BACKGROUND Preparedness of health care professionals for emergency situations is quite indispensable in quality health care; yet, information barely exists on the preparedness of health care professionals for emergency cases in health facilities in Ghana. This study sought to assess the preparedness of health professionals in preventing maternal mortality cases at a public health facility in Gh...

Better preparedness for an influenza pandemic mitigates its impact. Many countries have started developing and implementing national influenza pandemic preparedness plans. However, the level of preparedness varies among countries. Developing countries encounter unique and difficult issues and challenges in preparing for a pandemic. Deaths attributable to an influenza pandemic could be substanti...

Iwould like to take this opportunity in this final issue of 2009 to underscore the insightful observations made by the newly appointed Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dr Nicole Lurie, in recognizing the essential links between prevention, wellness, and preparedness. It is generally known and widely accepted that even though the United States spends more than $2 trillion annua...

The primary objective of the research is to provide detailed information on various social aspects of the Marmara earthquake. In particular, the research focuses on activities aimed at restoring basic social functions to the impacted region during the early recovery phase of the disaster. This paper examines three of those functions: (1) housing, (2) education, and (3) health care. The paper co...

This paper defines a specific plan which allows two separate institutions, with different capabilities, to function as a single receiving entity in the event of a mass casualty incident. The street between the two institutions will be closed to traffic and a two-phase process initiated. Arriving ambulances will first be quickly screened to expedite the most critical patients followed by formal ...

This final rule establishes national emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers to plan adequately for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordinate with federal, state, tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness systems. It will also assist providers and suppliers to adequately prepare to meet the needs of patients, reside...