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Medical Support for Emergency Relief Workers After Typhoon Sudal in Yap, Micronesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Robert Partridge ,
Kevin King  and
Lawrence Proano
Robert Partridge*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of International Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Kevin King
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Instructor, Boston School of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Lawrence Proano
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of International Emergency Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
*
Robert Partridge Department of Emergency Medicine/Samuels 2, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street Providence, RI 02903, USA E-mail: Robert_Partridge_MD@Brown.edu
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Abstract

Introduction:

On 09 April 2004, Typhoon Sudal struck the Island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Over 90% of homes, public utilities, and public property were damaged or destroyed. Nearly 10% of the population was displaced to shelters, and the majority of the population was without drinking water or power. United States disaster workers were deployed to Yap for three months to assist in the recovery and relief efforts.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute healthcare needs of the US disaster relief population serving in a remote setting with limited medical resources.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all disaster relief workers presenting to an emergency clinic in Yap during the disaster relief effort from April 2004–July 2004 was performed. Investigators extracted demographic data, chief complaints, medical histories, medical management, disposition, and outcome data from the clinic charts.

Results:

Together, the 60 disaster workers present on Yap during the relief effort made 163 patient contacts in the disaster emergency clinic. A total of 92% of patient contacts were for minor medical complaints or minor trauma, 13% were for upper-respiratory infections, 9% were for gastrointestinal illness, and 9% were for dermatological problems. Eight percent of visits were for serious medical problems or trauma. Life-threatening illnesses or injuries did not occur.

Conclusions:

Disaster relief workers on Yap frequently utilized the disaster relief clinic. In general, disaster workers remained healthy during the relief effort in Yap, and most injuries and illnesses were minor. On-site medical providers resulted in rapid care and stabilization, and after treatment, disaster workers were able to return to duty.

Keywords

emergencymedical problemsrelief workersremotesuppliestrauma
Type
Brief Report
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 3 , June 2006 , pp. 215 - 219
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2006

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