Emergency Psychosocial Support at the Egyptian Border (Rafah Crossing) for the Survivors of the 2008–2009 Gaza Crisis

Abstract

Introduction:

Since 2006, the Disaster Mental Health Team of the Egyptian Ministry of Health has provided aid during several crises, including the Red Sea Ferry accident, Sinai terrorist attacks, Delta train accident, and others. The Gaza crisis, which has not been resolved at the time of this report, has described as the worst crisis in the Middle East since the 1967 war.

Methods:

The author of this report currently is at the Alarish General Hospital in North Sinai, Egypt.

The report elaborates on the actions of the Disaster Mental Health Team of the Egyptian Ministry of Health during the Gaza crisis in late 2008 and early 2009. Currently, the Team is at the Egypt-Gaza border, working side-by-side with an emergency medical team in North Sinai. The report discuss the approaches of the team and summarizes lessons learned from previous activities.

Currently, the roles of the team include working with the injured, family members, and emergency personnel.

Results:

An in-depth view of the work done by the Egyptian Disaster Mental Health Team during the crisis will be documented, evaluated, and ways to improve future responses will be presented.

Conclusions:

A set of managerial and clinical guidelines for disaster mental health is needed.