(A154) Overcrowding of Ambulances at the Scene of a Disaster: Pitfalls and Implications

Abstract

Introduction

Pakistan is a developing country with a basic prehospital system in some cities. The prehospital services are a mixture of government and private ambulances.There is no central regulatory body for them and no central command to control the influx and out flux of ambulances from the scene.

Objective

In this paper, five episodes of terrorist incidents in the country and will try to estimate the number of ambulances on the scene.

Methods

Retrospective data was collected and triangulation was done by three sources: (1) ambulance records; (2) visual estimation; and (3) print media. An estimate of total ambulances was reached along with dead and injured. Furthermore medical transport capacity was calculated where possible.

Results

In majority of the incidents, it was found that there was a huge influx of ambulances beyond the need. This further adds to the chaos and confusion already present on the scene of disaster.

Conclusions

A Command and Control Center should be established to direct all ambulance control and movements.