Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116446

Michael J. Reilly, MPH NREMT-P, Center for Public Health Preparedness, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10032, 212-342-5544, mr2381@columbia.edu and Linda C. Degutis, DrPH, Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale University, 464 Congress Ave, Suite 260, New Haven, CT 06519.

Background: Trauma systems and trauma centers contribute to decreased morbidity and mortality. Currently, only 50% of the United States is covered by trauma systems, and 15 states have no existing trauma systems.

Purpose: To explore the potential roles of trauma centers and trauma systems in disaster planning and preparedness.

Methods: Using several search engines, we identified papers that delineated the roles of trauma centers and trauma systems, as well as their potential roles in disaster and emergency situations. Strengths and weaknesses of infrastructure and individual components were identified.

Results: Planning and prevention, and the integration and coordination of trauma system preparedness and response were cited most frequently as the major roles of trauma systems. Major strengths were trauma care and trauma system infrastructure. Other strengths included EMS system integration, and the ability to create partnerships in community planning and disaster preparedness. The three most cited weaknesses were equipment and supplies, communications, and surge capacity. The most common suggestion for improvement in response to disasters was improved integration and coordination with public health and community agencies in planning and prevention activities.

Conclusion: Trauma systems can enhance the public health response to disasters by capitalizing on the multi-agency relationships it maintains with members of the public safety community. The resources and skills which trauma systems and trauma centers can draw upon during a disaster or public health emergency can assist the public health preparedness infrastructure, by providing the means to delivery emergency health care services during a disaster or public health emergency.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the role of the trauma center and trauma system in disaster preparedness and response.
• Define the strengths and weaknesses of the trauma center and trauma system in disaster and public health preparedness.
• Identify areas of improvement for an integrated public health response to disasters and other public health emergencies.

Keywords: Hospitals, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.