Rapid Health Assessment Protocols for Emergencies [Paperback]

This book provides a collection of ten protocols for conducting rapid health assessments in the immediate aftermath of different types of emergencies. Noting the vital importance of rapid and accurate information in the earliest stage of an emergency the protocols respond to the urgent need for common standardized technical tools for assessing damage gauging health risks and gathering the information immediately needed by decision-makers at the national and international level.

The protocols were prepared by WHO in collaboration with a large number of international agencies and experts with broad experience in the field of emergency management. Although all protocols follow a common format each is specific to the circumstances potential hazards and immediate information needs that characterize a distinct type of emergency. Emphasis is placed on the exact information needed the best sources of data and methods for rapid collection and the specific questions that need to be answered in order to draw initial conclusions and direct immediate actions. Although the advantages of using experienced assessments teams are stressed the book also explains how the protocols can be used to train general health workers as part of emergency preparedness.

The book opens with an introductory protocol covering the aims and methods responsibilities complexities and inherent difficulties of rapid health assessments. Addressed to health authorities as well as assessment teams the chapter also includes abundant advice on preparedness for emergencies. Details range from the comparative need for speed in different types of emergencies through a suggested format for presenting the results of assessments to a list of common logistic organizational and technical errors. Advice on the best working practices including ways to avoid being an emergency tourist is also provided.

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