Nearly everyone will experience emotional and psychological distress in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or other large-scale traumatic event. Although extremely upsetting and disruptive, the reaction is understood best as a human response to inordinate adversity, which in the majority of cases remits over time without formal intervention. Nevertheless, some people experience sustained difficulties. To prevent chronic post-traumatic difficulties, mental health professionals provide early interventions soon after traumatic exposure. These interventions typically take the form of single-session debriefings, which have been applied routinely following disasters. The research bearing on these traditional forms of early crisis interventions has shown that, although well-received by victims, there is no empirical support for their continued use. However, promising evidence-based, early interventions have been developed, which are highlighted. Finally, traumatic bereavement and complicated grief in survivors of disasters, an area largely neglected in the field, is discussed.

Waisman et al1have once more highlighted the very real challenge of triaging children in mass-casualty events (MCE) in the pre-hospital setting. Difficulties encountered measuring vital signs and different patterns of injury, reflecting significant anatomical and physiological differences, necessitates a modified approach when applying traditional “adult” triage methods to paediatric trauma victims. When using physiological parameters to triage children, their faster respiratory rates and heart rates frequently result in younger children being triaged to a higher category than their injuries demand. These differences become less apparent during adolescence, as the young person matures into adulthood.

A water purification and sterilization device was tested for its functional capabilities. Challenge water consisting of potable water augmented with bacteria, endotoxin, virus, suspended solids, and dissociable ions (sodium chloride, lead or arsenic salts) was passed through the device. The product water quality attributes were analyzed. The device demonstrated reduction in bacteria of >7 logs, endotoxin was reduced by >4 logs, virus was reduced by >4 logs, and dissociable ions were reduced by >3 logs. The product water of the device met the limits for a range of chemical entities specified by the United States Pharmacopeia and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. The product water met the quality attributes of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, Sterile Purified Water, USP, and the Water for Dialysis. The device provides a logistical advantage in reducing the weight of transport of packaged water by 83% and the cube by 67%. It operates manually by gravity and is disposable after a single use. The device provides an effective alternative to the transport and use of packaged sterile water in remote locations by production of sterile water at the pointof-need using available water. It also is capable of producing safe drinking water following the production of clinical waters. This device has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for production of three liters Sterile Purified Water, USP from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grade drinking water.

Resumen Introducción: Recientemente, la preparación y entrenamiento para la atención de incidentes con víctimas múltiples ha recibido mayor atención en el nivel hospitalario.

Disaster and trauma workers often disregard their own reactions and needs when focusing on caring for those directly exposed to traumatic events. This article discusses the concept of vicarious traumatization, a form of post-traumatic stress response sometimes experienced by those who indirectly are exposed to traumatic events. It includes an examination of how vicarious trauma reactions are experienced across different professions, and suggestions on how to limit or prevent vicarious traumatization. The authors review self-care strategies as well as training and organizational considerations that may be beneficial for individuals and organizations to address.

This paper describes a unique situation in which disaster intervention following a massive earthquake led to significant, uninterrupted, psychosocial benefits to the entire country, and an intervention program that continues to evolve. The mental health program initially provided service to the victims, and then, training to local professionals during which personnel simultaneously conducted clinical research. Members of the mental health team made a life-long commitment to the country, and continue their activities to expand its impact on public health policy. The difficult history and life circumstances of the Armenian people provided the opportunity for disaster interventions to have extensive psychosocial benefits.

This paper describes the establishment and activities of the Information and Support Centres developed in Norway in the aftermath of large-scale accidents and disasters between 1980 and 1990. The function of these Centres is to provide rapid, authoritative information and psychosocial support services for the next-of-kin of disaster victims, including the families of those missing. By gathering together those affected by a particular event, the Centres provide a setting in which individuals and families can support each other. The activities of the psychosocial team include triage for mental-health emergencies, orienting survivors to immediately available local services, communication with family, friends, and community, and other forms of psychological first aid. The psychosocial team also provides linkages to local health, clergy, and other local resources that are near to the family's home and could provide continued care if necessary.