1P-SS1-08

EMERGENCY SERVICES: NEEDS AND STRUCTURE

Cabral SA¹

¹Estacio de Sa University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective: This presentation will discuss the need for an organized emergency system designed to attend neonates, children and adolescents. A brief historical background will summarize recent evolution in this field and the participation of international health agencies in strategic development. Focus will be on the particulars of emergency assistance during disasters and on special needs such as sanitation, infection control and emotional support for affected children and their families.

Discussion: Emergencies are very stressful, and uncontrolled situations demand a great amount of energy and “cold blood” from rescue providers. Perhaps the major effort needed for success in dealing with disasters is organization. Well-defined protocols for the various interventions needed to address the trauma experienced by children during major disasters can improve the outcome and bring positive reinforcement to all those involved. The pediatrician’s role is of paramount importance in dealing with children’s and adolescents’ special needs and family interactions. We will present health statistics on recent catastrophic events in Brazil and the efforts implemented to address these events. Actions for disaster intervention in developing countries will be discussed, focusing on the major priorities and obstacles.

Conclusion: Disasters are very specific emergency situations with special needs. Planning should encompass events that affect the safety of the environment and establish those measures that ensure the availability of necessary services. Much financial and professional support from local and outside sources is required for significant advances and improvement in the quality of emergency care. Human as well as material resources are vital to success.