![]() FEMA-designated disaster counties were classified as in, near, or remote to the hurricane path based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data for hurricane trajectories. This was a retrospective observational study of ED visits in nine states where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared at least one county a disaster area 9 after any of the following seven hurricanes: Dennis, Wilma, Gustav, Irene, Isaac, Sandy, and Matthew. hurricanes between 20, across five patient age groups, across a range of disease categories, and by proximity to the hurricane’s path. 2, 3, 7 The unique contribution of this study is to examine ED utilization rates for the weeks during and after seven U.S. 2– 8 Two studies found a significant increase in ED utilization for older adults after Hurricane Sandy, 2, 7 and others noted an increased need for services that are not typically performed in the ED such as dialysis 2, 5, 6, 7 and prescription refills. These analyses were focused on a single storm, a single state, one age group, or specific health conditions, yet all showed an increase in ED utilization in the hurricane evacuation zone. Previous studies have examined changes in hospital utilization during hurricanes. 1 Examination of historical ED utilization patterns can contribute important information about community health needs following disasters and help state and local organizations plan future emergency responses. ![]() In fact, the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act requires EDs to examine and stabilize patients, regardless of their ability to pay, in the time of an emergency. Hospital emergency departments (EDs) are critical sources of health care during and immediately following natural disasters such as hurricanes. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |