Profile of Injuries and Conditions Treated in a Rural, Temporary Emergency Site Following an EF-4 Tornado
Unsa Arain, Ansu Edwards, Jeremy Benoit, Josh Symes, John McCarter, Leslie McKenzie, Sarah SterlingAbstract:
Background
On April 28, 2014, an EF-4 tornado struck the town of Louisville, Mississippi. The local, rural hospital was damaged to the point of closure and 10 people were killed. A temporary, mobile emergency site was established, but little data was available to guide the expected patient population and clinical needs. Our objective was to perform a descriptive analysis of patients who were treated in a rural, temporary emergency care site in the immediate aftermath of a tornado.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients seen at the temporary emergency site in the immediate aftermath of the tornado. Patient charts were reviewed for patient demographics, diagnosis, and disposition. Diagnoses were categorized into categories and subcategories for review. Descriptive statistics were utilized as indicated.
Results
A total of 323 patients were seen from April 29, 2014 to May 17, 2014. The average age was 39.6 years, with 17% pediatric and 83% adult patients. The majority of patients (88%) were discharged to home, while 35 patients (12%) required transfer to another facility for a higher level of care. Traumatic and infectious injuries were the most common diagnostic categories at 38% (117/309) and 23% (72/309), respectively. The majority of the traumatic and skin/soft tissue infections were related to the storm.
Conclusion
In this analysis, the majority of the patients seen in a temporary, emergency site were adult, low acuity patients who were dispositioned home, though many did require transfer. A large number of patients were seen directly due to the tornado or recovery efforts. These results may inform future disaster response and suggest the mobile response unit provided necessary care following the storm and hospital’s damage.