Preparing for terror: Doctors and paramedics in alert mode!

Preparing for terror: Doctors and paramedics in alert mode!

What's new in the Old State Parliament in Oldenburg? The second Terror-MANV symposium recently took place there, which focused on the preparation of medical and rescue personnel for terrorist attacks. Among the speakers were Bundeswehr doctors such as PD Dr. Dan Bieler and Dr. Christoph Güsgen, who highlighted the challenges for those affected. In particular, the large number of injured people with different types of injuries - from explosion and gunshot injuries to pressure injuries - requires a high level of specialist knowledge and experience. The focus of her lectures was on professional amputation, a skill that can be crucial in a crisis. This important symposium was organized by the trauma networks Oldenburg-Ostfriesland, Southwest Lower Saxony and Bremen as well as the affiliated hospitals. The German Society for Trauma Surgery has also called for trauma networks to be strengthened in order to improve the ability to react in an emergency. This was also reflected in the participation in special training courses that are necessary to renew the TraumaNetwork certificate.

But what happens when an emergency occurs? Professor Leo Latasch, medical director of the emergency service in Frankfurt am Main, reported on the difficulties that can arise in communication between doctors, paramedics and the police. This problem is not only evident in real operations, but also in exercises. With his special plans for terrorist attacks, which define special procedures for dealing with suspected terrorism and confirmed cases, he tries to increase the quality of operations. Logistics in particular plays a crucial role in being able to help effectively and quickly in the event of terrorist incidents. Therefore, five new ambulances designed for 50 injured people were purchased in Frankfurt, as well as additional material worth 85,000 euros to ensure initial care.

The challenges in supply

Treating injuries after terrorist attacks is often extremely difficult because doctors are confronted with unusual injuries. Professor Robert Schwab, Director of the Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, made it clear that the treatment of gunshot wounds in Germany is not an isolated case, but is by no means an everyday routine. Special training is required for the treatment of seriously injured patients because resources are often limited. Stopping bleeding is particularly important, as bleeding to death is the most common cause of death in terrorist attacks. Training methods also need to be adapted: Doctors should practice bridging procedures in order to gain valuable time for caring for the injured.

Many rescue teams are increasingly using virtual realities to provide a timely and effective initial assessment of the injured. The medical director of the emergency service in Hanover, Dr. Andreas Flemming sees great potential in these new training approaches. However, in order to avoid mistyping, the virtual training courses should be accompanied by experienced moderators and supplemented by appropriate surveys.

A look into the future

The importance of these specialist events is further reinforced by the recent terrorist attacks in Ansbach, Würzburg, Munich and Berlin. They make it clear how urgently concepts are needed to deal with such situations. Every year, acts of terrorism take the lives of over 30,000 people worldwide. Germany is ranked 41st out of 163 in the Terrorism Index, which makes the need for good preparations all the more urgent. Dealing with mass casualties requires special approaches that must deviate significantly from civilian medical concepts. This also includes a priority-oriented approach, such as the ABCDE scheme, and the tactic of paying attention to the safety of patients and emergency services in order to control the perpetrator.

The exchange and networking of all actors involved must be strengthened in order to be well prepared in the event of an emergency. This is the only way to save the valuable lives of people in threatening situations quickly and effectively. In-depth understanding and constant training are therefore essential to stay one step ahead.

The challenges in the field of emergency medicine are not just theory, but a daily task that needs to be mastered. Information and solutions are needed in order to continue to make the right decisions and save lives in the future.