Open AccessWind disasters: A comprehensive review of current management strategies
Author(s) -
Raffaele Marchigiani,
Stephanie Gordy,
James Cipolla,
Raeanna C. Adams,
David C. Evans,
Christy D. Stehly,
Sagar Galwankar,
Sarah Russell,
Alan P. Marco,
Nicholas Kman,
Sanjeev Bhoi,
Stanislaw P Stawicki,
Thomas J Papadimos
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of critical illness and injury science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.274
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2231-5004
pISSN - 2229-5151
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5151.114273
Subject(s) - preparedness , globe , health care , emergency management , medicine , disaster response , environmental planning , medical emergency , risk analysis (engineering) , environmental science , political science , law , ophthalmology
Wind disasters are responsible for tremendous physical destruction, injury, loss of life and economic damage. In this review, we discuss disaster preparedness and effective medical response to wind disasters. The epidemiology of disease and injury patterns observed in the early and late phases of wind disasters are reviewed. The authors highlight the importance of advance planning and adequate preparation as well as prompt and well-organized response to potential damage involving healthcare infrastructure and the associated consequences to the medical response system. Ways to minimize both the extent of infrastructure damage and its effects on the healthcare system are discussed, focusing on lessons learned from recent major wind disasters around the globe. Finally, aspects of healthcare delivery in disaster zones are reviewed.