Abstract Human physiology is well adapted to sea-level atmospheric pressure. Decreased atmospheric pressures at altitude have profound effects on human physiology and anesthetic delivery. Seemingly arcane, the need for high-altitude…
Abstract In September 2017 Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico. The Category 4 hurricane destroyed the power grid, communication networks, and caused significant flooding that left 3.4 million residents…
Abstract Hospitals and the healthcare systems are dependent upon reliable and redundant communication systems. Communications is the most common failure complaint following a disaster. When these systems fail, as they…
Abstract Radiology in the austere environment is an evolving entity. The extent to which the anesthesiologist will have to be aware of issues related to radiology is highly dependent upon…
Abstract Sadly, war has perhaps been one of the few constants throughout the history of humanity. This has in turn necessitated rules and law that place boundaries on these hostilities….
Abstract A disaster may occur through natural or man-made events. It can be the result of war, terrorist events, or through so-called acts of god such as floods, tsunamis, earthquakes,…
Abstract Situations of disaster, whether due to natural disaster or man-made disaster, are non-discriminatory. All individuals are affected equally, whether male or female, young or old. Persons who are providing…
Abstract Optimal management of severe pain in a traditional hospital setting can be a challenging process. 1-3 Yet, attempting to manage pain in an out-of-hospital, combat, or austere environment is…
Abstract Ethanol and recreational drugs are by far the most common chemical exposures associated with trauma. This chapter, however, covers other possibly associated exposures: toxic industrial chemicals (TIC), chemical weapons…
Abstract A child’s response to disaster is influenced by developmental stage, parental coping, and family stability. Parents are expected to monitor the eating, sleeping, and socializing of very young children,…
