Pérez DCR

Language: English
References: 6
Page: 39-42
PDF size: 95.99 Kb.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the author’s experiences in deploying and later establishing a Cuban field hospital in response to the major earthquake that struck Chile in February 2010. It also reveals the initial difficulties the medical team faced and how collaboration with local social, medical and military partners contributed to response efficiency, and highlights the importance of Cuba’s international health cooperation, especially in emergency situations. Over 254 days, Cuban health professionals had 50,048 patient encounters (outpatient visits and hospitalizations), a daily average of 197. They performed 1778 surgeries (1427 major, 80.2% of total) and accumulated valuable experience in managing a field hospital in a disaster situation.

REFERENCES

1. López Tagle E, Santana Nazarit P. El terremoto de 2010 en Chile: respuesta del sistema de salud y de la cooperación internacional. Rev Panam Salud Pública. 2011;30(2):160–6. Spanish.

2. Gorry C. Haiti One Year Later: Cuba’s Medical Team Draws on Experience and Partnerships. MEDICC Rev. 2011 Jan;13(1):52–5.

3. Ministry of Planning (CL). CASEN 2009: Encuesta de Caracterización Socioeconómica Nacional. Santiago de Chile: Ministry of Planning (CL); 2010. Spanish.

4. Barría S. Rol de la atención primaria en la respuesta del sistema de salud chileno frente al terremoto- maremoto de Febrero 2010. Santiago de Chile: World Health Organization; Pan American Health Organization; 2010. Spanish.

5. Ministry of Health (CL). Subsecretaría de Redes Asistenciales. Informe Coordinación Nacional de Reconstrucción Hospitalaria. Santiago de Chile: Ministry of Health (CL); 2010 Jun. Spanish.

6. Ministry of Health (CL); Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization. Plan de Acción en Salud Ambiental. Santiago de Chile: Ministry of Health (CL); 2010 Mar 26. Spanish.