10. Disasters’ Medical Support – Definition, Objective, Principles, Tasks

Disasters’ Medical Support- definition. Objective. Principles and Tasks

Written by Anam Hussain

Definition:

Disasters’ medical support is defined as system, organisation and structures, established to prepare and execute proper and adequate medical operations in support of the affected population and the population at risk.

DMS consists of:

• Evacuation and treatment: triage, first medical aid, medical evacuation and treatment
• Hygienic and anti-epidemic observation and prophylaxis
• Medical means and capabilities: medical teams, healthcare establishments, emergency medical centres

Objective: to prevent human life and health damage and to lessen the number of fatalities and those injured and disabled, in case of a disaster.

Tasks (6):

1. To educate and maintain a high level of readiness of the medical staff and facilities
2. Well-timed provision of first medical aid, stabilization, evacuation and treatment of the injured until their recovery
3. To prevent and treat neuropsychological and emotional effects of the disaster
4. To improve hygiene and sanitary measures to prevent epidemic outbreaks
5. To preserve health and fitness of medical professionals working in the AOD
6. To perform forensic medical expertise and disability expertise of the casualties

Principles (13):

1. Administrative principle-The organisation is based upon the administrative- territorial division of the country.
2. Universal principle- To be prepared to act in all types of AOD.
3. Preparedness principle- To be prepared to act under the impact of DFs
4. Principle of autonomy- to be prepared to work independently in an austere and hostile environment
5. Readiness principle- to maintain high level of readiness for immediate reaction
6. Principle for resources assurance- To ensure resources including medical and technical equipment are available for DMS operations
7. Principle for awareness- efficient and prompt exchange of information
8. Principle of unity- unified principles and methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment
9. Accessibility Principle- providing medical help closest to the casualties
10. Co-ordination principle- co-ordination, co-operation, sub-ordination
11. Principle of sequence- early hazard identification, early triage and rapid evacuation
12. Principle of continuity- continuity of medical aid from AOD to hospital for definite treatment
13. Functional principle- all DMS means and capabilities are planned based on this principle.