Differences in Parent-Child Reporting in Three Hospitalized Singaporean Children with Traumatic Stress Symptomology Post-Accidental Injury—Implications in Help-Seeking Behavior

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important methods to promote emergency preparedness are hospital drills. Hospital drills are led by the Hospital Preparedness Branch in the Home Front Command and the Emergency and Disaster Management Division in the Ministry of Health. In 2008, hospital drills training a wide range of scenarios, including mass-casualty events (MCEs), and chemical, biological, and earthquake drills were held in 13 large hospitals. Lessons learned from hospital chemical drills include: (1) identifying the yellow line so there will be no bottlenecks; (2) clearing routes to transport the casualties; and (3) preventing duplication of roles or strain on hospital staff. In the integrated site, attention could focus on conventional injuries, ignoring the signs of poisoning. This issue must be refined among medical staff for continuing medical treatment. Lessons learned from hospital MCE drills include: (1) making the absorption plaza as large as possible for ambulances to unload casualties; (2) stay as dose as possible to the evacuation location; and (3) avoiding two-way of the stretchers. Lessons learned from hospital biological drills include: (1) working with full protection for hours is a burden; (2) a safety officer to recommend infection control and prevention must be appointed; and (3) training should be encouraged as a routine that will allow for the expansion of the ability to prevent infections. Lessons learned from hospital earthquake drills include: (1) when departments must be evacuated, an event manager is needed to manage the staff of that department; (2) an evacuation process and quick reporting of a hospital emergency must be functional; and (3) walkie-talkies and satellite telephones must be used. Conclusions: The lessons of each exercise were transferred to hospitals in a summary document distributed two weeks after the exercise. The hospital is required make the necessary changes based on these lessons learned. Three months after the exercise, a meeting was held with the staff and hospital industry representatives.