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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | COVID-19 | Review

When disasters strike the emergency department: a case series and narrative review

Authors: Dennis G. Barten, Vincent W. Klokman, Sigrid Cleef, Nathalie A. L. R. Peters, Edward C. T. H. Tan, Arjen Boin

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Introduction

Emergency departments (EDs) are reasonably well prepared for external disasters, such as natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and terrorist attacks.

However, crises and disasters that emerge and unfold within hospitals appear to be more common than external events. EDs are often affected. Internal hospital crises and disasters (IHCDs) have the potential to endanger patients, staff, and visitors, and to undermine the integrity of the facility as a steward of public health and safety. Furthermore, ED patient safety and logistics may be seriously hampered.

Methods

Case series of 3 disasters within EDs. Narrative overview of the current IHCD-related literature retrieved from searches of PubMed databases, hand searches, and authoritative texts.

Discussion

The causes of IHCDs are multifaceted and an internal disaster is often the result of a cascade of events. They may or may not be associated with a community-wide event. Examples include fires, floods, power outages, structural damage, information and communication technology (ICT) failures, and cyberattacks. EDs are particularly at-risk. While acute-onset disasters have immediate consequences for acute care services, epidemics and pandemics are threats that can have long-term sequelae.

Conclusions

Hospitals and their EDs are at-risk for crises and their potential escalation to hospital disasters. Emerging risks due to climate-related emergencies, infectious disease outbreaks, terrorism, and cyberattacks pose particular threats. If a hospital is not prepared for IHCDs, it undermines the capacity of administration and staff to safeguard the safety of patients. Therefore, hospitals and their EDs must check and where necessary enhance their preparedness for these contingencies.

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Title: When disasters strike the emergency department: a case series and narrative review
Authors: Dennis G. Barten
Vincent W. Klokman
Sigrid Cleef
Nathalie A. L. R. Peters
Edward C. T. H. Tan
Arjen Boin
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: COVID-19
Natural Disasters
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00372-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

When disasters strike the emergency department: a case series and narrative review

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Discussion

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Discussion

Conclusions

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