Gender Matters: Critical Disaster Risk and Care Distinctions in Preparedness, Triage, and Psychosocial Needs

Abstract

Introduction:

Emergency medical services planners and providers consider the needs of many special populations (infants, elderly, disabled, etc.) during a disaster. However, the critical distinctions in gender-specific care, which are based not only on a woman's physiological makeup, but also within her psychosocial framework should be not overlooked. This research identifies key factors in female-specific care, including: (1) 12 risk factors that affect vulnerability, impact, and exposure; (2) post-traumatic stress disorder and pain; (3) triage and advocacy; and (4) supplies and services.

Methods:

More than 110 surveys were conducted among post-disaster females in the US and South Africa to obtain critical gender-disaggregated data in health services, aid, resources, and evacuations.

Results:

The results support the contention that many gender-sensitive services and supplies were needed in post-disaster care settings, but were inadequate or non-existent.

Conclusions:

Research indicates a pattern of gender differentiation in all areas of the disaster process—preparedness, response, impact, risk perception and exposure, recovery, and reconstruction. The research also issues and emphasizes interventions that could significantly reduce pain, suffering, and costs. These research conclusions indicate a dearth of gender-disaggregated data and the need for EMS planners and providers to take a more cognizant and proactive approach to gender-specific care in preparedness, triage, psychosocial needs assessment, aid, and advocacy.