Assessing Healthcare Facilities Preparedness for Mass Fatalities Incident

Abstract

Background: Any healthcare facility must be prepared to handle a dramatic increase in deaths that can be produced by a catastrophic disaster. A mass fatality incident (MFI) will significantly increase the usual number of deaths that hospitals or forensic science services can manage on a daily basis. A survey was conducted to assess the hospital emergency department level of preparedness to deal with an MFI. Objective: To examine healthcare facilities level of preparedness for an MFI and morgue capacity. Methods: A total of 39 out of a sample of 44 hospitals participated in the study. Seven questionnaires were administered to explore: hospital general characteristics; emergency plans; equipment and infrastructure; collaborative agreements; personnel trainings; emergency communications; laboratory facilities; treatment protocols; security; and, epidemiologic surveillance. Results: Three-fourths (79.5%) of the healthcare facilities reported having a morgue, their average storage capacity was of three bodies. More than two-thirds (66.7%) of the institutions stated that they could not increase their morgue's capacity. Most installations without a morgue do not possess an agreement with any other institution for the management of bodies. Hospitals have a very limited number of body bags utilized for the handling and transport of bodies. Conclusion: Most of healthcare facilities have morgues, but there are limitations with the current capacity and the lack of resources to increase their capacity in case of a disaster. Management of an MFI must be part of every hospital's emergency plan, and must include collaborative agreements with forensic authorities, emergency management and public health agencies, and the community.

Emergency Preparedness for Communicable Diseases in Public Hospitals in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Republic of Ghana

“…To determine the emergency preparedness level of health facilities in disaster management certain key areas needs to be put into consideration such as treatment guidelines, trained personnel plans, equipment and epidemiologic surveillance and these indicators seem to be in place in all the study facilities [1]. Staff had received training in the management of communicable diseases, there is treatment protocols readily available and could be found and assessable to all.…”

“…Emergencies are unpredictable hence when they occur, they lead to immediate demand on public health resources. The capability of affected institutions and countries to handle such situations can be compromised, exposing the deficiencies at the various levels of their emergency preparedness [1]. The main goal of every health facility is to prevent or minimize the loss of lives during such occurrences [2].…”

“…Richard Smith indicated that the development of an effective surveillance and response system probably is the most important way of reducing the impact of diseases outbreak [9]. Preparing before emergency occurs plays an important role in ensuring that employers and workers have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and skills and attitude to protect themselves and others [1].…”

The Impact of Natural Hazards on Population Vulnerability and Public Health Systems in Tropical Areas

“…Therefore, it has to be a government priority to identify communities exposed to different natural and physical hazards, to characterize their vulnerability, evaluate shelters capacity (temporary and emergency) and evaluate the State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan. In case of an emergency, temporary and emergency shelters must be able to provide daily necessities such as food, water, sleeping arrangement, and other needed services [16] However government dependencies tend to have limited capability to respond to disasters, specifically when homes and settlements are fully destroyed or severely damaged [17]. Another important complex element of community recovery is associated with the infrastructure that is fundamental for the operations of other systems dependent upon transportation, electricity, water, and waste disposal to carry out their normal activities [16].…”

“…In case of an emergency, temporary and emergency shelters must be able to provide daily necessities such as food, water, sleeping arrangement, and other needed services [16] However government dependencies tend to have limited capability to respond to disasters, specifically when homes and settlements are fully destroyed or severely damaged [17]. Another important complex element of community recovery is associated with the infrastructure that is fundamental for the operations of other systems dependent upon transportation, electricity, water, and waste disposal to carry out their normal activities [16]. In that manner, not only the government agencies must be organized, but also hospital and health care services must be prepared to deal efficiently and effectively with different emergencies and disasters [18].…”