Needs Assessment
In disasters the most effective efforts to minimize mortality are based on very specific, precisely targeted interventions against demonstrated causes of death. , Historically, however, humanitarian aid was dictated by…
Accidental versus Intentional Event
Not all disasters are easily recognized in their earliest stages. Although disasters caused by weather events (e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning), geologic events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions), and some technological events…
Community Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
On August 23, 2011, residents in the tristate area (Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia) experienced an uncharacteristic event, but one relatively commonplace in the western United States and other…
Disaster and Emergency Management Programs
What Is Disaster and Emergency Management? Offices of disaster and emergency management focus on providing aid to communities and other entities with prevention, preparation, and recovery from disastrous events. In…
Crisis Leadership in Public Health Emergencies
A crisis is “a serious threat to the basic structures or fundamental values and norms of the social system, which, under time pressure and highly uncertain circumstances, necessitates making critical…
Emergency Department Design
In the United States, hospitals build new emergency departments (EDs) every 15 to 20 years. Renovations of existing EDs occur every 5 to 10 years. The main concerns of ED…
Policy Issues in Disaster Preparedness and Response
At the intersection of public perception, science, the duty of government to act, and the rights of the individual sits public health policy. Guiding the paths of health care providers,…
Occupational Medicine: An Asset in Time of Crisis
Tee L. Guidotti Disasters, by definition, are more than just “large-scale” incidents or events with multiple casualties. They differ qualitatively from routine medical emergencies and public health threats. This qualitative difference…
Worker Health and Safety in Disaster Response
This chapter addresses worker safety in disaster response, including evaluation and management of workers involved in a disaster, medical surveillance, legal and regulatory requirements related to worker exposures, and specific…
