scholarly journals Disaster Preparedness and Resilience at Household Level in Yangon, Myanmar

Author(s):  
Sophie-Bo Heinkel ◽  
Benni Thiebes ◽  
Zin Mar Than ◽  
Toe Aung ◽  
Tin Tin Kyi ◽  
...  

Abstract Resilience has become important in disaster preparedness and response. Unfortunately, little is known about resilience at the household level. This study presents the results of a survey into individual and household level preparedness to disaster events in Yangon, Myanmar, which is prone to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, flooding, and earthquakes. The study aimed to understand societal resilience and to provide information that could be used to develop a holistic framework. In four different Yangon townships, 440 households were interviewed. The results of the survey indicate how risk preparedness could be improved by specific measures related to the following five factors: 1) increasing the general public’s knowledge of first-aid and its role in preparedness; 2) improving mobile phone infrastructure so that it can be used for communication during disasters, along with building up a redundant communication structure; 3) better use and organisation of volunteer potential; 4) more specific involvement of religious and public buildings for disaster response; and 5) developing specific measures for improving preparedness in urban areas, where the population often has reduced capacities for coping with food supply insufficiencies due to the high and immediate availability of food, shops and goods in regular times. The findings of this survey have led to specific recommendations for Yangon. The identified measures represent a first step in developing a more general framework. Future research could investigate the transferability of these measures to other areas and thus their suitability as a basis for a framework.

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey I. Gold, PhD ◽  
Zorash Montano, BA ◽  
Sandra Shields, LMFT, ATR-BC, CTS ◽  
Nicole E. Mahrer, BA ◽  
Viktoria Vibhakar, LCSW, LMSW ◽  
...  

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of disasters worldwide highlights the need for established and universal disaster preparedness plans.The devastating events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina have spurred the development of some disaster response systems. These systems, however, are predominantly focused on medical needs and largely overlook mental health considerations. Negative outcomes of disasters include physical damage as well as psychological harm. Mental health needs should be considered throughout the entire disaster response process, especially when caring for children, adolescents, and their families.Objective: To provide an overview and recommendations for the integration of mental health considerations into pediatric disaster preparedness and response in the medical setting.Methods: Recommendations were developed by a panel of disaster preparedness and mental health experts during the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Pediatric Disaster Resource and Training Center: Workshop on Family Reunification in Los Angeles, California, March 31-April 1, 2008. Experts discussed the inclusion of mental health-specific considerations and services at all stages of disaster preparedness and response. Recommendations involve the integration of mental health into triage and tracking, the adoption of a child ambassador model, environment, and developmentally appropriate interventions, education, communication, death notification, and family reunification.Conclusions: The inclusion of mental health concerns into pediatric disaster preparedness may help prevent further and unnecessary psychological harm to children and adolescent survivors following a disaster.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L. Dunlop ◽  
Kristi M. Logue ◽  
Gerald Beltran ◽  
Alexander P. Isakov

ABSTRACTObjective: To describe the role of academic institutions in the community response to Federal Emergency Management Agency–declared disasters from September 11, 2001, to February 1, 2009.Methods: We conducted a review of the published literature and Internet reports to identify academic institutions that participated in the community response to disaster events between September 11, 2001, to February 1, 2009, inclusive. From retrieved reports, we abstracted the identity of the academic institutions and the resources and services each provided. We characterized the resources and services in terms of their contribution to established constructs of community disaster resilience and disaster preparedness and response.Results: Between September 11, 2001, and February 1, 2009, there were 98 published or Internet-accessible reports describing 106 instances in which academic institutions participated in the community response to 11 Federal Emergency Management Agency–declared disaster events that occurred between September 11, 2001, and February 1, 2009. Academic institutions included academic health centers and community teaching hospitals; schools of medicine, nursing, and public health; schools with graduate programs such as engineering and psychology; and 4-year programs. The services and resources provided by the academic institutions as part of the community disaster response could be categorized as contributing to community disaster resilience by reducing the consequences or likelihood of an event or to specific dimensions of public health preparedness and response, or both. The most common dimensions addressed by academic institutions (in order of occurrence) were resource management, enabling and sustaining a public health response, information capacity management, and performance evaluation.Conclusions: Since September 11, 2001, the participation of academic institutions in community disaster response has contributed to community resilience and the achievement of specific dimensions of disaster preparedness and response.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:218–226)


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (sp) ◽  
pp. 669-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natt Leelawat ◽  
Anawat Suppasri ◽  
Panon Latcharote ◽  
Fumihiko Imamura ◽  
◽  
...  

In April 2016, the Kumamoto earthquakes in Japan killed 50 people and injured more than 3,000. Because Japan is a primary tourist destination for Thai citizens, due in part to the current visa relaxation policy, many Thai people were visiting Japan when these earthquakes occurred. However, while a variety of public information related to the imminent danger and disaster response was broadcast and published, foreigners sometimes had little access to or understanding of local notices or instructions because of language barriers.This study researches the evacuation process for Thai citizens – including tourists, students, and residents from Thailand – in the disaster-affected areas during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Through prompt collaboration among the relevant organizations, particularly the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, the evacuation of Thai citizens was successfully completed within a few days. Moreover, some other foreigners were also assisted by the Thai embassy. This paper presents an overview of the evacuation process, including the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in disseminating information, transmitting rescue requests, and providing emergency communications. The lessons learned from these efforts can be applied in future natural disasters, especially for foreign organizations working in similar capacities overseas. In addition, this study suggests disaster preparedness and response guidelines for tourists when traveling overseas.


