Citation

Murdoch S, Cymet TC. Compr. Ther. 2006; 32(1): 39-42.

Affiliation

University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Society of Contemporary Medicine and Surgery, Publisher Humana Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16785581

Abstract

Disaster victims present in waves. The initial presenting group is traditionally suffering from mild physical injuries, and the second wave, usually following 6 h later, typically has more serious trauma. Medical problems typically are not adequately treated when a person has psychological reasons to worry about survival. The third wave of victims from untreated medical problems occurs 6 d after the initial disaster. Triage of the initial waves is important to prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed and to begin looking for those who will suffer long-term psychological sequelae. Early intervention in those at greatest risk for long-term issues is important and can be accomplished.

Language: en