ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The discussions in this theme provided an opportunity to share specific experiences with disasters that occurred outside of the Asia-Pacific Rim. METHODS: Details of the methods used are provided in the preceding paper. The chairs moderated all presentations and produced a summary that was presented to an assembly of all of the delegates. Since the findings from the Theme 7 and Theme 3 groups were similar, the chairs of both groups presided over one workshop that resulted in the generation of a set of action plans that then were reported to the collective group of all delegates. RESULTS: The main points developed during the presentations and discussion included: (1) disaster response planning, (2) predetermined command and organizational structure, (3) rapid response capability, (4) mitigation, and (5) communications and alternatives. DISCUSSION: The action plans presented are in common with those presented by Theme 3, and include: (1) plan disaster responses including the different types, identification of hazards, training based on experiences, and provision of public education; (2) improving coordination and control; (3) maintaining communications assuming infrastructure breakdown; (4) maximizing mitigation through standardized evaluations, creation of a legal framework, and recognition of advocacy and public participation; and (5) providing resources and knowledge through access to existing therapies, using the media, and increasing decentralization of hospital inventories. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the problems that occurred outside the Asia-Pacific rim relative to disaster management are similar to those experienced within it. They should be addressed in common with the rest of the world.
Subject(s)
Communication , Disaster Planning/organization & administration , Global Health , Health Planning/organization & administration , Interinstitutional Relations , International Cooperation , Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems/organization & administration , Health Education/organization & administration , Health Services Research , Humans , Job Description , Leadership , Models, Organizational , Needs AssessmentABSTRACT
Hypothermia is a common complication in fluid resuscitation of the hypovolemic patient. Warm intravenous (IV) fluids have been shown to be a valuable adjunct in volume replacement to prevent this complication. A rapid method of warming IV fluids is the microwave oven. Heating time for liter bags of crystalloid to 39 C was determined to be two minutes at high power, 600 W. Fresh frozen plasma was thawed with five 30-second exposures to microwave radiation. Microwave warming of packed red blood cells (PRBC), 4 C to 37 C, resulted in a 17-fold increase in plasma hemoglobin over that of water bath controls, (P greater than .01). Heating on a warm cycle to room temperature, 21 C, caused an average 26% increase in plasma hemoglobin. Therefore, we do not advocate microwave warming of PRBC because of the possible danger of local overheating, which causes hemolysis. We warm PRBC secondarily by diluting with microwave-warmed, calcium-free crystalloid.
Subject(s)
Heating/methods , Hematocrit , Hypothermia/prevention & control , Microwaves , Fluid Therapy/adverse effects , Hemoglobins , Hemolysis , Humans , Hypothermia/etiology , ResuscitationABSTRACT
Five cases of right-sided rupture of the diaphragm are reviewed. Orthopedic injury, head injury, and shock were the most common associated findings. Apparent elevation of the right hemidiaphragm was seen initially in all cases, but two were misdiagnosed. An algorithm that includes modified peritoneal lavage, CT scan with contrast, and intraperitoneal Tc sulfur colloid is suggested for patients with suspected right diaphragmatic trauma.
