Opportunity Cost Analysis for Emergency Medical Teams: A Tool for Policy Making Support

Abstract

Background/Introduction:To some planners, allocating resources for emergency response may look unnecessary if not wasteful. Low-probability events can be perceived as unlikely, and for that reason, not worth considering within the regular planning structure. This is almost a dictum when planners must operate in a low-resource setting, where competition for available resources favors an approach that focuses in addressing pressing, not eventual needs.Objectives:Understanding this context, it is also important for planners to consider the importance of systemic resiliency, implicit in the early utilization of Emergency Medical Teams for disasters mitigation, and for that reason, as necessary instruments to reduce impact - in terms of lives lost - and cost - financial and social - of medical emergencies that result from natural and man-made disasters.Method/Description:Conducting an adverted DALYs cost analysis of a recent disaster is an instrument that could help policy, decision makers, and planners in general gain greater visualization of the potential social and financial costs reduction associated to the implementation of EMTs and, as a corollary, acknowledge the importance of preparation for necessary systemic resilience and its impact in equity and societal well-being.Results/Outcomes:Initial analysis shows that preparation for early responses by EMTs to mitigate disasters can result in lower costs while reducing overall mortality and morbidity and potentially favoring faster systemic recovery.Conclusion:The approach utilized requires improvement and expanded discussion with experts and beneficiaries will most likely result in its refinement and advancement.