Utilization of Physiotherapy in Prehospital Care During Emergency and Disaster: Improving Care and Increasing Capacity

Abstract

Introduction:Emergency medical teams (EMT) are utilized during national and international disasters to improve the response capabilities and provision of quality of care to those impacted. The inclusion of rehabilitation professionals on EMTs is slowly increasing but still has not become standard on Type I teams. The goal of rehabilitation is to optimize function and reduce disability for patients of all ages and in all treatment locations. SPHERE humanitarian standards mandate country emergency response frameworks should include rehabilitation in disaster starting at the acute phase of the incident, but services are typically not provided at the right time or the right place, if at all. After an injury, early education and intervention by rehabilitation can reduce long term injury and improve function. Rehabilitation services continue to be limited to post-acute care and available only to those who have required hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation services. There is a growing body of evidence for the use of physiotherapy in prehospital medical management of acute urgent and emergency injuries and within the emergency department to improve access to care, reduce imaging, reduce use of opioid use.Method:Literature review was conducted regarding prehospital injuries and rehabilitation services using Google Scholar and University of South Florida library access services.Results:No reports or documentation for prehospital or emergency department care during natural disasters or conflict response are available from the World Health Organization or other NGOs.Conclusion:There is a recognition from the medical community of the value and necessity of rehabilitation services across the disaster continuum but remains an under-utilized resource for improving patient care. Conclusion: Rehabilitation should not be available to only those with the most severe long-term injury but should be included at all levels of response with integration into all EMTs.