【Purpose】 This study aims to clarify and compare the usage of the term “triage” in academic research in Japan to facilitate interdisciplinary discussion. 【Method】 We undertook a scoping review of academic literature on medicine, sociology, law, and ethics in Japanese, including “triage” and covering publications from 1990 to 2023. 【Results】 In total, 438 documents were reviewed. We found that triage is used in multiple ways while sharing the core element of ‘prioritizing someone or something’ and can be discussed from at least seven perspectives. In the medical field, there was a tendency to discuss triage after clearly defining the situations where it is carried out, but there was a marked difference between disaster medicine and emergency medicine in whether or not the black or deceased/expectant category was considered. In the non-medical fields, various aspects of triage were discussed across different articles, even within the same discipline. This caused multiple interpretations of triage to coexist. 【Conclusion】 It is necessary to specify definitions and contexts of triage to facilitate discussion among different academic backgrounds.

【Introduction】 Currently, the only devices currently available for lowering bedridden sick people and others down stairs to evacuate them in the event of a disaster, especially when elevators in hospitals and other facilities are shut down, are wheelchairs with crawlers attached, both in a seated position. The purpose of this study is to develop a stretcher that can evacuate a bedridden patient from an upper floor of a hospital or other facility via the stairs in the dorsal recumbent position in the event of a disaster, and to clarify its effectiveness. 【Methods】 We developed a stretcher for variable stair descent and conducted demonstration tests using a prototype. The concept is to realize a function that allows one carrier to safely descend stairs for a patient in the dorsal recumbent position. This stretcher moves on wheels on flat surfaces and on rubber crawlers when descending stairs. The seat and back connection of this stretcher can be moved steplessly by means of a lever. In the experiment, inexperienced rescuers and caregivers carried a person from the 5th floor to the 1st floor by stairs, and the situation, time required, and speed were measured. 【Results】 All the participants were able to be transported smoothly. Specifically, all participants were able to move smoothly on horizontal surfaces such as corridors. Descending stairs was also smooth for all. On the landing, however, all were able to turn smoothly, but there were cases where it took some time to raise and lower the back of the body. The shortest and longest times were 351.0 and 571.1 seconds, respectively, with an average of 454.0 seconds and an average speed of 0.9 km/h. 【Discussion】 It was demonstrated that this stretcher can be used by one person to transport one patient in the dorsal recumbent position at the time of descent. However, improvements are needed in reducing vibration during stair descent and in the position and operation of the damper handle. 【Conclusion】 This stretcher proved to be more efficient than a tarpaulin stretcher (carried by 3 to 4 people) or a stretcher with a mat (carried by 3 to 4 people). Future issues to be addressed include increasing the overall speed, further stability during descent, and improving the ease of back movable operation. We would also like to consider reducing the stretcher’s weight.

【Objective】 The objective of this study is to analyze the similarities and differences between the COVID-19 cluster response and the Incident Command System (ICS). 【Methods】 A questionnaire survey was conducted among 181 Medical Institutions Designated for Infectious Diseases that have not been designated Disaster Based Hospitals. The results were analyzed using simple tabulation and descriptive statistics. 【Results】 Responses were obtained from 40 facilities (response rate: 22.1%, valid response rate: 55.0%). 14 facilities (63.6%) had developed a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for infectious diseases. There was no correlation between the number of cluster outbreaks and the seven ICS items; facilities that had implemented all seven items and conducted headquarters meetings flexibly had only one small cluster outbreak. 【Discussion】 Although some similarities with ICS were confirmed, differences were recognized in the way of dealing with crisis situations such as the occurrence of clusters. 【Conclusion】 The study highlights the need to review and improve the BCP based on the all-hazards approach. It is also necessary to consider the principles of organizational behavior of ICS and the form of the task force meeting that will enable flexible operations.

【Purpose】 The study aim was to clarify the disaster risk perception and the factors associated with increased fear of earthquakes among home care nurses in Japan. 【Method】 An anonymous self-administered web survey was conducted among home care nurses one region in Japan. Demographic factors, risk perception of disasters, disaster awareness, and countermeasures were investigated, and factors related to an increased fear of earthquakes were analyzed. 【Results】 Factors associated with increased fear of earthquakes were confirming evacuation routes (Odds ratio (OR): 3.88, 95% CI(95% Confidence Interval): 1.24–12.22; p=0.020) and the belief that one would not be able to save oneself if a major earthquake occurred during a home visit (OR: 5.01, 95% CI: 1.26–19.99; p=0.023). 【Discussion】 Confirming evacuation routes during home visits may have intensified risk perception and increased fear. The uncertainty of not knowing one’s likely location in the event of a disaster, and the responsibility to ensure the safety of clients during a disaster, may have increased anxiety about not being able to save oneself, thus increasing fear.

【Background and Purpose】 The Noto Peninsula Earthquake on January 1, 2024, caused severe damage to Suzu General Hospital, a base hospital for disaster relief. It is imperative to record how hospitals in disaster areas respond to and maintain their medical functions. This report describes our hospital’s response to the disaster, the support efforts made by the hospital, and the ensuing future issues. 【Situation in our hospital after the earthquake】 Dialysis, surgery, and endoscopy were unavailable because of water outages, and the necessary transportation network was destroyed, prompting the transport of many patients via air. The few staff members who visited the hospital became exhausted as they continued to work. The Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) supported emergency outpatient duties, ward nurses, and transport coordination. Additionally, it was beneficial to learn about prior hospital management and disaster experiences. 【Discussion】 As disasters can strike anywhere, a hospital without prior disaster experience may suddenly become disaster-stricken, and it is essential to deepen knowledge to prepare for such scenarios. Many measures are necessary, such as holding early-stage headquarters meetings, clarifying support tasks, securing spaces for supporters, and attending meetings at the city’s Medical Care and Welfare Coordination Headquarters. Furthermore, responding to a large-scale disaster with few staff members necessitates creating a system wherein those few can take charge of the headquarters’ operations by utilizing an action card. Moreover, Business Continuity Planning (BCP) operation is confusing. It is necessary to review BCP and conduct BCP operation training based on the assumption that it will be utilized more practically during a disaster. In addition, as was the case with the DMAT office, which supported past major disasters, assigning a BCP operation specialist to the disaster relief team under the direct control of the national government and dispatching them to the affected hospitals would be of great help. 【Conclusion】 This report describes our hospital’s response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and the challenges faced in providing support. We hope that our findings will help hospitals experiencing disasters in the future.

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake (maximum intensity 7) struck the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, on January 1st, 2024, at approximately 16:10 Japan time. This study analyzes Emergency Medical Team (EMT) activities during this event to improve EMT effectiveness in future mega-disasters. The EMT’s key roles included establishing evacuation center zones and providing medical care, focusing on oral care, pressure injury management, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention, and medication management. Elderly individuals (65% of clinic visitors) constituted a significant portion of those requiring medical attention. Collaboration with local medical associations and other organizations highlighted the importance of effective evacuation center zoning and targeted medical care for vulnerable populations from acute phase. This analysis aims to inform future disaster response strategies