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Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 1/2011

Open Access 01-02-2011 | Original Article

Evaluation of admissions to the Major Incident Hospital based on a standardized protocol

Authors: G. M. H. Marres, J. van der Eijk, M. Bemelman, L. P. H. Leenen

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Introduction

The Major Incident Hospital (MIH) is a unique facility strictly reserved to provide immediate large-scale emergency care for victims of disasters and major incidents. We evaluated the implemented organization to identify strengths and weaknesses, and provide knowledge essential for further improvement of preparedness.

Method

According to the Protocol for Reports from Major accidents and Disasters (PRMD) and along with our five scenarios for activation, we analyzed all the data from evaluation reports of all our deployments since the MIH was founded in 1991.

Results

The MIH was able to provide group-wise emergency care to military (29 admissions) as well as civilian victims of major incidents and disasters, both national (260) and international (226). Group-wise treatment was advantageous for quarantine, logistics, registration, emotional support and (pre)arrangements for family, media and security. Strong points are preparedness and availability of a dedicated facility, including ICU, X-ray and OR facilities, irrespective of MRSA status and prearranged cooperation, e.g., with a trauma centre, poison centre and the military. Evaluation, research and training resulted in a barcode registration system and continuous adaptations to improve preparedness. Shortage of resources did not occur; use of the MIH’s available resources for national incidents though, could be further optimized.

Conclusions

Recommendations for the future are: improvement of imbedding in regional and national procedures, continued dedicated time and staff for training, research and development, improvement of nuclear/biological/chemical decontamination facilities and preparedness, implementation of standardized scoring systems and expansion of registration systems to the prehospital setting.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluation of admissions to the Major Incident Hospital based on a standardized protocol
Authors
G. M. H. Marres
J. van der Eijk
M. Bemelman
L. P. H. Leenen
Publication date
01-02-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-010-0067-0

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