Some Observations On The Effect Of The EMS Law On Disaster Related Delivery Systems
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Date
1977
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Disaster Research Center
Abstract
Description
Natural disasters and mass casualty situations present extraordinary contexts for delivery of emergency medical services (EMS). Not only is there an increased demand for services in terms of caseload at the point of entry into the emergency medical system, often at the same time and place; but the capabilities of the system are tested in terms of the degree of effectiveness and efficiency with which components are able to coordinate and mobilize their resources to meet that demand. (Taylor, 1974), These capabilities are tested at a time when various agencies are often pursuing their own primary tasks, which may be peripheral in terms of usual conceptualizations of EMS, such as the provision of shelter, fire protection and traffic control. Agencies involved in these tasks, as well as private citizens and other organizations, may exacerbate coordination with day-to-day EMS providers (Quarantelli, 1970). A breakdown in one or several components of that system--agencies or organizations designated to deliver a particular service--may result, at worst, in the ineffective operation of the system (Stallings, 1970).
Keywords
EMS Law, Delivery Systems, communications, mass casualty