Prehospital & Disaster Medicine
Volume 30 – Issue 01 – February 2015
https://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=PDM&tab=currentissue

Professionalization of Anesthesiologists and Critical Care Specialists in Humanitarian Action: A Nationwide Poll Among Italian Residents
Alba Ripoll Gallardo, Pier Luigi Ingrassia, Luca Ragazzoni, Ahmadreza Djalali, Luca Carenzo, Frederick M. Burkle, Jr. and Francesco Della Corte
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine / Volume 30 / Issue 01 / February 2015, pp 16 – 21
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X14001320 (About DOI), Published online: 15 December 2014

Comprehensive Review
Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review
Heather L. Johnsona1 c1, Catherine G. Linga1 and Elexis C. McBeea2
a1 The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Bethesda, Maryland USA
a2 The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Bethesda, Maryland USA
Abstract
Introduction
Older adults are disproportionately affected by disaster. Frail elders, individuals with chronic diseases, conditions, or disabilities, and those who live in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable.
Purpose
The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to describe the system-wide knowledge and skills that multi-disciplinary health care providers need to provide appropriate care for the elderly during domestic-humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts.
Data sources
A systematic search protocol was developed in conjunction with a research librarian. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were conducted using terms such as Disaster, Geological Processes, Aged, Disaster Planning, and Vulnerable Populations. Forty-six articles met criteria for inclusion in the review.
Conclusions
Policies and guidance regarding evacuating versus sheltering in place are lacking. Tenets of elderly-focused disaster planning/preparation and clarification of legal and ethical standards of care and liability issues are needed. Functional capacity, capabilities, or impairments, rather than age, should be considered in disaster preparation. Older adults should be included in disaster planning as population-specific experts.
Implications for Practice
A multifaceted approach to population-specific disaster planning and curriculum development should include consideration of the biophysical and psychosocial aspects of care, ethical and legal issues, logistics, and resources.

Special Report
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Resource-limited Health Systems–Considerations for Training and Delivery
Jason Friesen, Dean Patterson and Kevin Munjal
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine / Volume 30 / Issue 01 / February 2015, pp 97 – 101
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2014
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X14001265 (About DOI), Published online: 19 November 2014