Health Issues Related to Hurricanes & Tropical Cyclones
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AmeriCares Medical Director, Dr. Frank Bia, an expert in infectious diseases and international health, cites important medical supplies needed during and after a cyclone: |
Injury-causing factors:
- Building collapse
- Other blunt trauma
- Storm surges/flooding
- Mudslides or landslides
Common injuries experienced during and after hurricanes/cyclones:
- Lacerations (torn or ragged wounds) account for up to 80% of all injuries. Most occur in the post-storm clean-up phase
- Blunt trauma
- Puncture wounds, often from flying debris
- Crush injuries, often contaminated with brackish or salt water (coastal areas)
- Oftentimes, routine medical needs require more attention after hurricane – many individuals have lost their medications and need refills, there is also disruption in home health care services for the homebound (diabetic patients, oxygen- and ventilator-dependent patients)
- Mental health issues
Important medical supplies during and after a hurricane/cyclone:
- Wound care supplies such as antiseptics and topical antibiotics
- Sutures
- Immunizations: Tetanus, possibly hepatitis A and typhoid
- Antibiotics for organisms contaminating fresh, brackish and salt water
- Other medicines and supplies for the injuries mentioned above and acute bacterial diarrhea
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