Disaster Medicine: Disaster Response and On-Scene Care

Volunteering during a disaster is helpful only if there is a need for assistance. Clinicians should not self-deploy to disaster areas. Disaster responders should understand the incident command system, know how to perform reverse triage, and be familiar with the three commonly used mass casualty triage algorithms. The medical supplies needed and types of injuries expected depend on the disaster type and severity. The safety of responders is a priority. As such, they may be required to receive appropriate vaccinations, take prophylactic antibiotics, use personal protective equipment, and take measures to minimize the risk of injury and manage stress. Law enforcement should ensure the safety of a disaster scene before responders enter the area. Patients with life-threatening injuries require immediate stabilization and evacuation to a health care facility. Trauma complications, vector-borne diseases, and mental disorders should be addressed the first day after a disaster and should be managed continuously.