Report on medical support during the landslide disaster in Hiroshima in 2014 Examination and prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis by joint medical team from Hiroshima University, Fukui University, Niigata University, and Fukushima Medical University

Abstract

A landslide disaster unexpectedly happened in Hiroshima on August 20, 2015. We were asked for medical support, and the Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine immediately sent ultrasound machines in response to our request. We joined the medical team for the examination and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in evacuees together with doctors from Hiroshima University, Niigata University, and Fukui University. We found a 9.8% incidence of deep vein thrombosis in 108 evacuees in 2 days, and properly referred them to local medical services. The local organizations and services did not function fully enough to support the evacuees in shelters at that time. We herein report on medical activities during a huge landslide disaster in Hiroshima and advocate that a special team of well-trained experts that can control and act as a bridge between requester and supporter should be established by the government or local administration.