Preparation for terror: Doctors and paramedics in alarm mode!

Preparation for terror: Doctors and paramedics in alarm mode!

What's new in the old state parliament in Oldenburg? The second terrorist MANV symposium recently took place, which focused on preparing medical and rescue specialists for terrorist attacks. Among the speakers were Bundeswehr doctors such as PD Dr. Dan Bieler and Dr. Christoph Güsgen, who illuminated the challenges for those affected. In particular, the large number of injuries with different types of injuries- from explosion and firing injuries to pressure injuries- requires a high degree of specialist knowledge and experience. The focus of her lectures was on the professional amputation, a ability that can be decisive in the event of a crisis. This important symposium was organized by the Dreaming Network Oldenburg-Ostfriesland, Southwest-Lower Saxony and Bremen as well as the affiliated hospitals. The German Society for Trauma Surgery has also called on the upgrading of the dream networks in order to improve the ability to react in an emergency. This was also evident in participating in special training courses that are necessary to renew the dream network certificate.

What happens when the emergency occurs? Professor Leo Latasch, medical director of the emergency services in Frankfurt am Main, reported on the difficulties that can occur in communication between doctors, paramedics and the police. This problem is not only shown in real missions, but also in exercises. With its special plans for terrorist attacks that define special processes for dealing with suspected terrorist and confirmed cases, he tries to increase the quality of the operations. Logistics in particular play a crucial role in order to be able to help with terrorist incidents effectively and quickly. Therefore, five new ambulances in Frankfurt were purchased, which are designed for 50 injuries, and additional material worth 85,000 euros were obtained to ensure primary care.

The challenges in care

Treatment of injuries to terrorist attacks is often extremely difficult because the doctors are faced with unusual injury images. Professor Robert Schwab, director of the Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, made it clear that the supply of firing injuries in Germany is not an individual case, but is by no means an everyday routine. Special training is required for the treatment of seriously injuries because the resources are often limited. Blood stilling is particularly important, as the most common cause of death in terrorist attacks is bleeding. The training methods also have to be adapted: Doctors should practice bridging processes to gain valuable time for the care of the injuries.

For a timely and effective eerstein estimate of the injured, many rescue teams are increasingly using virtual realities. The medical director of the emergency services in Hanover, Dr. Andreas Flemming, sees great potential in these new training approaches. However, in order to avoid the misprints, the virtual training should be accompanied by experienced moderators and supplemented by appropriate surveys.

A look into the future

The importance of these specialist events is reinforced by the latest terrorist attacks in Ansbach, Würzburg, Munich and Berlin. They illustrate how urgently concepts for coping with such layers are needed. Every year, terrorist acts worldwide tear life. Germany stands in 41 out of 163 in the "Terrorism Index", which makes the need for good preparations all the more urgent. Dealing with mass injuries requires special approaches that have to remove significantly from civil medical concepts. This also includes a priority-oriented approach, such as the ABCDE scheme, and the tactics, to control the perpetrator, to pay attention to the safety of patients and emergency services.

The exchange and networking of all actors involved must be reinforced in order to be well prepared in the event of a case. This is the only way to save the valuable life of people in threat situations quickly and effectively. A profound understanding and constant training are therefore essential to be one step ahead.

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