Area of damage- definition. Types, elements and characteristics.
Written by Anam Hussain
Definition:
Area of damage is the area or the territory where the DF affects the population, environment, and infrastructure. The main element of the area of damage is the damaging factor.
Elements of Area of damage (6):
- The area that has been hit by the DF. In order for this area to be defined, the boundaries must be drawn. These boundaries depend on: type of DF, risk objects, wind direction, meteorological characteristics e.g. air temperature, precipitation, temperature of water basins are important for the movement of DF. Also depends on hazards present in the AOD (which differ from the DF0, that could provoke additional/novel damage on health, infrastructure and environment. Quantity, power and activity of DF
- Population at risk
- Type of settlements and type of buildings are other indicators regarding the exposure and vulnerability of the population
- Potential exposure and impact of DF on animals and plants
- Environment affected- polluted soils, water and air could become dangerous for the population, inhaling toxic chemicals/compounds etc
- Casualties: type, number, location and severity or wounding. From a medical point of view casualties are the most important element of AOD. Casualties are divided into medical (those requiring medical aid due to injuries resulting from impact of the DF) and irreversible losses (injured but do not require medical assistance, those who have died under DF impact, missing people or those who have died whilst receiving medical care)
Types of AOD
- Mechanical Area of Damage (MAOD) In this type of AOD, medical losses involve mainly traumatic injuries and require medical aid in the form of general surgery. Medical losses occur due to DFs: overpressure, shock, thermal
- Chemical Area of Damage (CAOD) Casualties in this AOD suffer from different levels of intoxication depending on type and severity of chemical/element. Therapeutic treatment required as well as aid from specialist in toxicology.
- Radiological Area of Damage (RAOD) Under the influence of ionizing radiation, irradiated patients develop different levels of acute radiation syndrome and/or radio-dermatitis. They require general therapeutic help, which is enhanced by specialists in haematology.
- Biological Area of Damage (BAOD) Biological area of damage causes the development of infectious diseases that only affect a limited number of people in the population at risk, or which can develop as an epidemic. It is necessary to mobilize epidemiologists and to also provide aid from a specialist in infectious disease.