Editorial

Integrated, Collaborative Disaster Response Networks

Authors: Kenneth Mattox, MD, Thomas Gavagan, MD, MPH

Abstract

Following the one year anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the recent and current publications in the Southern Medical Journalregarding medical preparedness during times of disaster1,2 it is appropriate to reflect on what we have learned and what we should we do differently next time.


The immediate response to disaster; extrication, rescue, and medical care is local. Local leadership always emerges, and the more prepared the local leadership, the better the response. Should the local disaster leadership require outside assistance, such assistance is always 72 to 96 hours away. From a medical standpoint, especially for medication refills, renal dialysis, trauma, surgical, diabetic treatment, hypertension, asthma, and even mental health support, it is the immediate response that results in the best medical outcome. Such immediate medical responses are most often locally managed, supervised, and rendered.

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References

1. Gavagan TF, Smart K, Palacio H, et al. Hurricane Katrina: medical response at the Houston Astrodome/Reliant Center Complex. South Med J 2006;99:933–999.
 
2. Rozeman P, Mayeaux E. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: case study of disaster recovery South Med J2006;99:1329–1333.