RESPONSE OF CROATIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM TO MIGRANT CRISIS IN THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015.

With the arrival of the fi rst wave of migrants in the Republic of Croatia on September 16, 2015, the Croatian Government adopted a Decision on the establishment of the State’s Headquarters for coordination of migrant related activities, in whose work the Ministry of Health was included as well. In accordance with the statutory powers, the Crisis Headquarters of the Ministry of Health carried out the activities with the goal of organization and functioning of healthcare. In the initial wave of migration, health care was provided in the temporary refugee camp Opatovac, as well as at border crossings, after which followed the Winter Transit Center in Slavonski Brod.

Health protection and risks for rescuers in cases of floods.

Floods can pose a number of safety and health hazards for flood-affected populations and rescuers and bring risk of injuries, infections, and diseases due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and different biological and chemical contaminants. The risk factors and possible health consequences for the rescuers involved in evacuation and rescuing operations during the May 2014 flood crisis in Croatia are shown, as well as measures for the prevention of injuries and illnesses. In cases of extreme floods, divers play a particularly important role in rescuing and first-response activities.