HEALTH CORNER
Preparing for and protecting our children against disasters
The St. Luke’s Medical Center – Quezon City Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health recently celebrated its anniversary and conducted a symposium on Disaster Preparedness for Pediatricians. Among interesting topics that were discussed were: “Issues on Pandemics such as MERS-CoV, Flu, and Ebola” by Dr. Celia C. Carlos, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, “Need to Know Infections during Catastrophes (Leptospirosis, Tetanus, Skin Infections) by Dr. Imelda Asetre-Luna, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, “What to Do during Natural Disasters?” by Dr. Ted Esguerra, an Emergency Medicine Specialist, and “Communicating with Children Before and After a Crisis” by Dr. Genuina Ranoy, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.
Dr. Celia Carlos talked about the World Health Organization recommendations for preparing for pandemics like MERS, Ebola or flu and Dr. Imelda Luna talked about how infections and outbreaks of communicable diseases are highly probable.
According to Dr. Luna, population movement, poor sanitation and interruption of health programs are the main reasons for the spread of disease after natural calamities. For developing countries like the Philippines, the lack of resources and infrastructure can also contribute to outbreaks. Diseases could be water-borne (diarrhea, hepatitis A, leptospirosis), a result of crowding (measles, respiratory infections), or vector-borne (dengue or malaria from mosquito bites). Tetanus and wound infections are also likely. Providing safe drinking water is the most important preventive measure to be implemented following a natural disaster.
Dr. Luna says that the ability of a community to withstand any adverse health effects from a disaster depends upon the strength of the public health system in place before the disaster. Vaccination programs are important and should be in place prior to any disasters. Mass immunization can be given in areas where there are inadequate coverage levels.
Dr. Ted Esguerra is the best person to give everyone a “wake-up call.” Among his notable credentials, he is the Disaster Preparedness and Response Unit (DPRU) Lead of the Energy Development Corporation and the Expedition and Wilderness Emergency Medical Services Physician of the Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team, and the Medical Officer during the Philippine Mt. Everest Nepal Earthquake Operations 2015. Dr. Esguerra has seen disasters from the ground and is known for his outstanding feats in saving lives. His talk was a mix of common sense, humor, and the jolting reality that disasters can happen. Readiness is the best defense. His constant emphasis was on the need to prepare, what should be in your gobag, and what should be stockpiled at home. He says that “within minutes, a natural disaster can shatter a community or a nation.”
According to Dr. Esguerra, being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that result from disasters. Communities, families and individuals should be ready to evacuate. People can reduce the impact of disasters and sometimes avoid the danger completely. Preparedness examples may come in the form of flood proofing, elevating a home or moving a home out of harm’s way, and securing items that could shake loose during an earthquake. We have the capacity to act before, during, and after a disaster. Lack of preparedness can elevate risks for the community. Before any disaster, we should have an emergency plan for the household (evacuation plan, meeting place, etc). It is best to have a contact list of emergency services numbers and family members.
Focus was also placed on how disasters can affect children psychologically. The emotional responses to a traumatic event and the mental health needs of children should be addressed. Dr. Genuina Ranoy emphasized how children react to crises differently. Psychological responses would vary according to a child’s age. What may be traumatic for one child may be instrumental in strengthening another one emotionally. Children usually have fears based on limited information or from not understanding what they hear. Dr. Ranoy says that listening is an important way for parents to express love and acceptance and to help figure out dilemmas. After making sure that the child is safe and removed from physical danger, Dr. Ranoy recommends that psychosocial reprocessing should be done 12 hours after an event. Children have unique needs and giving them extra time and attention after a disaster can help them cope.
For more information, please contact the St. Luke’s Medical Center Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health at 7230101/0301 ext. 5544/7340 (Quezon City) or 789-7700 ext. 7760 (Global City).
Dr. MARIA CELINE B. EVIDENTE is a Pediatrician at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. She is a member of the Residency Training Committee and the Credentials Committee of the Institute of Pediatrics and Child Health. She is the Over-all Coordinator of Pedia Week 2015 at St. Luke’s Medical Center, QC. She is also a Fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society.