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Floods are the most common natural disasters in the world. Currently Pakistan is in an acute emergency situation due to the recent flood that occurred as a result of the monsoon rains in July–August 2022. Unfortunately, the country was already under an economic crisis and was just recovering from the COVID pandemic when this devastating calamity struck. Almost one-third of the country's land was affected, with millions of houses damaged and property lost. As the victims are displaced and local health units are flooded, their medical needs are being met through medical flood relief camps arranged by public and private sector welfare organizations. Due to a lack of disaster preparedness and policies, most of the healthcare workers are untrained to manage medical flood relief camps and are hence learning from experience rather than following any standardized policy guidelines. We did not find any guidelines for organization and management of a flood relief camp in previous literature. As natural disasters continue to cause mass destruction every few years, there is a need to devise policies and procedures for disaster preparedness and hazard reduction. This paper is thus an effort to provide the best possible delivery of acute health services in a developing country during and after a flood in the transit phase, while the government and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) help communities rebuild their health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is gradually getting out of the grip of COVID-19 pandemic, although there are still high number of cases in some countries. Most of the initial attempts to predict and project the course of pandemic were hypothetical or based on historical data, as no current and specific data were available in the early days of pandemic. Most governments followed the policy of "flattening the curve" in order to avoid overwhelming their health systems. Most of the world also followed the policy of forced lockdowns to stop the spread of the virus. However, these policies produced did not produce consistent results across the globe. To investigate the impact of various policy measures on the reported outcomes, this research analyzed the actual COVID-19 data up till May 29, 2021, and the associated outcomes. Using global COVID-19 death rate as a base, the death rates of various countries were analyzed to gauge the efficacy of lockdown measures through probabilistic estimates and relative lack of uncertainty. Brier score was calculated to find the accuracy of probabilistic estimates. The data show high divergence in infection, death, and growth rates of the virus in different countries. The research also includes comparing the effects of virus in year 2020 and 2021, and the effect of vaccination. It can be seen that the collective world response was not commensurate with the actual risks involved. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for specific evidence-based governance and disaster response management to face similar challenges in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preparedness a social behavior with public trust the prerequisite for proper social functioning can reduce disaster sufferings. The aim of this study was to determine the public trust, preparedness, and the influencing factors regarding the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Iran. Methods: This online cross-sectional study conducted on Tehran residents (≥18 years) during the fifth epidemic wave. The tool designed to assess the intention to prepare, public trust, and the subscales. T-test used to compare the means and linear regression to determine the factors influencing on the outcomes. Results: About 26.5% of 407 participants (mean age standard deviation: 40.8 (12.8) years) showed low trust. The mean levels of total trust (P = 0.011), general trust (P = 0.048), and trust to managing authorities (P = 0.018) were significantly lower in men. Adjusted to confounding variables, total trust was lower in men (ß = −3.8, P = 0.01) and less educated (ß = −6.48, P = 0.02) but higher in high-income (ß = 5.7, P = 0.02) people. Only 20% of people were highly prepared. Intention to prepare was higher in families having the elderly (ß = 5.72.8, P = 0.048). Conclusion: Low trust in the managing authorities and their provided information tend to less considering health and preparedness measures in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To outline the preparation conducted by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University hospital, And princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman university to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. This experience may assist other healthcare facilities (especially academic hospitals) in pandemic-related disaster planning and management. Methods: A descriptive study outlining the process of disaster preparedness and functional implication of this preparedness for a university campus and its related academic hospital to cope with the merging COVID-19 pandemic for the period from February 2020-October 2020. Results: The implemented measures in both the university and hospital helped in decreasing the rate of COVID-19 cross-infections between healthcare workers, admitted patients and university personnel. Resources were evenly distributed, and clear line of management, reporting and communication was established between the hospital and university. Conclusion: Integration between all stake holders in academic hospital and university leadership is the corner stone in pandemic and disaster management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been relentlessly battering the world wave after wave in different countries at different rates and times. Emergency departments (EDs) around the globe have had to constantly adapt to this ever-changing influx of information and recommendations by various national and international health agencies. This review compiles the available evidence on the guidelines for triaging, evaluation, and management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 presenting to the ED and in need of emergency resuscitation. The quintessential components of resuscitation focus on airway, breathing, and circulation with good supportive care as the cornerstone of acute management of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Irrational investigations and therapeutics must be avoided during these times of medical uncertainty and antibiotic stewardship should be diligently followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]