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 ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda J. Morton Hamer ◽  
John J. Jordan ◽  
Paul L. Reed ◽  
Jane D. Greulich ◽  
Dame B. Gaye ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe Republic of Senegal Disaster Preparedness and Response Exercise was held from June 2-6, 2014, in Dakar, Senegal. The goal was to assist in familiarizing roles and responsibilities within 3 existing plans and to update the National Disaster Management Strategic Work Plan.MethodsThere were 60 participants in the exercise, which was driven by a series of evolving disaster scenarios. During the separate Disaster Management Strategic Work Plan review, participants refined a list of projects, including specific tasks to provide a “road map” for completing each project, project timelines, and estimated resource requirements. Project staff administered a survey to conference participants.ResultsA total of 86% of respondents had improved knowledge of Senegal disaster plans as a result of the exercise. A total of 89% of respondents had a better understanding of their ministry’s role in disaster response, and 92% had a better understanding of the role of the military during a pandemic. Participants also generated ideas for disaster management system improvement in Senegal through a formal “gap analysis.”ConclusionsParticipants were in strong agreement that the exercise helped them to better understand the contents of their disaster response plans, build relationships across ministerial lines, and effectively enhance future disaster response efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:183–189)


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s29-s29 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Chang ◽  
S.M. Briggs

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.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s45-s45 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mackintosh ◽  
D. Mcclure

There is a crucial need for teamwork in disaster management. Gaps in collaborative efforts resulted in significant loss of life and property during recent disasters. Such losses could have been minimized with enhanced teamwork. Unfortunately, the current US healthcare system fosters a fractured structure where health professions work in isolated silos. While coordinated disaster management has done much to overcome this, the silo mentality still inhibits maximal achievement toward the four phases of emergency and disaster preparedness and response. Since 2007, Western University of Health Sciences (Western U) has embarked upon an initiative focusing upon the concept of patient-centered, collaborative care in students from the beginning of the clinical education process. The intent of the program is to instill in all students non-technical competencies that promote teamwork such as communication, collaboration, and understanding scope of practice. The long term vision is to develop a three phase program (case based, team training and clinical experience) that will take the student through an awareness level to an application level of the competencies. The second phase of the program utilizes the TeamSTEPPS® training to instill these competencies in students. The application and assessment of the teaching points will be through community and patient safety exercises that include topics such as disaster preparedness and response. In conjunction with the TeamSTEPPS® training, the students from the nine professional programs (DO, PA, PT, PharmD, Graduate Nursing, Vet Med, Dental, Podiatry, and Optometry) will also be exposed to principles and practices of disaster response. By intensifying teamwork principles as the basis of disaster preparedness, the response pool for disaster response will be amplified, and future healthcare practitioners will be more aware of teamwork strategies necessary in a disaster setting. The intent of this presentation is to introduce this academic model including early outcome data.


Author(s):  
Scott Needle ◽  
Andrew C. Rucks ◽  
Lauren A. Wallace ◽  
Peter M. Ginter ◽  
Charles R. Katholi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls for the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in disaster preparedness and response efforts. However, there is little research about disaster preparedness and response on the part of pediatric practices. This study describes the readiness of pediatric practices to respond to disaster and delineates factors associated with increased preparedness. Methods: An AAP survey was distributed to members to assess the state of pediatric offices in readiness for disaster. Potential predictor variables used in chi-square analysis included community setting, primary employment setting, area of practice, and previous disaster experience. Results: Three-quarters (74%) of respondents reported some degree of disaster preparedness (measured by 6 indicators including written plans and maintaining stocks of supplies), and approximately half (54%) reported response experience (measured by 3 indicators, including volunteering to serve in disaster areas). Respondents who reported disaster preparation efforts were more likely to have signed up for disaster response efforts, and vice versa. Conclusions: These results contribute information about the state of pediatric physician offices and can aid in developing strategies for augmenting the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in community preparedness and response efforts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s44-s44
Author(s):  
Yuichi Koido ◽  
Miho Misaki ◽  
Kayako Chishima ◽  
Yuzuru Kawashima ◽  
Hisayoshi Kondo ◽  
...  

Introduction:An inland earthquake is expected to occur in Tokyo in the near future, and disaster preparedness and response measures have been put in place by the government of Japan and local authorities.Methods:Japan Disaster Medical Assistant Teams (DMATs) conducted two large-scale drills for the first time in preparation for a Tokyo inland earthquake, in collaboration with the following participants: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, disaster base hospitals in Tokyo, three Staging Care Units (SCUs), and neighboring prefectures. One of the scenarios was a north Tokyo Bay earthquake affecting the Tokyo wards and had 142 Japan DMATs participation. Another scenario was Tama inland earthquake affected mid-west of Tokyo and 110 DMATs participated. The drill included headquarters operation, affected hospital support operation, patient transportation within the area and to the wider region, SCU operation, collaboration with associated organizations, and logistics operation.Results:Post-drill assessments identified the following areas that need to be addressed: review of Japan DMAT implementation strategies; improvement of SCUs; establishment of a patient air transportation framework; securing means of patient transportation; improvement of communication systems; strengthening of disaster response of all hospitals in the Tokyo Metropolis; and preparations for survival in the event of isolation caused by the disaster.


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