Volunteer First Responders for Optimizing Management of Mass Casualty Incidents.

Yafe E, Walker B, Amram O, Schuurman N, Randall E, Friger M, Adini B (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Book Volume: 13

Pages Range: 287-294

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2018.56

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Rapid response to a trauma incident is vital for saving lives. However, in a mass casualty incident (MCI), there may not be enough resources (first responders and equipment) to adequately triage, prepare, and evacuate every injuredperson. To address this deficit, a Volunteer First Responder (VFR) program wasestablished. METHODS: This paper describes the organizational structure and roles ofthe VFR program, outlines the geographical distribution of volunteers, and evaluatesresponse times to 3 MCIs for both ambulance services and VFRs in 2000 and 2016.RESULTS: When mapped, the spatial distribution of VFRs and ambulance stationsclosely and deliberately reflects the population distribution of Israel. We foundthat VFRs were consistently first to arrive at the scene of an MCI and greatlyincreased the number of personnel available to assist with MCI management in urban,suburban, and rural settings. CONCLUSIONS: The VFR program provides an important andeffective life-saving resource to supplement emergency first response. Given theknown importance of rapid response to trauma, VFRs likely contribute to reducedtrauma mortality, although further research is needed in order to examine thisquestion specifically. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:287-294).

Authors with CRIS profile

Blake Walker Professur für Geographie (Digitale Geographie / Kulturgeographie)

Involved external institutions

University of British Columbia CA Canada (CA) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) / אוניברסיטת בן-גוריון בנגב IL Israel (IL) Tel Aviv University IL Israel (IL) Simon Fraser University CA Canada (CA) Washington State University (WSU) US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Yafe, E., Walker, B., Amram, O., Schuurman, N., Randall, E., Friger, M., & Adini, B. (2019). Volunteer First Responders for Optimizing Management of Mass Casualty Incidents. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 13(2), 287-294. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2018.56

MLA:

Yafe, Eli, et al. "Volunteer First Responders for Optimizing Management of Mass Casualty Incidents." Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 13.2 (2019): 287-294.

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