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The post-disaster response strategy in The Netherlands is unique in that it links scientific institutes, national government and local emergency response organizations. The lynch pin is the Centre for Environmental Health which was founded by the Ministry of Health to improve post-disaster care in The Netherlands. The recently refined Dutch strategy for post-disaster response will be presented and illustrated with a few examples from recent disasters. We will focus on both the role of the Centre and the role of public health Hazmat advisors who are part of the local emergency response organization. The latter advise on the health risks of exposure to CBRN agents. One of the main objectives of the Centre is to prepare guidelines and a structure to ensure transparent and authoritative advice is given to local governments and public health services on the need and value of post-disaster care. The Centre operates a front office, available 24/7, to deliver integrated advice on public health and psychosocial care to local emergency response organizations. A network of experts with a wide range of expertise is on stand-by, whereby the characteristics of the disaster determine which experts compile the advice. The Centre also works closely with several other advisory organizations within the national emergency response organization. Three kinds of advice are delivered. Firstly, as an immediate response (usually within an hour), advice is given on the registration of victims. Secondly, usually within 24 hours, advice is given on the need and value of a health outcome assessment (HOA). Thirdly, if a HOA is decided on, detailed advice is given on its implementation. Another objective of the Centre is strengthening the unique position of regional public health services to deal with post-disaster care. The Centre produces guidelines, tools and training on demand to achieve harmonization and uniformity among these services. |
