Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (US) has grown considerably in resource-limited and wilderness environments because of a combination of features, including portability, durability, and safety. However, the optimal method of powering US devices in such environments is not well established.

This project has the following aims:

1. 1. Develop a solar power generation and storage system that maximizes power capacity and minimizes weight while being easily transportable by a single person.

2. 2. Test the system in a real-world environment to evaluate actual performance relative to stated performance.

3. 3. Determine the approximate US scan-time where solar systems would outperform pre-charged batteries with respect to weight.

We developed multiple solar collecting systems using a combination of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film solar arrays paired with different powerbanks and tested them using a variety of US systems. From this, the duration of usage was calculated, which makes the solar power generation system a superior option to pre-charged batteries.

Lithium-ion energy storage was found to be superior to lead-acid batteries for multiple reasons, most prominently, weight. Several models of US systems were tested revealing that portable US systems consume between 30 to 50 watts. Tri-fold monocrystalline solar panels coupled with lithium-ion powerbanks provided the best combination of weight and transportability. Total weight of the combined solar array, powerbank, and US system is 10 kilograms and easily packs into a backpack carrier. It was found that systems using solar generating capacity become superior to pre-charged powerbanks in regard to weight at approximately 14 hours of scanning time.

While these results are not fully generalizable due to seasonal and geographic variability as well as the type of US system used, use of solar generating capacity to power US systems is optimal for extended durations of use in resource-limited environments.

Gender-based violence is endemic across the world. The current evidence suggests that gender-based violence increases after natural disasters. Factors leading to this increase following natural disasters include physical displacement, loss of community supports and protections, economic hardship, and gendered differences in coping. Multiple agencies are mobilized in response to natural disasters, however, personnel are often not adequately trained to recognize or address gender-based violence.

To identify challenges faced by disaster responders in recognizing and responding to gender-based violence in disaster settings, and to advocate for gender-sensitive training prior to deployment by responding personnel.

The world’s literature was reviewed to identify challenges for disaster teams in recognizing and responding to gender-based violence, and to identify principles of training which may be applicable for pre-deployment competency building by disaster response personnel

Disaster response programs should ensure:

• Collection of data to identify vulnerable populations

• Establishment of procedures for monitoring and reporting

• Inclusion of female staff at all levels of planning and response

• Implementation of holistic services including physical and psychosocial care and legal response

• Safety in designing accommodations and distribution centers

Pre-Deployment training should include:

• Gender-sensitive approach, knowledge of prevalence and impact of gender-based violence

• Familiarity with behaviors and conditions associated with gender-based violence

• Non-judgmental, supportive, and validating approach to inquiry and response

• Familiarity with risk assessment tools

• Mobilization of social supports

• Knowledge of resources, including medical and legal services

Natural disasters are destabilizing events which expose vulnerable populations, particularly women, to increased violence. Disaster response teams should be adequately trained on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence to ensure gender-sensitive interventions. Standard training of response personnel can ensure adequate identification of victims of gender-based violence and referral to appropriate services.

With the move into Gold Coast University Hospital, a new disaster plan was developed in 2017. To assess preparedness for the Commonwealth Games (April 2018), a number of mass casualty exercises were conducted, including a large multi-agency exercise with Queensland Police and Ambulance Services. During this preparation phase, senior clinicians from the perioperative area clarified their sub-plans and developed a novel model of periop response.

This study assesses this model of response and evaluates it within the context of periop disaster exercises.

The periop response model evolved through multi-disciplinary key stakeholder engagement into a defined model of surgical, anesthetic, and periop nursing responses with dedicated roles and parallel communication streams from ED to OR by the respective specialties. Throughout different disaster exercises, this model of response was tested, refined, and evaluated by formal post-exercise debriefs and group meetings.

Since May 2017, seven different mass casualty exercises with periop response were performed; firstly, a table-top (EmergoTrainSystem) format was used, which revealed communication and logistical deficiencies. After model refinement, further exercises were accomplished, all within the clinical environment, including movements of mock patients from ED to OR. These exercises generated improvements in communication, coordination, and logistics. Every exercise was also used to test more detailed information, communication, and organizational tasks of the various involved craft groups, such as notification, call-in lists, whiteboard structure, transport facilitation, and many more. Overall, our newly developed periop response model proved to be robust and successful, even with rotating personnel through different roles.

Apart from the success of the periop response model, other hospital areas (ICU, bed and ward management) became involved. With growing interest and staff turn-over a regular periop disaster response exercise program has now been established. This model of periop response has potential for use in other health systems.

There is no universal agreement on what competence in disaster medicine is, nor what competences and personal attributes that add value in a medical disaster situation. Some studies suggest that not only technical skills are needed, but also non-technical skills. However, little is known about the actual demands and skills needed to manage a medical disaster situation. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify core competencies required for the disaster medicine response.

A scoping review using the Arksey & O´Malley framework (1) was used. Structured searchers in the databases PuBMed, CINAHL full plus, Web of Science, PsychInfo and Scopus was conducted. Thereafter, data was structured and analyzed. Inclusion criteria were (1) original papers published in English during the last ten years, (2) covering any aspect of competence or skills needed to respond to a disaster situation. (3) Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included. Exclusion criteria were (1) reviews, editorial texts or similar, (2) papers focusing on the care of single patients.

(1) Arksey H, O’Malley L. Scoping Studies: Towards a methodological framework. Int. J. Social Research Methodology. 2005;8(1):19-32.

To be presented at the congress.

To be presented at the congress.

Local military conflicts continue in many areas of the world. These conflicts produce multiple casualties to military personnel and civilians. This paper describes one aspect of the medical care required for victims of the civil conflict in the Republic of Georgia.

Interviews with patients and their accompanying persons and abstraction of medical records.

Data were acquired on 108 victims admitted to the Center for Critical Medicine in Tbilisi. Three stages in the care of these victims are described: 1) battlefield and transportation; 2) regional, front-line hospitals; and 3) the Central Hospital. The performance of each stage is described. Distribution of injuries and procedures performed in the third stage of treatment are described and survivors are defined. For illustration, two cases are reviewed in detail.

The results are encouraging. Major problems existed in the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Furthermore, many of the victims were injured because of their carelessness and lack of experience on the battlefield.