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[Cardiac emergencies after the Hanshin (Kobe-Osaka) earthquake]
1Department of Cardiology, Kobe General Hospital.
Insights
The 1995 Hanshin earthquake disrupted hospital services, leading to challenges in managing 63 emergency cardiac patients. Critical care limitations forced transfers, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities in disaster zones.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Disaster Medicine
- Public Health
Context:
- The 1995 Hanshin earthquake caused significant infrastructure damage, including prolonged utility disruptions (water, gas) for 5-6 weeks.
- Hospitals in affected areas faced severe operational challenges, impacting patient care and resource availability.
Purpose:
- To report on the impact of the Hanshin earthquake on emergency cardiac patient admissions and hospital functionality.
- To highlight the challenges in providing critical care for cardiac emergencies during a major natural disaster.
Summary:
- 63 emergency cardiac patients were admitted within 3 weeks post-earthquake, including congestive heart failure (32), unstable angina (6), and acute myocardial infarction (8).
- Congestive heart failure was prevalent in elderly patients with respiratory infections.
- Limited intensive care capacity necessitated the transfer of 20 critically ill patients to other facilities.
Impact:
- The study underscores the critical need for robust disaster preparedness plans for healthcare facilities in earthquake-prone regions.
- Major hospital functions are severely compromised in disaster areas, necessitating external support and alternative care strategies.
Abstract:
The Hanshin earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995, causing considerable disruption at our hospital due to lack of water and gas supplies for about 5-6 weeks after the earthquake. We admitted 63 cardiac patients as emergencies during first 3 weeks, including 32 with congestive heart failure, 6 with unstable angina, 8 with acute myocardial infarction and 17 with other diseases. Congestive heart failure occurred mainly in aged patients who suffered from upper respiratory infection or bronchitis. We were obliged to send 20 critically ill cardiac patients to other cardiac centers by helicopter or ambulance, because no intensive care could be provided. Major and high grade hospital functions cannot be achieved in earthquake areas.