Treatment management in disaster: a review of the Bam earthquake experience

In the early morning of 26 December 2003, Bam, an old city in southeastern Iran, was devastated by an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale. Managing such situations always brings about many problems. In the case of the Bam Earthquake, two of the most serious problems were rescue operations and provision of appropriate treatment within a short period of time. By conducting an opinion survey, this study aims to assess different aspects of treatment management, including personnel, the transfer of the injured, equipment, facilities, and treatment planning. Questionnaires containing open questions regarding the management of treatment at five levels were prepared. Those engaged in treatment at different levels, including physicians, treatment workers, military personnel, and executives, were questioned. Several problems were revealed concerning the composition of the treatment forces dispatched, into the region, distribution of the tasks among treatment workers, and the transferring of equipment, and facilities. The most significant problem was a lack of coordination among the organizations responsible for the management of the disaster. A comprehensive disaster plan is required if prompt handling of mass-casualty incidents and coordinating the management of such large-scale disasters are to be ensured.