Multiple information sources in the analysis of a disaster.

Am J Disaster Med

Department of Emergency Medicine, Integris Southwest Medical Center, Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

Published: May 2009

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study examines the challenges of gathering accurate data during mass casualty disasters, highlighting the importance of reliable records for epidemiological analysis.
  • It is a retrospective cohort study that analyzes medical records and public documents related to an explosion and fire incident, identifying seven sources of case information.
  • The findings reveal that investigative agencies were the primary source of cases identified, with no fatalities and detailed insights on demographics and injury types, emphasizing the need for effective data collection methods in disaster response evaluations.

Article Abstract

Objective: Disasters are complex events making epidemiologic studies and determination of accurate denominators difficult due to the poor nature of available records. However, these data are essential to perform useful calculations and accurate descriptions of disaster medical impacts. This study was undertaken to identify the availability and utility of various information sources in the analysis of a mass casualty disaster. In addition, characteristics of cases presenting for care are described.

Design: This is a retrospective cohort study abstracting medical records and other documents relating to an explosion and fire. Public domain documents are obtained by written request or by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Setting: A rural EMS and tertiary hospital.

Cases: Individuals directly exposed to the forces of the explosion.

Outcome Measures: The number of cases detected by various information sources. In addition, the demographics, dispositions, and nature of the physical injuries of the cases are reported.

Results: Seven sources of case information were identified. The most cases were identified by investigative agencies (33) and the fewest by medical records (18). Rates include; injury 0.68, admission 0.20, and operative 0.14, with no deaths. Case locations during the explosion were determined for all cases. No association was noted between admission and location in the building.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the availability and usefulness of data in the public domain. Using FOIA requests or partnerships with public or private agencies may more clearly define denominator data in epidemiologic evaluations of disasters.

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