Page 26 - Flying Physician Magazine Issue 1-2018

Catherine L. van
Hook, md, de-
scribed the risk
factors for acqui-
sition of sexually
transmitted infec-
tions. Gonorrhea,
syphilis, chlamyd-
ia, hepatitis C, trichomonas, HIV,
and others are at a record high occur-
rence. Adding to the national crisis
is the potential of ZIKA. Local com-
munity healthcare resources must be
used for testing and treatment of STI
after testing based on individual pa-
tient history and status.
Captain miguel
a. Cubano, md,
mba, FaCs, em-
phasized the ne-
cessity of every
institution prepar-
ing and following
a disaster response
plan. Regular analysis of the efficien-
cy of the plan is necessary, and addi-
tional plans are necessary to bridge
the gaps where deficiencies are dis-
covered. Most disaster plans do not
allow adequate personnel; each func-
tion must provide three personnel
in order to allow each the staff the
proper amount of sleep. Another
often overlooked part of the plan is
the use of social media to combat
the spread of rumors. In his second
presentation, Captain Cubano dis-
cussed the complicated scenario of
global disaster response, including
UN Resolutions and Initiatives, and
U. S. support. He discussed the chal-
lenges faced by responders at the
scene, such as knowing that 18% of
victims will need surgery. Among the
many recommendations he noted, he
stressed hiring and paying local res-
idents, using drones to assess dam-
age and dangers, and identifying the
unique challenges of each disaster.
Every disaster plan must extend be-
yond the end of the disaster in order
to deal with long term effects.

24 The Flying Physician vol. 59 - Issue 2 2016
26 The Flying Physician vol. 61 - Issue 1 2018