Lessons of Hurricane Rita

Continuing to provide medical care for critically ill and displaced patients during a disaster scenario, such as those experienced along the Gulf Coast during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, requires logistical and tactical training and preparedness for circumstances such as loss of power, water, sanitation, and communication infrastructure, according to an editorial by members of the U.S. Public Health Service, published in the September 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. 

The authors, who organized an emergency shelter in Alexandria, LA, in the days following Katrina, observed that the keys to preparation for a disaster include training in the following areas:

• how to implement an incident command structure
• communications principles
• team-building skills

Tactical considerations for disaster preparedness include:

• cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities
• a redundant communications system
• knowledge of local, regional, and national assets
• back-up supplies of water, electrical generators, and oxygen

Other considerations include:

• preparedness for infection control
• mental health interventions
• armed security
• sewage/sanitation
• disinfection
• transportation
• immunizations

"Our broad clinical skills were necessary in Alexandria, but would not have been sufficient without practical training and experience in organization, communications, logitstics, and operations," the authors reported.

To read the article, click here.