Analysis of patients treated during four Disaster Medical Assistance Team deployments

To aid disaster planning, a retrospective review of patients seen by New Mexico 1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NM-1 DMAT) after four disasters was conducted. Data analyzed included age, gender, past medical history, chief complaint, diagnosis, diagnostic testing, treatment, triage category, disposition, and time to presentation after the disaster. Data were analyzed for differences between patients presenting early vs. late after a disaster and to test if availability of diagnostic testing changed patient disposition. The results showed that the majority of patients presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, wounds, and musculoskeletal pain. The needs of patients were similar whether they presented early or late. The same proportion of patients was transferred to hospitals when diagnostic testing was available vs. not available, despite a higher level of acuity when diagnostic testing was available. In conclusion, DMATs should be prepared to see high volumes of low acuity patients. Patient needs do not change with time. Diagnostic testing may be useful.