EVAC-H. Evacuación de hospitales y sus áreas críticas

La evacuación de un hospital debe ser el último recurso para hacer frente a los efectos de una amenaza, pero si la evaluación de riesgo así lo determina, se llevará a cabo de forma preventiva. La evacuación de un hospital siempre representa un riesgo para la vida de los pacientes, sobre todo para aquellos que están en condiciones graves de salud. Por lo tanto, cada hospital debe desarrollar sus capacidades para ejecutar una evacuación, y que esta sea parte del “Plan hospitalario de respuesta a emergencias de salud y desastres.La evacuación y el traslado de los pacientes debe ser resultado de una planificación que incluya la capacitación del personal y que cuente con los equipos e insumos necesarios, que mantenga las rutas de evacuación completamente accesibles y que establezca los acuerdos o ajustes pertinentes con los sistemas de seguridad, traslado prehospitalario y otras instalaciones de la red de servicios de salud, que permitan una respuesta eficiente. El objetivo de esta herramienta es facilitar la elaboración o actualización del procedimiento de evacuación* como parte de la gestión de emergencias y desastres de un hospital (ítem 147 de la 2.a edición del Índice de seguridad hospitalaria [ISH] de la Organización Mundial de la Salud [OMS] y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud [OPS]). El documento está dirigido al personal directivo, planificadores y coordinadores de los hospitales que participan en la preparación para la respuesta y recuperación ante emergencias de salud y desastres.

Respuesta médica ante eventos bioterroristas / Medical answer before bioterrorists events

Resumen de la mesa redonda realizada durante el Congreso de Emergencias Médicas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, donde los expositores presentaron diferentes planes de contingencia ante este tipo de acontecimiento

Respuesta médica ante eventos bioterroristas / Medical answer before bioterrorists events

Resumen de la mesa redonda realizada durante el Congreso de Emergencias Médicas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, donde los expositores presentaron diferentes planes de contingencia ante este tipo de acontecimiento

Biblioteca Virtual de Salud para Desastres

Provee acceso a más de 300 publicaciones, en inglés, español, y francés sobre un conjunto variado de temas y aspectos técnicos relacionados con la salud en la respuesta y los preparativos para emergencias y desastres, así como con las actividades de prevención y mitigación destinadas a reducir el impacto de los mismos.

Strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations

The present report addresses the theme "Strengthening of the coordination of the United Nations humanitarian assistance to the victims of natural disasters and complex humanitarian emergencies, with particular attention to reaching the vulnerable segments of the population and the transition from relief to development". The report begins with an analysis of the causes and effects of humanitarian emergencies, highlighting the regional repercussions of humanitarian crises and the coordination mechanisms and tools adopted by the United Nations and its humanitarian partners to address them. It then examines the issue of "reaching the vulnerable populations" within the broad umbrella of the protection of civilians in armed conflict and details some of the challenges to securing safe and reliable humanitarian space for bringing assistance to those affected by humanitarian emergencies. It also underlines the particular efforts required to strengthen assistance to specially affected groups such as internally displaced persons, children, women and the elderly. In exploring the issue of the transition from relief to development, the report emphasizes the importance of early, integrated planning and the need to ensure that transitional programmes contribute to reducing the risks and impact of future natural hazards. In response to a request made by Member States, the report also details the finding of an independent review of the consolidated appeals process. The recommendations contained in the report revolve around the need to enhance regional capacities to respond to humanitarian emergencies, promote a "culture of protection" and adequately plan for the transition from relief to development. The recommendations on the consolidated appeals process focus on the need to strengthen humanitarian strategies and resource mobilization efforts, with increased support from donors and non-governmental organizations.(AU)

Health aspects of biological and chemical weapons

It groups in one place all the information that has now been published: the latest press releases from WHO, updated frequently asked questions about biological and chemical agents as well as links to other relevant information from WHO. Documents on PDF format, Acrobat Reader required.

The public health response to biological and chemical terrorism: interim planning guidance for state public health officials

It provides general guidance which can help state public health officials determine theroles of their departments in response to biological and chemical terrorism and tounderstand the emergency response roles of local health departments and the emergency management system. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader required.

