Experience of Florence University Hospital: the Disaster Emergency Plan in a third level hospital

Abstract

Objective. The study aims to explain how to prepare a disaster manual, describes it and shows how it is applied it in a tertiary care hospital when emergency occur. Methods. We based the article on the principles of disaster medicine, on recent literature and on the experiences gained during the pandemic COVID emergency. Results. Recent terrorist attacks have highlighted the importance of a contingency plan to effectively and efficiently manage a large influx of wounded. Careggi Hospital’s PEMAF (emergency plans for a massive influx of injured) is a comprehensive and well-coordinated response to a disaster situation. The hospital’s specialized disaster response team, surge capacity plan, and patient tracking system provide the necessary resources to provide immediate and efficient care to patients in the event of a disaster. Conclusions. Disaster medicine protocols play a critical role in preparing healthcare professionals to respond to large-scale disasters, including terrorist attacks. By following established protocols and principles of disaster medicine, healthcare professionals can provide effective care to those affected by disasters and help to mitigate the impact of future disasters.