The role of the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon in disaster response

Preparation, planning, rehearsal, and research are needed to significantly reduce the consequences of natural and man-made disasters. Appropriate disaster response can enhance peace in areas of the world by providing humanitarian aid and support.3 It is vital that volunteer surgeon responders to a disaster have some training in disaster management and the principles of providing care in an austere environment. 13 Uncoordinated, unrequested, and unexpected care can do more harm than good. Most importantly, volunteers going overseas should be affiliated with established NGOs or the United States Military that are efficient and experienced in providing health care in disaster situations.14 Disaster education for civilian physicians and a database of credentialed specialists who can be called on in the event of a disaster is vital and is now provided by the AAOS. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons will be valuable members and often times leaders of multidisciplinary teams needed to succeed in disaster management in the future. Getting credentialed using the currently available AAOS pathways and becoming a member of the AAOS database is the first step for any pediatric orthopaedic surgeon interested in becoming an effective disaster responder.