FACTORS INFLUENCING RELIEF EFFORTS AND PROVISION OF MEDICAL AID

FACTORS INFLUENCING RELIEF EFFORTS AND PROVISION OF MEDICAL AID

Good communication is critical for the authorities to respond quickly to a disaster. Wireless technology and satellite imagery have revolutionised the way in which real-time information can be obtained ( Figure 33.2 ). Nonetheless, there is an inevi - table lag period between the occurrence of the disaster and the response from the establishment. The location of the disaster area has a bearing on relief e ff orts. In large cities emergency and medical services are bet - ter developed. Ho wever, these areas are densely populated and may have limited access by road and air. Disasters in remote areas can be particularly di ffi cult to manage because relief e ff orts are hampered by geographical isolation and the lack of infrastructure. The time frame in which a disaster occurs also impacts on the relief e ff orts. Earthquakes can unleash havoc in seconds but floods and hurricanes may continue for several days. Another esources of the country; important factor is the state of r Factors influencing rescue and relief efforts /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF disasters in poorer countries can seldom be managed without significant outside assistance

Figure 33.2 Satellite image showing destruction of a bridge as a result of /f_l ooding. Medical services Management T riage leader leader Immediate T riage teams Ambulance treatment Urgent treatment Minor treatment Morgue Coordination Figure 33.3 Organisation chart for disaster management. Status of communications Location, whether rural or urban Accessibility of the location Time frame in which disaster occurs Economic state of development of the area