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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Natural Disasters | State of International Emergency Medicine

The leading role of expert safety knowledge in supporting the mission of caring for patients during man-made and natural disasters: state of emergency medicine in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine

Authors: Ralph C. Miles, Vivian I. Avelino-Silva, Wilfred Odoke, Jan van den Hombergh, Fernanda F. Fonseca, Mengistu GebreMichael, Yaroslava Lopatina, Win Oo, Adele Schwartz Benzaken

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Preparedness to endure extreme situations such as natural disasters or military conflicts is not commonplace in healthcare training programs. Moreover, multidisciplinary teams in health services rarely (if ever) include experts in security. However, when emergency situations occur, prevailing healthcare demands do not cease to exist, and unexpected demands often surge due to the shortage of other services and supplies or as a consequence of the emergency condition itself.

With services in 45 countries, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has operated in several conflict zones, facing broad and challenging security demands. Since 2017 AHF has implemented the Global Department of Safety and Security (GDSS), a dedicated intelligence and safety program that had a key role in the security monitoring, preparedness, and defense responses, assisting staff members and clients during recent conflicts.

In this manuscript, we describe the experience of AHF’s GDSS in three recent military conflicts in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine, and provide insights into steps that can be taken to assure staff safety and support the mission of caring for patients throughout catastrophic events.

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Title: The leading role of expert safety knowledge in supporting the mission of caring for patients during man-made and natural disasters: state of emergency medicine in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine
Authors: Ralph C. Miles
Vivian I. Avelino-Silva
Wilfred Odoke
Jan van den Hombergh
Fernanda F. Fonseca
Mengistu GebreMichael
Yaroslava Lopatina
Win Oo
Adele Schwartz Benzaken
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Natural Disasters
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00609-1

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The leading role of expert safety knowledge in supporting the mission of caring for patients during man-made and natural disasters: state of emergency medicine in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine

Abstract

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Abstract

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