Challenges of prehospital aerial operations in response to earthquake hazards: A qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS: Due to the severity of the earthquake, it may need immediate treatment and transfer of the injured people to advanced medical centers, as well as dispatch of the expert team and specialized health equipment to the accident-affected area. Aerial emergency is an important responsibility of the health care system in this situation. The study aimed to extract the prehospital emergency challenges of Iran aerial operations emergency in response to the earthquake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was qualitative content analysis with conventional approach. Sampling was done in a purposive method and data were collected through semi-structured interview. The panel involved consists of 26 health professionals in medical emergencies. Recorded interviews were transcribed into written and then conventional content analysis was used to derive coding categories directly from the text data. RESULTS: Content analysis is provided 97 initial codes, 20 subcategories and 4 main categories including challenges of “response assessment,” “support,” “pre-hospital staff-management,” and “response operation,” respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the necessity to assess the affected area, staffing, and management actions, including integrated operations command and the development of a dedicated response plan, as well as the use of strategies inter-organizational coordination in the response phase to earthquake. This study also emphasized that providing standard equipment, support actions, and strengthening communication infrastructure, and updating the aerial emergency system should be considered as one of the priorities of the emergency organization of Iran to provide a desired response to the earthquake.

Exploring Volunteer Pharmacists’ Experiences in Responding to 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

“…38 Pharmacy national bodies along with health departments need to establish a comprehensive workforce management plan including identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, defining roles and responsibilities, and developing protocols and procedures for various scenarios in disasters. 36,48 Moreover, this plan could lead to preparing a pool of qualified personnel in advance, determining the number and types of personnel needed, as well as the necessary equipment, 31 supplies, 39 and facilities 41 required to support their efforts, providing transportation, 49 accommodation, 31,40 food, 33 and equipment 33 to support the workforce, ensuring the safety 39,50 and well-being of the workforce. Planning the post-disaster recovery 35 processes can provide the reintegration of the workforce into normal operations.…”

“…Similar challenges were mentioned in previous studies. 31,33,[39][40][41] In addition, these challenges also negatively impacted the mental 7,[42][43][44] and the physical well-being 10,33,42 of volunteers, and could significantly impact their health. 40,45 Following a disaster, health-care professionals commonly experience distressing feelings.…”

Prehospital Emergency Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

“…Also, poor access, lack of infrastructure, lack of experienced and skilled EMS personnel, and poor communication, were among the major reasons behind ineffective prehospital care delivery in developing countries. 31,36,37,41,[43][44][45] In a few cases, the prehospital care system was well poised to meet the demand for prehospital emergency care and transport. Mould-Millman, et al 11 found that the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in a region of Ghana was well poised to meet the demand for prehospital emergency care and transport.…”

“…34,37,41,42 Insufficient multidisciplinary teams and poor infrastructure, including road access, lack of basic materials, and uncoordinated and fragmented system, were frequently cited as a challenge to the effective functioning of the prehospital care system. 36,[42][43][44][45] Five studies assessed prehospital care and preparedness plans during disasters. 44,[46][47][48][49] Issues like lack of a structured disaster management plan, absence of standardized medical teams, shortages of resources, lack of basic knowledge among rescue teams, and ineffective coordination were observed in the studies (Table 1 11, ).…”

“…36,[42][43][44][45] Five studies assessed prehospital care and preparedness plans during disasters. 44,[46][47][48][49] Issues like lack of a structured disaster management plan, absence of standardized medical teams, shortages of resources, lack of basic knowledge among rescue teams, and ineffective coordination were observed in the studies (Table 1 11, ).…”