Report on acute phase venous thromboembolism health care activities at evacuation centers following the Kumamoto earthquake

Abstract

Kumamoto Earthquakes thrombosis and Embolism Protection project (KEEP) was launched following the 2016 earthquake that devastated the area of Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu, Japan. To treat one of the numerous health needs of evacuees at the time of the earthquake, the Japanese Red Cross Society implemented a venous thromboembolism (VTE) health initiative at evacuation centers. By the 16th day after the earthquake, about 800 victims of the disaster had been handled. The main efforts made were activities to prevent the occurrence of VTE. The distribution of elastic stockings, the instructions for the use of them, the supply of exercise instruction, life guidance, and a public campaign. This activity helped to maintain and support individuals’ health at evacuation centers, resulting in the elimination of pulmonary embolism patients who required hospitalization one month after the disaster. The VTE health care activities from this acute phase should be performed in future disasters as well.