Lessons from Sandy — Preparing Health Systems for Future Disasters

Image: Extreme efforts were undertaken by medical staff during Hurricane Sandy's power outages

submitted by Ron Waldman

nejm.org - November 21st, 2012 - Irwin Redlener, M.D., and Michael J. Reilly, Dr. P.H., M.P.H.

Within hours after Hurricane Sandy's landfall, doctors and staff at one of New York City's premier medical centers realized that something was going terribly wrong. Lights were flickering, critical devices essential to life support for more than 200 patients, many in intensive care units, were malfunctioning. A decision had to be made by hospital leaders, senior public health officials, and emergency responders: tough it out in a hospital without power or attempt a perilous patient evacuation as an epic disaster unfolded.

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