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Health care is also critical for survival in the emergency
phase. Disasters almost always have significant impacts on
the health and well-being of affected populations, including
direct impacts such as injury and psychological trauma and
indirect impacts such as increased rates of infectious diseases,
malnutrition and complications of chronic diseases. The indirect
impacts are usually related to factors such as the inadequate
quantity and quality of water, the breakdown of sanitation
systems, the interruption of food supplies, the disruption
of health services, overcrowding and displacement.
In disaster situations there are both
immediate and long-term health effects and risks, requiring
different approaches. Short-term effects (such as injury,
lack of water, epidemics etc.) require prompt action. Long-term
effects (sanitation problems, communicable diseases, food
security, the destruction of traditional social systems, disrupted
schooling, the growth of dependence etc.) can cause new health
problems thus delaying or complicating return to normal life.
In times of emergency, the International
Federation is ready to respond and provides quick and effective
health relief. Health response aims to fill temporary gaps
in basic health care services that are caused by damaged and
often overloaded health care systems in the affected countries.
The focus is on community health care,
supported by basic clinics. Referral hospitals (field hospitals)
can carry out emergency surgery and deal with gynaecological
and obstetric complications. Paediatric care, treatment of
infectious diseases and Maternal and Child health care are
particularly important considerations in times of emergency.
Many disasters generate large population displacements and
can spread outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases.
The Red Cross Red Crescent employs standards
laid down by the World
Health Organization (WHO) with regard to treatment of
patients and selection of essential drugs. It also applies
technical standards as outlined by the Sphere
Project's humanitarian charter and minimum standards in
disaster response. All Federation emergency operations and
management tools adapt to these standards, including Field
Assessment and Coordination Teams, Emergency Response Units and the process for designing emergency appeals for funding
operations.
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Disaster management
