The Medical Association Activity and Pediatric Care after the Earthquake Disaster in Fukushima

Abstract

On March 11, 2011, a gigantic earthquake struck eastern Japan. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunication were interrupted. In Koriyama, the City Hall collapsed and government administration offices had to be moved to a nearby baseball stadium that had been designed to include facilities for use during a pandemic. An operations center was set up in this stadium. As members of the Koriyama Medical Association, we following the disaster protocol and set up our operations center in the Koriyama Medical Care Hospital. One large hospital with 280 inpatients and another hospital with 150 inpatients had been heavily damaged. Transfer of those patients to other hospitals without the use of telecommunications was extremely difficult. Many doctors in member hospitals and clinics went out of their way to cooperate throughout the crisis. Up to 5,000 people from the radiation evacuation zone were rushed to Koriyama. They stayed in schools and community centers, where we provided them with healthcare. Even in Koriyama, which is 60 km away from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, radiation levels were high, especially for the first few weeks. Citizens were advised to stay at home and keep their doors and windows closed. These drastic measures and frequent earthquake aftershocks were very stressful, especially for children. To help prevent children from developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a project team composed of various groups caring for children was developed, and this team took action to protect children. Through these efforts we hoped to provide children with an appropriate environment to grow normally, even in a zone of persistent low-level radiation. We demonstrated once again that our members' long history of mutual assistance and cooperation with the administration was the main cornerstone to overcome the crisis. (Keio J Med 61 (1) : 23-27, March 2012)

Psychosocial care to affected citizens and communities in case of CBRN incidents: A systematic review

“…Also, elderly people may need more preparation time because they are more difficult to evacuate and may react differently to medication (Johnson et al, 2006). Furthermore, after the Japanese earthquake in 2011 that damaged a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, midwives advised pregnant women about radiation effects to relieve their worries about the negative impact upon their unborn child (Kikuchi and Kikuchi, 2012). Responders and medical staff should also educate and train themselves in the (health) effects of CBRN agents and in using protective measures to be able to respond appropriately when disaster strikes.…”

“…Interventions following a CBRN event should be practical and supportive: "The first thing people want is practical support, the second thing is to talk or not or talk with people from their own social network; professionals come low down on the list" (Wessely, 2005). 15 studies addressed the importance of the accessibility of support for the affected community (Dodgen et al, 2011, Hick et al, 2011, Lemyre et al, 2010a, Lemyre et al, 2010b, Oordt, 2006and Ritchie et al, 2004 and specific groups such as children and responders (Benedek et al, 2002, Kikuchi and Kikuchi, 2012, Lemyre et al, 2010a, O'Boyle et al, 2006and Vazquez et al, 2010. Various recommendations to facilitate support are given.…”

“…Engel developed a programme based on the literature on the 1991 Gulf War (after which 17% of UK Gulf War veterans suffered from the 'Gulf War syndrome' and suffered from symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and depression) comprising preventive efforts, such as family education and support networks, signalling those with symptoms, low intensity primary care treatment, and finally, intensive rehabilitation to reduce morbidity. Finally after Fukushima, various interventions to prevent PTSD among children have been conducted (but not evaluated), such as setting up play centres for children in evacuation centres (Kikuchi and Kikuchi, 2012).…”

“…Combination: CBRN events and general disasters/ terrorism Medical professionals Kikuchi and Kikuchi (2012) (3, 4; no design described, description of an intervention, weak)…”

Web-Based Supportive Psychotherapy to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study on the Iranian National Under-14 Girls’ Football Team After Nepal Earthquake in 2015

“…There is adequate evidence to confirm the necessity of such therapies in preventing the damages of adverse events after PTSD symptoms are observed in a postcatastrophic period (11). Similar studies applying mental support showed very successful results in decreasing postshock symptoms of PTSD, especially among children (12).…”