Disaster Medicine Compendium and the Necessity of Preparation of Medical Techniques for Handling NBC/CBRNE Hazards, for General Surgeons

Abstract

Introduction:

The risks of NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) or CBRNE (R: radiological, E: explosive) hazards are rapidly increasing even in civilian areas, as well as those of natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.). Therefore, one of the most important and emergent issues for medical staff, especially for general surgeons is the necessity of skills to deal with various mega- or major disasters to help people as well as, protecting themselves. This has been a point of emphasis since 2005, when the Disaster Medicine Compendium was published and continues to be updated today.

Method:

The research focuses on NBC/CBRNE hazards: Pandemics such as COVID-19, Monkeypox, influenza, the Tokyo Subway Sarin Incident, and the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake, followed by Fukushima Plant Incident, Chernobyl, earthquakes with tsunami, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, and the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US.

Results:

The skills that should be accustomed to are protection, prevention, diminution of toxicity, decontamination, as well as routine medical/surgical treatments. The relevant education is varied and not easily performed. For example, it was found that Japan DMAT or disaster medical assistant teams struggled with a lack of techniques to deal with the nuclear plant hazard during the above-mentioned Fukushima plant accident.

Conclusion:

In the event of hazards including NBC/CBRNE, surgical skills are necessary. However, medical teams require training in advance. Surgical methods and other skills, intensive care, and examinations performed wearing PPE or personal protection equipment is important, as well as the safety and security of the medical teams, in addition, to supporting the vulnerable/weak victims, ensured using an Incident Command System.