To Assess Preparedness in Disaster Management among EMS Professionals in Pune, India

Abstract

Introduction: Natural disasters cause an estimated 60,000 deaths every year. Although low-frequency, highimpact events like earthquakes and tsunamis are not preventable, albeit loss of human lives can be prevented
by developing an efficient disaster management system. In the last few decades robust emergency response
systems, emergency preparedness, resilient infrastructure and accurate forecasting have significantly
reduced the death rate caused due to such calamities. Similar to natural disasters, MCIs drastically impact
the healthcare system and society at large.
Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals play a pivotal role during disasters, mass casualty incidents
etc. and are an integral part of disaster management apparatus. The level of awareness and preparedness
amongst EMPs with regards to disaster management is primordial. The areas requiring improvement include
skillset training strategic and operational planning and familiarity with the emergency preparedness in
disaster management. Designing an effective training program for Indian EMS professionals, would require
a thorough understanding of the baseline level of preparedness among them.
Objective: To assess preparedness in disaster management among Emergency Medical Professionals.
Methodology: The study was conducted among Emergency Medical Professionals (EMPs) employed in
various hospitals in the city of Pune, India. The questionnaire tool utilized for the study was Emergency
Preparedness Information Questionnaire (EPIQ) a pretested and validated tool. The revised EPIQ tool
comprises of 42 items and is divided into eight sections.
All 42 items were required to be mandatorily filled. The tool was administered through online mode. 119
respondents reverted with completely filled questionnaire.
Conclusion: Disasters although infrequent, cause significant morbidity and mortality. A high degree of
preparedness is expected amongst EMP’s which can only be achieved with regular training and feedback.