Enabling factors, hindrances, and self-perceived level of preparedness of typhoon haiyan emergency medical services (EMS) responders
Background. Despite the implementaton of policies related to disaster risk reducton and management in the Philippines, The response afer Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013 was hampered by operatonal challenges. Objectve. The purpose of this study was to document disaster response experiences of Typhoon Haiyan from feld level emergency medical service (EMS) responders, a key component of the disaster response, specifcally the enabling factors and hindrances to disaster medical response actvites, including their self-perceived level of preparedness in these actvites. Methods. In this mixed-methods study, 52 respondents identfed enabling factors and hindrances to their disaster response and their corresponding self-perceived level of preparedness. In a subsequent focus group discussion, the researchers used the nominal group technique to process the respondents' experiences. Results. The respondents identfed factors that enabled or hindered their response actvites such as coordinaton, stress debriefng, infrastructure, and preparedness. Furthermore, an average of 33% of the respondents said they were adequately prepared to deliver the necessary medical services during the disaster response, thus validatng previous studies on preparedness and disaster response operatons. Conclusion. The government should critcally examine its cluster approach to disaster response and consider an integrated, inclusive, and proactve approach in disaster planning.
