World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

HOSPITAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE DURING EARTHQUAKES

Surgeon Commander (Dr) Chandrasekhar Krishnamurti, M.D.*

ABSTRACT

Earthquakes pose a serious threat to the lives of people throughout the world. Hospital services have a crucial role in the initial medical response to large earthquakes, but the seismic stability of most hospital facilities remains uncertain. It is estimated that approximately 48 percent of hospital buildings are at high risk for collapse or loss of function from structural failure after a high magnitude earthquake. In addition, 91 percent of a hospital’s nonstructural components, that are essential to the safety and care of patients, can be expected to fail or be seriously damaged following a strong earthquake. The most serious nonstructural damage involves leakage of water from ruptured sprinklers, rooftop tanks, and other plumbing fixtures. Other major systems that require immediate attention are the piped medical gases and vacuum units, and electrical and/or electronic systems and equipment.[1]

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