An Analysis of Disaster Recognition in Medical Personnel and 119 Rescuers after Daegu Subway Disaster

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Disaster is defined as hazards that impact on human lives, causing adverse physical, social, economic or even political effects that exceed abilitiesto rapidly and effectively respond. The purpose of this study, conducted in 2003 and in 2005, was to improve regional disaster plans through a disaster-recognition survey conducted among medical personnel and rescuers in Daegu, Korea. METHODS: This study was carried out using a questionnaire to gauge disaster awareness among medical personnel and 119 rescuers in the Daegu area. We compared responses obtained from medical personnel with those obtained from 119 rescuers. One way ANOVA was used for comparisons. Statistical significance attributed to a pvalue less than 0.05. RESULTS: Many medical personnel and 119 rescuers showed a poor understanding of the disaster response system with regard to activities and triage systems at disaster sites, communication between facilities emergency response exercises in mock disasters, and laws and regulations related to regional governments and facilities. This lack of understanding was especially evident among medical personnel. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that medical personnel and rescuers in Daegu had little understanding of and ability to cope with actual disaster conditions. In view of the close cooperation required in disaster situations between regional medical facilities, rescue workers and government agencies, disaster training and education are imperative. If these groups can work together well, any disaster can be dealt with rapidly and effectively.