Main Article Content
Disasters in Nigeria: the increasing epidemic and the role of a disaster medical specialist
Abstract
Background: A disaster is any event, natural or man-made, sudden or progressive which impacts in such a magnitude that the affected individual, community or nation has to respond by taking exceptional measures.
Objectives: This article discussed disasters in Nigeria, role of a physician in its management and the need for the establishment of disaster medical specialist.
Methods: It was a rapid study using both primary and secondary data obtained from ministries, agencies and departments.
Results: Between 1983 to 2010, Nigeria experienced over 119 devastating disaster, while 25 series of bomb blast occurred between September 2010 and January 2012. Over 6.5 million people across the country were badly affected and treated as mass casualties in Nigeria hospitals. Even though physicians often play an integral role in the disaster management, few participated fully in all the stages of disaster management cycle.
Key worlds: Disaster, Physicians Role, Disaster Medical Specialist, Disaster team in Hospital
Objectives: This article discussed disasters in Nigeria, role of a physician in its management and the need for the establishment of disaster medical specialist.
Methods: It was a rapid study using both primary and secondary data obtained from ministries, agencies and departments.
Results: Between 1983 to 2010, Nigeria experienced over 119 devastating disaster, while 25 series of bomb blast occurred between September 2010 and January 2012. Over 6.5 million people across the country were badly affected and treated as mass casualties in Nigeria hospitals. Even though physicians often play an integral role in the disaster management, few participated fully in all the stages of disaster management cycle.
Key worlds: Disaster, Physicians Role, Disaster Medical Specialist, Disaster team in Hospital
