Kimura ◽  
Masami Ishii
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Geographic Information System ◽  
Medical Association ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Nuclear Disaster ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Event Information ◽  
Fukushima Daiichi ◽  
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

AbstractThe Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011. In the first 10 days after the event, information about radiation risks from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was unavailable, and the disaster response, including deployment of disaster teams, was delayed. Beginning on March 17, 2011, the Japan Medical Association used a geographic information system (GIS) to visualize the risk of radiation exposure in Fukushima. This information facilitated the decision to deploy disaster medical response teams on March 18, 2011.Nagata T, Kimura Y, Ishii M. Use of a geographic information system (GIS) in the medical response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-3.

Disaster preparedness: Are retired physicians willing to help?

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 279-286
Author(s):  
Elena M. Shephard, MD, MPH ◽  
Eileen J. Klein, MD, MPH ◽  
Kathryn G. Koelemay, MD, MPH ◽  
Jack Thompson, MSW
Keyword(s):  
Medical Association ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Response Plan ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Objective: To identify the proportion of retired physicians belonging to a state-wide professional association who would be willing to volunteer in the event of a disaster.Methods: A paper-based, self-administered questionnaire sent to all physicians listed as retired members of the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA). The main questions included whether subjects would be willing to volunteer during a disaster, which tasks they would be most willing to perform, and whether they would be willing to participate in disaster preparedness training.Results: A total of 2,443 surveys were mailed, 2,274 arrived at their destination (169 were undeliverable), and 1,447 were returned (response rate 64 percent). Fifty-four percent of respondents reported they would be willing to perform healthcare tasks during a disaster and 24 percent of respondents said they would possibly be willing to help. Tasks retired physicians were most willing to assist with included minor wound care (85 percent), vaccine administration (74 percent), and starting intravenous lines (71 percent). Fewer respondents indicated willingness to assist with community education (60 percent) or staffing ambulatory clinics (48 percent). Seventy-eight percent indicated they would attend disaster preparedness training.Conclusions: Healthcare facilities must be prepared to cope with staffing shortages in the event of a disaster and volunteers such as retired physicians could fill crucial roles in a medical response plan. The majority of retired physicians surveyed would be willing to participate. They would be most willing to perform well-defined tasks directly related to patient care. Most would be willing to participate in preparatory training.

Evaluating the efficacy of the AAP “Pediatrics in Disaster” course: The Chinese experience

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Cooper, MD ◽  
Hongyan Guan, MD ◽  
Kathleen M. Ventre, MD ◽  
Yaohua Dai, MD ◽  
Zonghan Zhu, MD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Cognitive Knowledge ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Relief Efforts

Objective: “Pediatrics in Disasters” (PEDS) is a course designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide disaster preparedness and response training to pediatricians worldwide. China has managed to sustain the course and adapt its content for local needs. China has also experienced several natural disasters since the course’s inception, providing an opportunity to evaluate the impact of courses that took place in Beijing and Sichuan, in 2008-2010.Methods: We used pretesting/post-testing, participant surveys, and in-depth interviews to evaluate whether the course imparted cognitive knowledge, was perceived as useful, and fostered participation in relief efforts and disaster preparedness planning.Results: In Beijing and Sichuan, post-test scores were 16 percent higher than pretest scores. On immediate postcourse surveys, 86 percent of Beijing and Sichuan respondents rated the course as very good or excellent. On 6-month surveys, participants identified emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition as the three most useful course modules. Twelve of 75 (16 percent) of Beijing respondents reported direct involvement in disaster response activities following the course; eight of 12 were first-time responders. Participant interviews revealed a need for more training in providing nutritional and psychological support to disaster victims and to train a more diverse group of individuals in disaster response.Conclusions: PEDS imparts cognitive knowledge and is highly valued by course participants. Emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition modules were perceived as the most relevant modules. Future versions of the course should include additional emphasis on emotional care for disaster victims and should be extended to a broader audience.

