Medical Intelligence
Written by Anam Hussain
Definition:
Medical Intelligence is the process of collection, analysis, assessment, evaluation, processing and dissemination of every single piece of medical information. It is a specific medical activity aimed at providing Disaster Medical Planners and Managers with the required information regarding the disaster in the shortest possible time-frame.
It is necessary for DMS panning and management, that is why it is performed throughout all disaster development phases. Everyone in the medical community should be able to perform medical intelligence. It is performed by the first medical unit that receives the signal and arrives first at the AOD, hence it is the first medical activity to be performed. Intelligence activities are managed by the physician in charge of the unit. Performers have to be medical professionals. They should be trained for the task and prepared to protect themselves and to start DMS. Medical intelligence is also used to monitor the situation after DMMS completion
Medical information itself is every data regarding factors with possible impact or influence on human health. Data on the other hand is raw facts, something existing. Data can become information if it is: accurate and timely, specific and organised for a purpose, if it presented in a context that gives it meaning and relevance, if it can lead to an increase in understanding and a decrease in uncertainty.
In order to assure, the security of the medical team, accurate answers must be found for the following questions/issues related to:
- Type of disaster
- Time of onset
- Place and location of event
- AOD size and areas at risk
- Damaging factors-related to type of disaster
- Risk factors
- Damages to critical infrastructure
- Protective equipment and preventative measures, required
- Location of the collective shelters and personal protective measures required
For provision of medical support to the affected population, the questions to be answered are:
- Who is the Population at risk?
- Type, number, structure and location of medical losses
- Status, operability, capability of medical means and capabilities in AOD
- Elements of URS active in the AOD
Information valuable for the planners and DMS managers concern:
- Required medical means and capabilities of medical support, for all those in need
- Location of FMS
- If known medical facilities are capable of providing required teams and means for enhancing DMS capabilities
- Routes for ingress
- Routes for egress
- Location of the triage area
- Location of medical evacuation area
- Location of triage area
- Communication systems available