Spirituality/Medicine Interface Project
Case Discussion—Religion and Coping with Natural Disaster
Abstract
Frank Livingston, a 65-year-old married black male, was the owner of a convenience store in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. The hurricane not only flooded his business, but also destroyed his home where he and his wife had lived for 30 years and had raised their four children. He had no flood insurance and lost everything. Fortunately, only his wife, Ellen, and he were at home when the hurricane hit. After spending a terrifying night on their roof, they were rescued by a helicopter. The Livingstons were both suffering from hypothermia when they arrived in the emergency room (ER). Frank also had a 6-inch-long, half-inch-deep wound on his calf where a piece of wood had hit him while clinging to his roof. The ER was swamped and a line extended outside the entrance for nearly half a city block. Frank and his wife were quickly triaged after arrival, and after it was determined that their conditions were not life threatening, they were given some warm fluids and blankets and told to sit in the waiting room.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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References
1. Medical News Today. U.S. emergency departments “overburdened,” unprepared to deal with natural disasters, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks, CDC report finds (10/2/06). Available at:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=52942. Accessed on December 15, 2006.
2. American Red Cross. From challenge to action: American Red Cross actions to improve and enhance its disaster response and related capabilities for the 2006 hurricane season. Available at: http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont5448_lang0_2006.pdf. Accessed on December 15, 2006.
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