Using Mixed Methods to Assess Pediatric Disaster Preparedness in the Hospital Setting

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 569-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita V. Burke ◽  
Tae Y. Kim ◽  
Shelby L. Bachman ◽  
Ellen I. Iverson ◽  
Bridget M. Berg
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Disaster Exercise ◽  
Communication Equipment

AbstractIntroductionChildren are particularly vulnerable during disasters and mass-casualty incidents. Coordinated multi-hospital training exercises may help health care facilities prepare for pediatric disaster victims.ProblemThe purpose of this study was to use mixed methods to assess the disaster response of three hospitals, focusing on pediatric disaster victims.MethodsA full-functional disaster exercise involving a simulated 7.8-magnitude earthquake was conducted at three Los Angeles (California USA) hospitals, one of which is a freestanding designated Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Exercise participants provided quantitative and qualitative feedback regarding their perceptions of pediatric disaster response during the exercise in the form of surveys and interviews. Additionally, trained observers provided qualitative feedback and recommendations regarding aspects of emergency response during the exercise, including communication, equipment and supplies, pediatric safety, security, and training.ResultsAccording to quantitative participant feedback, the disaster exercise enhanced respondents’ perceived preparedness to care for the pediatric population during a mass-casualty event. Further, qualitative feedback from exercise participants and observers revealed opportunities to improve multiple aspects of emergency response, such as communication, equipment availability, and physician participation. Additionally, participants and observers reported opportunities to improve safety and security of children, understanding of staff roles and responsibilities, and implementation of disaster triage exercises.ConclusionConsistent with previous investigations of pediatric disaster preparedness, evaluation of the exercise revealed several opportunities for all hospitals to improve their ability to respond to the needs of pediatric victims. Quantitative and qualitative feedback from both participants and observers was useful for comprehensively assessing the exercise's successes and obstacles. The present study has identified several opportunities to improve the current state of all hospitals’ pediatric disaster preparedness, through increased training on pediatric disaster triage methods and additional training on the safety and security of children. Regular assessment and evaluation of supplies, equipment, leadership assignments, and inter-hospital communication is also suggested to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of response to pediatric victims in a disaster.BurkeRV, KimTY, BachmanSL, IversonEI, BergBM. Using mixed methods to assess pediatric disaster preparedness in the hospital setting. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(6): 1-7.

scholarly journals Mass gathering medicine: a practical means of enhancing disaster preparedness in Canada

CJEM ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (04) ◽  
pp. 231-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Lund ◽  
Samuel J. Gutman ◽  
Sheila A. Turris
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Mass Gathering ◽  
Medical Support ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Mass Gatherings ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Special Events ◽  
Mass Gathering Medicine ◽  
Health Related

ABSTRACT:Background:We explore the health care literature and draw on two decades of experience in the provision of medical care at mass gatherings and special events to illustrate the complementary aspects of mass gathering medical support and disaster medicine. Most communities have occasions during which large numbers of people assemble in public or private spaces for the purpose of celebrating or participating in musical, sporting, cultural, religious, political, and other events. Collectively, these events are referred to as mass gatherings. The planning, preparation, and delivery of health-related services at mass gatherings are understood to be within the discipline of emergency medicine. As well, we note that owing to international events in recent years, there has been a heightened awareness of and interest in disaster medicine and the level of community preparedness for disasters. We propose that a synergy exists between mass gathering medicine and disaster medicine.Method:Literature review and comparative analysis.Results:Many aspects of the provision of medical support for mass gathering events overlap with the skill set and expertise required to plan and implement a successful medical response to a natural disaster, terrorist incident, or other form of disaster.Conclusions:There are several practical opportunities to link the two fields in a proactive manner. These opportunities should be pursued as a way to improve the level of disaster preparedness at the municipal, provincial, and national levels.

scholarly journals WBF-2019 Core Research Cluster of Disaster Science Planning Session as Disaster Preparedness: Participation in a Training Program for Conductor-Type Disaster Healthcare Personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 900-912
Author(s):  
Junko Okuyama ◽  
Hiroyuki Sasaki ◽  
Shuji Seto ◽  
Yu Fukuda ◽  
Toshiki Iwasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Group ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Medicine Research ◽  
Disaster Science

Introduction: Health professionals and support staff need to be prepared for disasters and know how to respond. This study aimed to examine a one-day “Conductor-type disaster healthcare management personnel” training course and its effect among healthcare professionals. Tohoku University and Fukushima Medical University are experienced in disaster response preparedness and they conducted the one-day course comprising multiple sessions at the World Bosai Forum-2019 (WBF-2019). Method: The course introduced the recent activities of four groups: the Practical Disaster Risk Reduction Research Group; the Natural Science Research Group; the Disaster Humanities Research Group; and the Disaster Medicine Research Group. Unifying four scientific areas based on the theory of the disaster cycle, the research field “disaster science” has been created through interdisciplinary cooperation. The participants completed reports, which were then analyzed using the KJ method. Discussion: The program participants wanted to gain practical knowledge about disasters and have a multifaceted perspective on disaster response. Participants who attended other sessions had an interest in comparing their training with the training provided by other sessions on disaster preparedness. Comparisons included determining the effectiveness of high-level disaster medical preparations from a multilateral viewpoint and involving an interdisciplinary research team in disaster medical preparations to prepare for future disaster events. Conclusion: The participants identified that interdisciplinary activities lead to an improvement in knowledge, skills, or attitudes toward disaster preparedness. There needs to be a greater focus on disaster medicine care teams, including research on both past and future disasters.

