J Korean Med Assoc.  2014 Dec;57(12):999-1007. 10.5124/jkma.2014.57.12.999.

Experiences and lessons of the disaster medical assistance in Korea

• Hong W
• Kim I
• Wang SJ

• KMID: 1736628
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2014.57.12.999

Abstract

In the cases of two important disasters that occurred in Korea in 2014, it was important to spread information early and to respond systematically for rapid utilization of disaster medical resources. Initial response units such as fire and police departments should deliver disaster medical information to disaster medical units and systems to facilitate the rapid response of disaster medical resources. When considering disaster medical situations in Korea, the size of a disaster medical assistance team should be smaller compared to the United States for an effective domestic disaster medical response. In addition, regional disaster manuals or guidelines should be accepted in place of instructions from the central government for detailed disaster medical response in each disaster region, and repeated disaster drills that include related organizations should be performed. The provision of institutional strategy is needed to support the basis of on-site disaster medical assistance activities and the existence of disaster medical assistance team.

Keyword

Disasters; Disaster medicine; Disaster medical system; Sewol; Mauna

MeSH Terms

Disaster Medicine
Disasters*
Fires
Humans
Korea
Medical Assistance*
Police
United States

Figure

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  Figure 1 Map of sinking of the motor vessel Sewol spot, nearest harbor (Paengmok) and near hospitals.

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  Figure 2 Timeline of initial disaster medical response in sinking of the motor vessel Sewol. MOHW, Ministry of Health and Welfare; NEMC, National Emergency Medical Center; NMC, National Medical Center; DMAT, disaster medical assistant team.

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  Figure 3 Distribution of disaster response resources at Jindo Paengmok harbor in sinking of the motor vessel Sewol.

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