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Worldwide disaster medical response: an historical perspective
Saqib I Dara1, Rendell W Ashton, J Christopher Farmer
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Critical Care Medicine
|January 11, 2005
Summary
Disaster medicine has evolved significantly, with current response systems often based on military models. A new approach may be necessary to address emerging threats like bioterrorism.
Area of Science:
- Disaster medicine
- Medical response
- Public health preparedness
Background:
- Disaster medical response is a long-standing societal necessity, addressing natural disasters, warfare, and terrorism.
- Current disaster response systems are largely derived from military models developed over the last two centuries.
- These models typically feature structured, graded responses based on casualty numbers and an identifiable "ground zero."
Observation:
- Historical disaster medical response models, while effective for many scenarios, may not be suitable for all contemporary threats.
- The military-derived approach of echelons of casualty retrieval and care may be insufficient for threats like bioterrorism.
- Civilian disaster medical response models often mirror these historical military structures.
Findings:
- Historical perspectives offer valuable insights applicable to many current disaster medical challenges.
- Traditional response frameworks may require adaptation or entirely new models for specific threats.
- The evolution of disaster medicine necessitates continuous re-evaluation of established response protocols.
Implications:
- Future disaster medical response planning and education should incorporate historical lessons.
- Emerging threats, such as bioterrorism, may require the development of novel response paradigms.
- Adapting historical models and developing new strategies are crucial for enhancing disaster medical preparedness.
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