Policy Development in Disaster Preparedness and Management: Lessons Learned from the January 2001 Earthquake in Gujarat, India

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rannveig Bremer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
World Health ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The World

AbstractIntroduction:During the last decades, several humanitarian emergencies have occurred, with an increasing number of humanitarian organizations taking part in providing assistance. However, need assessments, medical intelligence, and coordination of the aid often are sparse, resulting in the provision of ineffective and expensive assistance. When an earthquake with the strength of 7.7 on the Richter scale struck the state of Gujarat, India, during the early morning on 26 January 2001, nearly 20,000 persons were killed, nearly 170,000 were injured, and 600,000 were rendered homeless. This study identifies how assigned indicators to measure the level of health care may improve disaster preparedness and management, thus, reducing human suffering.Methods:During a two-week mission in the disaster area, the disaster relief provided to the disaster-affected population of Gujarat was evaluated. Vulnerability due to climate, geography, culture, religion, gender, politics, and economy, as each affected the outcome, was studied. By assigning indicators to the eight ELEMENTS of the Primary Health Care System as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the level of public health and healthcare services were estimated, an evaluation of the impact of the disaster was conducted, and possible methods for improving disaster management are suggested. Representatives of the major relief organizations involved were interviewed on their relief policies. Strategies to improve disaster relief, such as policy development in the different aspects of public health/primary health care, were sought.Results:Evaluation of the pre-event status of the affected society revealed a complex situation in a vulnerable society with substantial deficiencies in the existing health system that added to the severity of the disaster. Most of the civilian hospitals had collapsed, and army field hospitals provided medical care to most of the patients under primitive conditions using tents. When the foreign field hospitals arrived 5 to 7 days after the earthquake, most of the casualties requiring surgical intervention already had been operated on. Relief provided to the disaster victims had reduced quality for the following reasons: (1) proper public health indicators had not yet been developed; (2) efficient coordination was lacking; (3) insufficient, overestimated, or partly irrelevant relief was provided; (4) relief was delayed because of bureaucracy; and (5) policies on the delivery of disaster relief had not been developed.Conclusion:To optimize the effectiveness of limited resources, disaster preparedness and the provision of feasible and necessary aid is of utmost importance. An appropriate, rapid, crisis intervention could be achieved by continual surveillance of the world's situation by a Relief Coordination Center. A panel of experts could evaluate and coordinate the international disaster responses and make use of stored emergency material and emergency teams. A successful disaster response will depend on accurate and relevant medical intelligence and socio-geographical mapping in advance of, during, and after the event(s) causing the disaster. More effective and feasible equipment coordinated with the relief provided by the rest of the world is necessary. If policies and agreements are developed as part of disaster preparedness, on international, bilateral, and national levels, disaster relief may be more relevant, less chaotic, and easier to estimate, thus, bringing improved relief to the disaster victims.

Recommendations for Life-Supporting First-Aid Training of the Lay Public for Disaster Preparedness

1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek C. Angus ◽  
Ernesto A. Pretto ◽  
Joel I. Abrams ◽  
Peter Safar
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Airway Control ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
World Association ◽  
First Aid Training ◽  
Bystander Response ◽  
Lay Public

AbstractIn catastrophic disasters such as major earthquakes in densely populated regions, effective Life-Supporting First-Aid (LSFA) and basic rescue can be administered to the injured by previously trained, uninjured survivors (co victims). Administration of LSFA immediately after disaster strikes can add to the overall medical response and help to diminish the morbidity and mortality that result from these events. Widespread training of the lay public also may improve bystander responses in everyday emergencies. However, for this scheme to be effective, a significant percentage of the lay population must learn the eight basic steps of LSFA. These have been developed by the International Resuscitation Research Center in collaboration with the World Association for Emergency and Disaster Medicine, the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety, and the American Red Cross (Pennsylvania chapter). They include: 1) scene survey; 2) airway control; 3) rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth); 4) circulation (chest compressions; may be omitted for disasters, but should be retained for everyday bystander response); 5) abdominal thrusts for choking (may be omitted for disasters, but retained for everyday bystander response); 6) control of external bleeding; 7) positioning for shock; and 8) call for help.

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