Hospital preparedness for mass casualties - summary of an invitational forum

It presents recommendations and strategies to increase and facilitate hospital preparedness for mass casualties, regarding community-wide preparedness, staffing, communications, andpublic policy.

Investigation of anthrax associated with intentional exposure and interim public health guidelines

It updates the findings of the case investigations of inhalational anthrax in Florida, which indicate that infections were caused by the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis, and includes interim guidelines for postexposure prophylaxis for prevention of inhalational anthrax and other information to assist epidemiologists, clinicians, and laboratorians responding to intentional anthrax exposures. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader required.

Biological and chemical terrorism: strategic plan for preparedness and response - recommendations of the CDC Strategic Planning Workgroup

It contains recommendations to reduce vulnerability to biological and chemical terrorism: preparedness planning, detection and surveillance, laboratory analysis, emergency response, and communication systems. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader required.

Health aspects of biological and chemical weapons (unofficial draft)

It presents an analysis of the health aspects ofthe possible hostile use of biological or chemical agents, and information on the assessment of the threat to public health, biological and chemical agents, public health readiness for biological or chemical incidents, legal context, and international sources of assistance. Document in pdf format; Acrobat Reader required.

Rapid assessment of population size by area sampling in disaster situations

In the initial phase of a complex emergency, an immediate population size assessment method, based on area sampling, is vital to provide relief workers with a rapid population estimate in refugee camps. In the past decade, the method has been progressively improved; sis examples are presented in this paper and questions raised about its statiscal validity as well as important issues for further research. There are two stages. The first is to map the camp by registering all of its coordinates. In the second stage, the total camp population is estimated by counting the population living in a limited number of square blocks of known surface area, and by extrapolating average population calculated per block to the total camp surface. In the six camps selected in Asia and Africa, between 1992 and 1994, population figures were estimated within one to two days. After measuring all external limits, surfaces were calculated and ranged between 121300 and 2770000 square meters. In five camps, the mean average population per square was obtained using blocks 25 by 25 meters (625m²), and for another camp with blocks 100 by 100m². In three camps, different population density zones were defined. Total camp populations obtained were 16800 to 113600. Although this method is a valuable public health tool in emergency situations, it has several limitations. Issues related to population density and number and size of blocks to be selected require further research for the method to be better validated (AU)

The rationality of resistance : Alternatives for engagement in complex emergencies

The different conceptualisations of conflict in the complex emergency literature have profound implications on the perception of the agency of different groups and the prospects for conflict management. While much recent analysis has focused on the rational political and economic functions of violence, relatively little analysis has focused on why the majority of people chose not to resort to violence. Using Foucault's analysis of power relations, a new framework for conflict analysis is proposed which includes non-violent resistance is explored as a rational, highly adaptable response to acts of domination. A comprehensive understanding of conflict must recognise local forms of resistance and identify the barriers and opportunities for the engegement of the international humanitarian community with these groups. This engagement can be used to foster capacities for the creation of legitimate, inclusive, non-violent political and economic processes in the attempt to provide alternatives for everyone in the conflict. If the purpose of the study of complex emergencies is to understand the nature of various conflicts and, based on that understanding, make recommendations for possible routes to conflict management, the analysis of local resistance and efforts to foster it must become a major aspect fo the research agenda.(AU)

Emergency kit, part A.

KIT A contains the necessary drugs destined for the treatment of 100 people affected by trauma in emergency situations.

Emergency kit, part D.

Kit D contains only drugs to treat 100 people affected by diarroheal diseases including cholera, in emergency situations.

Guidelines for safe disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals in and after emergencies.

It provides advice on the implementation of safe disposal of unusable pharmaceuticals in emergencies and in countries in transition where official assistance and advice may not be available.

Outline strategy for malaria control in complex emergencies

It presents the actions necessary to develop and implement a strategy for effective malaria control in complex emergencies.

Outline strategy for malaria control in complex emergencies

It presents the actions necessary to develop and implement a strategy for effective malaria control in complex emergencies