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Wildfires and Earthquakes

Wildfires have transformed into a year-round public health issue for California, while earthquakes have become an equally persistent problem due to the rising number of events related to the significant fault lines that span the state. The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health provides several kinds of resources about these subjects: background, preparedness, health and environmental impacts, health systems impacts, evacuation, and recovery. 

Wildfires
Wildfires are common worldwide, has been consistently linked to being a result of climate change, and little research has been done to study their health effects. and  A comprehensive literature review revealed that wildfires can tremendously affect human health due to high levels of particulate matter (PM) and environmental toxicants released into the air. Some negative outcomes of wildfires include: causing or aggravating respiratory health issues, increased likelihood of burns for those victimized by fires, and increasing risk for polluting the air, water, and land. Additional research is essential to better understand long term health effects to inform emergency preparedness practices and healthcare services. The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH) provides a guide for public health officials to prepare for such emergencies, which include strategies to protect population health from smoke and PM exposure and recommendations public service announcements, advisories, and protective measures. Health departments should consider reviewing and revising these guides every few years to ensure they are still appropriate and relevant, as well as ensuring that the public know how to access this information and practice the recommended actions.

Earthquakes
Earthquakes are equally devastating natural disasters, which usually occur and highly populated, poorly structured areas. Medical and surgical care are often  much needed, due to mass casualties and traumatic injuries. However, earthquakes greatly affect the aid and response systems. While physical injuries during these disasters are more immediate, they can also leave psychological after effects like reduced sleep quality, depression, and PTSD. The NCDMPH links some guidelines provided by the WHO to help reduce morbidity and mortality in these emergency circumstances. These guidelines include equipment lists and best practices that emergency responders should be well-familiarized with in order to properly triage and care for victims. These guidelines should also be updated every few years. Health departments and health facilities should be well-stocked with emergency medical supplies and information on how best to address medical needs out in the field.

Natural disasters can strike at any time, so the public and the government must be prepared to manage any emergencies. Placer County has a Disaster Healthcare Volunteers program that ensures credentialed volunteer medical and health staff are available and ready for such cases. Interested and qualified individuals are able to register with the state through which individuals can be licensed/certified, have access to various training opportunities, and be matched to appropriate disaster expertise based on interests and skillsets.

Comments

  1. Antonio SorianoDecember 7, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    Great analysis on wild fires and earthquakes! You are right on the importance and unpredictability of natural disaster. I had the wonderful opportunity of being a disaster healthcare volunteer for Sonoma County this last semester. I assisted in a CASPER (Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response), which is designed to provide quick and low-cost household based information about a community. I recommend registering for the reserve corps, as future public health professionals, we are also needed at times of emergency response.

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