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Emergency Response Protocols for Overseas Outreach Settings: Global Smile Foundation Strategy
Elsa M Chahine1, Nikhil D Shah2, Omar S Al Abyad1
1Global Smile Foundation, Norwood, MA, USA.
Summary
Global Smile Foundation updated its emergency response protocol for cleft care outreach. This updated protocol enhances safety and preparedness for medical teams during global surgical initiatives, even in crises.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Medical Missions
- Surgical Outreach
Background:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in addressing global disease burden.
- Effective emergency response protocols are essential for safe patient care in unpredictable international settings.
- The Global Smile Foundation (GSF) has over three decades of experience in cleft care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the Global Smile Foundation's emergency response protocol for surgical outreach.
- To provide guidance for managing special circumstances like humanitarian crises and disease outbreaks.
- To ensure preparedness of all team members for emergency situations during global outreach.
Main Methods:
- Protocol development involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and administrators.
- Emphasis on a standardized, reproducible workflow with site-specific adjustments.
- Inclusion of strategies like emergency simulations, safety checklists, and defined responsibilities.
Main Results:
- The updated protocol covers pre-departure preparation, onsite setup, operative precautions, and post-departure debriefings.
- Anticipatory guidance is provided for unexpected events such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
- The protocol aims to minimize morbidity and mortality in surgical outreach initiatives.
Conclusions:
- A proactive and systematic approach to emergency response is vital for surgical outreach.
- The GSF protocol offers a reproducible model for other organizations to adapt.
- Implementing standardized protocols enhances the safety and quality of care in global health initiatives.
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