An Analysis of After Action Reports From Texas Hurricanes in 2005 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To review and analyze After Action Reports from jurisdictions in Texas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 in order to assess the utility of AARs as a quality improvement measurement tool. METHODS: The authors searched the Homeland Security Digital Library, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange, and Google Scholar for any AARs that covered the response phase of at least one of the 3 hurricanes, mentioned the state of Texas, and suggested solutions to problems. The authors applied public health emergency management (PHEM) domains, as outlined by Rose et al, to frame the AAR analysis. AARs were coded by 2 reviewers independently, with a third acting as adjudicator. As an example, the problem statements in 2005 and 2017 AARs from 1 statewide agency were compared. RESULTS: Sixteen AARs met the inclusion criteria. There were 500 identified problem-solution sets mapped to a PHEM domain. The content was unevenly distributed, with most issues coming under PHEM 2: Policies, Plans, Procedures, and Partnerships at 45.2% in the 2005 hurricanes and 39.9% in 2017. AARs lacked consistent format and were often prepared by the response agencies themselves. Five consistent issues were raised in 2005 and again in 2017. These were volunteer management and credential verification, donations management, information sharing, appropriately identifying those requiring a medical needs shelter, and inadequate transportation to support evacuation. CONCLUSION: Because of the lack of objective data, inconsistent format, unevenly distributed content, and lack of adherence to any framework, AARs are fraught with shortcomings as a tool for PHEM. Inclusion of more objective reporting measures is urgently needed.

Layperson Ability and Willingness to Use Hemostatic Dressings: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Background: The Hartford Consensus and Stop the Bleed Campaign empower the public to stop bleeding. While evidence for civilian tourniquet use is mounting, there is limited evidence regarding the public's ability to use hemostatic dressings. This study seeks to determine if laypeople can apply hemostatic dressings, and which hemostatic dressing they can use most successfully. Methods: 360 layperson participants in Maryland and Virginia completed 4 arms of this randomized, prospective controlled trial: plain gauze (control), z-folded gauze, s-rolled gauze, and injectable sponge (experimental) arms. Participants watched a standardized video, practiced hands-on dressing application, and were assessed applying the dressing via checklists and feedback mechanisms for pressure, timing, and packing. Participants completed pre and post questionnaires regarding willingness to use hemostatic dressings. Results: Overall, 202 participants (56%) applied the dressings correctly, and 83 (92%) applied the injectable sponges correctly. This is a significant difference from the other arms (p < 0.001), and OR 17.2 (95% CI 6.8 - 48.1) compared to control. 38 participants (40%) correctly applied plain gauze, while 37 (43%) and 44 (48%) participants correctly applied z-folded and s-rolled gauzes. The primary reasons for failure were not holding pressure long enough (n = 103, 65%) and not applying adequate pressure (n = 64, 41%). Participants in all arms had significant improvements in willingness to use hemostatic dressings: 154 (43.6%) participants pre vs. 344 (97.5%) post study participation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: More than half of laypeople can apply hemostatic dressings, and they are most successful applying injectable sponges. Brief education increases laypeople's reported willingness to use hemostatic dressings. Educators and planners should consider including injectable sponges in their Stop the Bleed programs and products. Level of Evidence: II (RCT with significant difference. One negative criterion for observer blinding).

Opportunities to Strengthen the National Disaster Medical System: The Military-Civilian NDMS Interoperability Study.

The definitive care component of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) may not be able to effectively manage tens of thousands of casualties resulting from a catastrophic disaster incident or overseas conflict. To address this potential national security threat, Congress authorized the US Secretary of Defense to conduct the NDMS Pilot Program to improve the interoperability, special capabilities, and patient capacity of the NDMS. The pilot's first phase was the Military-Civilian NDMS Interoperability Study, designed to identify broad themes to direct further NDMS research. Researchers conducted a series of facilitated discussions with 49 key NDMS federal and civilian (private sector) stakeholders to identify and assess weaknesses and opportunities for improving the NDMS. After qualitative analysis, 6 critical themes emerged: (1) coordination, collaboration, and communication between federal and private sector NDMS partners; (2) funding and incentives for improved surge capacity and preparedness for NDMS partners; (3) staffing capacity and competencies for government and private NDMS partners; (4) surge capacity, especially at private sector healthcare facilities; (5) training, education, and exercises and knowledge sharing between federal and private sector NDMS partners; and (6) metrics, benchmarks, and modeling for NDMS partners to track their NDMS-related capabilities and performance. These findings provide a roadmap for federal-level changes and additional operations research to strengthen the NDMS definitive care system, particularly in the areas of policy and legislation, operational coordination, and funding.

Brief, Web-based Education Improves Lay Rescuer Application of a Tourniquet to Control Life-threatening Bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether brief, Web-based instruction several weeks prior to tourniquet application improves layperson success compared to utilizing just-in-time (JiT) instructions alone. BACKGROUND: Stop the Bleed is a campaign to educate laypeople to stop life-threatening hemorrhage. It is based on U.S. military experience with lifesaving tourniquet use. While previous research shows simple JiT instructions boost laypeople's success with tourniquet application, the optimal approach to educate the public is not yet known. METHODS: This is a prospective, nonblinded, randomized study. Layperson participants from the Washington, DC, area were randomized into: 1) an experimental group that received preexposure education using a website and 2) a control group that did not receive preexposure education. Both groups received JiT instructions. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects that successfully applied a tourniquet to a simulated amputation. Secondary outcomes included mean time to application, mean placement position, ability to distinguish bleeding requiring a tourniquet from bleeding requiring direct pressure only, and self-reported comfort and willingness to apply a tourniquet. RESULTS: Participants in the preexposure group applied tourniquets successfully 75% of the time compared to 50% success for participants with JiT alone (p < 0.05, risk ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.21-1.82). Participants place tourniquets in a timely fashion, are willing to use them, and can recognize wounds requiring tourniquets. CONCLUSIONS: Brief, Web-based training, combined with JiT education, may help as many as 75% of laypeople properly apply a tourniquet. These findings suggest that this approach may help teach the public to Stop the Bleed.