Evidence-based Informed Recommend for Emergency Management after Earthquake

Article type
Authors
Fei-Chen Q, Li L, Gao Z, Wen J, Ping-Li Y
Abstract
Background: On May 12, 2008, a Richter 8.0 earthquake hit southwestern China. 69,227 people died and about 15 million be resettled, infrastructure was damaged. Under the leadership of Chinese government, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Department of Sichuan province took emergency response. Objective: Non-classical systematic review methods was used to summary the evidence of emergency management in Wenchuan earthquake, aiming to recommend evidence-based emergencymanagement strategy and measures. Method: Database ofMedline, CBM was searched using keyword of earthquake . Included literatures were analyzed by descriptive method. Results: 4792 articles after initial searching and 488 were included finally. The emergency management performance of the medical institutions as following: 1) 1st -3rd day after earthquake, the main task was searching and rescuing under commanding of the MOH and provincial health department. 2) Medical rescue for the injured was implemented from 3rd day to 1st week. Epidemic prevention also started in this period. About 35, 880 medical personnel were recruited, 68,788 patients received treatment. After 10 days, disaster areas were all covered by medical assistance. 3) From 2nd to 4th weeks, transfer the injured and epidemic prevention was the major assignment. 4) From 1st to 3rd month, physical and psychological rehabilitation and population resettled were mainly implemented. Total of 1.064 million people received psychological health education. 5) From 1st month, reconstruction post-disaster was major task. The first quarter GDP of disastrous areas increased 8.9% in 2009. Conclusion: Under the leadership of MOH and cooperation of other departments, Health departments at different levels took comprehensive emergency management strategy and measures to meet the requirements of different period after earthquake, and finished the reconstruction both the damage houses and health system. These strategy and measures are helpful to cure the injured timely, prevent epidemic disease and promote rehabilitation.