Secondary surge capacity: a framework for understanding long-term access to primary care for medically vulnerable populations in disaster recovery.

J.D. Runkle; A. Brock-Martin; W. Karmaus; E.R. Svendsen
American Journal of Public Health

December 1, 2012

Disasters create a secondary surge in casualties because of the sudden increased need for long-term health care. Surging demands for medical care after a disaster place excess strain on an overtaxed health care system operating at maximum or reduced capacity. The authors applied a health services use model to identify areas of vulnerability that perpetuate health disparities for at-risk populations seeking care after a disaster. The authors have proposed a framework to understand the role of the medical system in modifying the health impact of the secondary surge on vulnerable populations.

(2012) 102(12), e24-32

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