Citation

Hodgson JA, Lewis S, Wu P. Mil. Med. 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.1093/milmed/usad381

PMID

37885275

Abstract

Hurricane Idalia has reminded us that hurricane season is here. Lessons and experiences from Military Medicine can contribute to planning and executing disaster response in the civilian sector. Military physicians have significant experience with mass casualty events, public health threats, and working in austere environments, all of which are relevant experiences to draw from when faced with natural disasters stateside.

Hurricanes are a way of life in the southeast U.S. Each year an average of 10 tropical storms will develop over the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Of these, six will develop Hurricane strength, and in any 3-year period, an average of five will make landfall in the United States (weather.gov)

The threat to human life is immense and takes many forms to include blunt and penetrating injury from sustained and powerful winds, drownings from storm surge, and work-related injuries sustained during the clean-up and rescue phase. Often overlooked, are individuals forced to defer care due to lack of mobility or isolation during and after these storms. The demand for care can be overwhelming once roads are clear and travel to hospitals becomes possible for the community.

Language: en