(A316) Pre-Hospital Emergency Care in Sudan - Current Practices in Disaster Management (DM)

Abstract

Introduction

The problems of pre-hospital care and training in the developing world are very similar – resource limitations and training deficiencies. Humanitarian conditions in the Sudan have been among the worst in the world including both man-made and natural disasters. Effectively responding to emergencies is of paramount importance.

Methods

The information was collected by a group of Sudanese physicians working in the emergency department at a large urban public hospital in Khartoum, Sudan and in the U.S. for the purpose of establishing structured training programs for pre-hospital responders.

Results

There are currently 37 registered state operated mini-van ambulances serving ∼8 million people in the capital city of Khartoum. There is 1 central dispatching command center operated by the state Ministry of Health (MOH) that serves 29 hospitals. Services are available by calling a central “999” emergency response number. There are no private ambulances in Khartoum; however, most patients are transported by private or public transportation. Ambulance transport teams consist of ∼2 ambulance emergency assistants with limited medical training. Ambulance transport costs are covered either by insurance for the insured; however, the majority of patients are self paid. Emergencies are also managed by the Department of Civil Defense, which is a branch of the Sudanese MOH that responds to natural and man-made disasters. There are 2 layers of this team; 420 physician with masters degrees in DM and emergency rescue workers. These emergency rescue workers do not have formalized training. Other important findings are: lack of training centers for first emergency responders, no standardized practice guide lines among pre-hospital care personnel.

Conclusion

Emergency response in the Sudan is a relatively new practice but has shown a promising trend for the continued development of a highly advanced and functional pre-hospital/emergency response system. More structured training through collaborative efforts and substantial resources are needed.