Articles - Articles

The Clinical Observations of ABPS Diplomate Frank Nocilla, MD, During DMAT Deployments for COVID-19

DMAT Teams (Disaster Medical Assistance Teams) have been called to respond to smaller hospitals along the U.S.-Mexico border that have been overwhelmed by the volume of patients infected by the COVID-19 virus and the degree of illness progression. The COVID-19 virus has led to a large influx of Mexican-American and Mexican nationals in search of medical care for the infection. ...

September is Disaster Preparedness Month

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, and the American Academy of Disaster Medicine® (AADM®) recommends that all households maintain an up-to-date emergency plan. The plan should address preparations for the natural disasters that are most likely to occur in your geographic regions—for example, hurricanes in Florida, earthquakes and wildfires in California. But your plan also should account for potential man-made ...

What is the Healthcare Provider's Role in an Active Shooter Incident?

Debra Cascardo, MA, MPA, CFP, and a public member of the American Board of Disaster Medicine (ABDM), has written several articles on disaster preparedness but believes that one particular type of disaster now demands special attention – the active shooter incident. Recently, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), of which the ABODM is a Member Board, sat down with ...

AADM President Discusses Health Impacts of Hurricanes, Floods and Other Natural Disasters

Damages from the recent onslaught of natural disasters, including hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, have reached about $300 billion. That estimate, however, does not address the cost of human suffering. As healthcare professionals can attest, the negative health impacts of natural disasters can be consequential, even affecting some victims long term. Dr. Arthur Cooper, President of the American Academy of ...

AADM Recommends Making a Plan

If a disaster strikes today, would your family be prepared to handle it? It’s a question to which many of us have given too little consideration. The American Academy of Disaster Medicine® (AADM) wants to change that. The AADM, which was formed to educate physicians and healthcare professionals on the importance of disaster preparation in the medical community, recommends that ...

The CMS Final Rule for Emergency Planning and Preparedness – Are You in Compliance?

A significant number of healthcare providers in the United States must soon comply with a federal agency regulation (81 CFR 63859) authored by the Obama administration called the CMS Final Rule for Emergency Planning and Preparedness. The deadline for compliance – November 15, 2017 – is rapidly approaching. The rule applies to all healthcare providers and suppliers that accept Medicare ...

Physicians: Are You Ready?

When it comes to any emergency situation, preparedness is of the utmost importance, particularly among physicians who are heavily relied upon to respond in times of crisis. When a disaster occurs – be it manmade or natural – it is up to the healthcare community to provide immediate, high-quality care to those affected and also be prepared to provide continuing ...

Lessons in Disaster Medicine Learned from Recent Acts of Terror

First responders serve a critical role in the immediate aftermath of disaster situations, running toward the chaos to provide life-saving care to those who need it. It is easy to take for granted that physicians trained in disaster medicine will be available to help treat patients in various conditions after an attack, but this response doesn’t happen without incredible coordination ...

Physicians Play a Key Role in Community Preparedness – A National Disaster Preparedness Month Reminder from the ABODM

The American Board of Disaster Medicine® and the American Board of Physician Specialties® urge physicians to remember the key role they play in community preparedness as part of National Disaster Preparedness Month this September. While disaster medicine and emergency preparedness are often associated with major storms and acts of terrorism, the emergencies that most communities face every day tend to ...

Doctor Heidi Cordi Offers Advice to Physicians Considering Volunteering in Disaster Relief

In times of disaster, many physicians wish to volunteer their time and expertise to help in the recovery effort. It’s in a physician’s nature to want to help those in need, and the aftermath of an disaster can create a significant short-term demand for medical professionals with the training to help victims who need immediate medical attention. Yet, while volunteering ...

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