J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2015 Apr;26(2):149-158. 10.0000/jksem.2015.26.2.149.

Experiences of Disaster Medical Response System in a Fire at Goyang Bus Terminal

• Chae H
• Kim GB
• Park WN
• Park J
• Seo JS
• Kim I
• Cha MI

• KMID: 2191796
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jksem.2015.26.2.149

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to report medical care activities of Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and medical facilities that responded to the Goyang Bus Terminal fire on May 26, 2014, and to draw improvement of the current disaster medical response system.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed emergency medical service (EMS) run sheet and medical records of patients who visited the emergency department the day of the fire. We also interviewed the officials involved in disaster response.
RESULTS
A total of 73 patients participated in this study. Among them, 9 were classified as Emergency, 60 as Non-Emergency, and 4 as Death on arrival (DOA). Fifty one patients visited the nearest hospital, and 17 patients were transported by EMS. DMAT arrived at the scene in 58 minutes, however there was little medical activity.
CONCLUSION
Initial Triage and distribution of patients was rather inadequate and DMAT arrived late. For the future, we recommend constant training of the paramedics and leaders of 119, and to mend DMAT requesting and response system.

Keyword

Disasters; Fires; Mass casualty incidents; Medical assistance

MeSH Terms

Allied Health Personnel
Disasters*
Emergencies
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Service, Hospital
Fires*
Humans
Mass Casualty Incidents
Medical Assistance
Medical Records
Retrospective Studies
Triage