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Incidents Caused by Changes in Nature and Climate

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Medical Response to Major Incidents and Disasters

Abstract

Incidents caused by changes in nature and climate are increasing globally and affect an increasing number of people. They are either seismic or meteorological. These incidents have varying magnitudes, intensities, and lengths of durability. Whether an incident will progress in level depends on several factors, including both the seriousness of the event and the vulnerability of the affected society. The main determinant for vulnerability is the socioeconomic level of the affected country.

The most important dimension of disaster medicine is disaster preparedness. When a natural disaster develops in a low-income country, foreign medical assistance is often needed. However, the most important assistance during the acute phase is provided by the local and national society. To adequately plan for foreign assistance, needs assessments are necessary to determine the type and quantity of relief required. Such information, in combination with professional experience, remains fundamental for adequate relief. There is no international legal framework that regulates international relief; it remains voluntary and is delivered by a range of different agencies.

The vital health care needs will depend on the type of incident and the context and availability of the five main groups of health determinants: (1) water and sanitation, (2) food, (3) shelter, (4) healthcare, and (5) protection/security. Foreign health assistance should be primarily preventive and based on primary health care. Depending on the extent of the incident, hospital care may also be needed. Foreign health assistance after these incidents is important; those interested are encouraged to receive adequate training before going on a mission.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Trauma Department of Surgery, Karolinska (Solna) University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Louis Riddez

  2. Divison of Global Health IHCAR, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden

    Johan von Schreeb

Authors
  1. Louis Riddez
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  2. Johan von Schreeb
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Correspondence to Louis Riddez .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Ängslyckestigen 4, Söderköping, 614 32, Sweden

    Sten Lennquist

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© 2012 Springer Berlin Heidelberg

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Riddez, L., von Schreeb, J. (2012). Incidents Caused by Changes in Nature and Climate. In: Lennquist, S. (eds) Medical Response to Major Incidents and Disasters. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21895-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-21895-8_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-21894-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-21895-8

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