A medical school graduate of the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India, Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva is an accomplished academic, holding numerous degrees including an MBA from the University of Houston, a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Texas, and a JD from Marquette University. In his current role, Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva serves as the executive director of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In a recent report found in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), researchers studied methods for preparing neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for potential disasters. Because patients in these facilities are particularly dependent on fully functioning equipment at all times, the study authors felt it prudent to examine the disaster procedures in place in most hospitals.
The AAP already has guidelines in place for such occurrences, and this report adds additional recommendations. Response plans for natural disasters that involve in-house actions, as well as coordination with local and regional authorities, should be in place and practiced regularly. The report also lays out guidelines for the adequate staffing of NICU personnel, how to manage technology, and for providing assistance to the infant’s family.
Dr. Ramesh Sachdeva 