J Korean Soc Emerg Med.
2008 Jun;19(3):263-272.
Emergency Medical Centers Preparedness for a Biological Disaster in Korea
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. kslim@amc.seoul.kr
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Kangneung Asan Medical Center, Kangneung, Korea.
- 3Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Hanyang College of Medicine, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Chonbuk College of Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical Center, Chonbuk, Korea.
- 5Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Medical Center, Ulsan, Korea.
Abstract
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PURPOSE: To investigate different emergency medical centers' (EMCs) preparedness for a biological disaster in Korea.
METHODS
A survey of 120 EMCs in Korea was done through questionnaire. We examined facilities, equipments and supplies, and emergency personnel training and drill.
RESULTS
Ninety (75%) EMCs participated in the survey. Sixteen were from regional/specialized EMCs and 74 were from local EMCs. The median for the number of staffed beds were 680(range, 200~2200) and the median for patient visits were 73(range, 24~210) per day. Ten(11%) of the 90 participating EMCs had personal protective equipments (PPEs); 7(8%) had wet decontamination units; 11(12%) had independent ventilation systems; 15(17%) had mechanical ventilator; 9(10%) had life lines; 39(43%) had alternative care sites and none (0%) had triage tag with presence of contamination. At least one drill was conducted annually in 11(12%). When the availability of resources needed in a biological disaster between regional/specialized EMCs and local EMCs were compared, the regional/specialized EMCs had PPEs(38% vs. 5%, p<0.01), wet decontamination unit(44% vs. 0%, p<0.01), independent ventilation systems (31% vs. 8%, p<0.05), and drills (38% vs. 7%, p<0.01) more frequently than local EMCs. Approximately 70% of the respondents attributed the above passive preparedness results from a lack of budget and the notion that only the minimum preparedness is necessary for the possibility of a biological disaster. Also, half of the respondents agreed that new infectious diseases will occur with a possibility of more than 50% in the future.
CONCLUSION
Our data indicated that preparedness of EMCs for a biological disaster in Korea was low. Therefore, we should develop comprehensive plans to remedy the identified deficiencies.
