Publication Review :

THE INITIAL HEALTH-SYSTEM RESPONSE TO THE EARTHQUAKE IN

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, IN FEBRUARY, 2011

Preliminary Information Title : The initial health-system response to the earthquake in

Christchurch, New Zealand, in February, 2011
Authors : Michael W Ardagh, Sandra K Richardson, Viki
Robinson, Martin Than, Paul Gee, Seton Henderson, Laura
Khodaverdi, John McKie, Gregory Robertson, Philip P Schroeder,
Joanne M Deely
Date of Publication: 16 April 2012
Publisher/ISBN: www.thelancet.com Vol 379 June 2, 2012
Summary of the The problem being addressed in this passage is the impact of the
argument made earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the healthcare
system and the lessons learned from the health response to the
disaster. The passage highlights the challenges faced by the
regional acute hospital, such as compromised infrastructure and
the need to provide care with support from other facilities. It also
discusses the factors contributing to injuries and mortality, as
well as the importance of careful preparation and coordination in
reducing the burden of injury.

The passage does not explicitly mention any specific hypotheses

to be tested. However, it implies that the implementation of
certain emergency preparedness measures and strategies could
positively impact the response to similar disasters in the future.
These measures include preparing for patients arriving by unusual
means, manual registration and tracking of patients, patient
reluctance to enter hospital buildings, complete loss of electrical
power, management of helpers, alternative communication
methods, media control, and effective teamwork with clear
leadership.

The passage concludes that the proximity of the hospital to the

central business district, combined with good medical care based
on careful preparation, helped reduce mortality and the burden
of injury caused by the earthquake. It emphasizes the importance
of emergency departments being prepared for various challenges
and highlights the need for integration of atypical providers of
acute injury care into response plans. The lessons learned from
the health response to this earthquake suggest the significance of
proactive measures, effective communication, teamwork, and
leadership in mitigating the impact of such disasters on the
healthcare system and the affected population.
Review 1. Subject matter
The main question addressed by this research project is how the
health care system and the lessons that can be learned from the
response of health to objects.

health care issues during disasters are so relevant, certain

emergency preparedness measures and strategies can have a
positive impact on the response to similar disasters in the future.

This original topic discusses certain emergency preparedness

steps and strategies, namely the Christchurch earthquake

This paper adds to the literature and subject area compared to

other published material on this topic.

2. Methodology for research and or improvement papers

 What is the method used?
This paper does not mention a specific method being
used. However, it describes the situation and events that
occurred during the earthquake in Christchurch, New
Zealand, and discusses the lessons learned from the
health response to the disaster.
 Is it appropriate to answer the question?
It is appropriate to answer the questions based on the
information provided in the passage. The passage
provides relevant details about the earthquake, the
impact on the healthcare system, and the lessons learned
from the response. These details can be used to address
the specific
 Is the measurement appropriate?
It provides information about the number of people
injured (6659) and the number of deaths (182) within the
initial 24 hours after the earthquake. These
measurements help to illustrate the magnitude of the
impact and the immediate consequences of the disaster.
3. Results
 Are the results well-presented and easy to understand?
The paper is well-organised, as well as describes the
results and discussion in an order way thus easily read and
understood.
 Do they relate to the main hypothesis of the paper?
It seems that the main hypothesis drawn could potentially
relate to the discussion and conclusion presented on the
paper
4. Style
 Is the paper well written?
The paper is well written and organized.
  Is the text clear and easy to read?
The text is clearly and easily followed and understood
Conclusion The initial response in the health system and response to the
earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, February 2011 was
very good and was carried out in three parts. The first part
describes the preparedness of Christchurch Hospital for mass
casualty incidents. The second part describes the challenges
faced, the health care response and the burden of injuries in the
first 24 hours after the earthquake. The third part of the
discussion by reviewing the response and the burden of injury
that occurred due to the earthquake.

 Are the conclusions consistent with the evidence and

arguments presented?
The conclusions are consistent with the findings and
discussion described in the paper.
 Do they address the main question posed?
The main question is answered and presented clearly in the
conclusion.
 If the author is disagreeing significantly with the current
academic consensus, Does the author make a substantial
case?
It does not seem so.
 If the paper includes tables of figures, what do they add to the
paper? Do they aid understanding?
Figures and tables on the paper are substantially helpful in
understanding the insight of the subject.
Learning, Reflection, and The lessons learned from this experience are as follows:
Take home messages. 1. Loss of electricity: Loss of electricity resulted in difficulties in
providing medical care to the injured. The lesson learned is the
What have you learn? importance of having back-up resources, such as an electric
generator, to keep health services running smoothly in an
emergency situation.
2. Loss of communication systems: Loss of communication
systems makes it difficult to coordinate and transfer information
between parties involved in providing medical care. The lesson
learned is the importance of having a contingency plan to deal
with situations where the communication system is down, such as
using alternative communications such as radio amator or a
robust long-distance communication system.
3. Limitations of prehospital care: Limitations of medical care
prior to patient arrival at the hospital create challenges in
providing adequate initial care. Lessons learned were the
importance of increasing prehospital care capacity and involving
volunteers and medical personnel at the community level to
provide immediate care after a disaster.
4. Difficulties in patient registration and tracking: Challenges in
registering and tracking injured patients make organizing care
more complicated. The lesson learned is the importance of having
an effective registration and tracking system, such as the use of
information technology, to better monitor and manage patients.
5. The patient is afraid: The patient's fear can complicate their
treatment and recovery process. Lessons learned are the
importance of an empathetic approach and effective use of
communication to reduce anxiety and help patients feel safe and
secure.
6. Management of volunteers: Managing people assisting in
emergency situations, including volunteers, requires effective
coordination and monitoring. The lesson learned is the
importance of having a clear management structure and effective
communication to ensure that relief efforts are carried out in a
coordinated and efficient manner.
7. Media management: Managing media attention in an
emergency situation requires sound strategy and effective
communication. The lesson learned is the importance of having a
trained spokesperson and a clear communication plan to provide
accurate information and minimize the confusion and panic that
inaccurate news can cause.

By taking into account and applying these lessons, it is hoped that

post-disaster response and care will become more effective and
efficient in the future.