ISN Announcements

Sumatra earthquake: Immediate response of ISN Renal Disaster Relief Task Force

Three experts from the ISN Renal Disaster Relief Task Force (RDTF) left Europe for Sumatra, Indonesia, on October 1st, 2009, to evaluate what support may be needed for people injured in the earthquake. They are part of a broader team of Médecins sans Frontières (MSF). 
 
The team is bringing four kidney dialysis machines as well as 10,000 litres of intravenous fluids to provide immediate assistance. These are critical for early treatment of people trapped in collapsed building. The crush injury they sustain can cause the kidneys to stop working, even if other injuries are not so severe. These people risk developing acute kidney injury and hence may need immediate nephrology care. If administered before people are removed from the rubble, the treatment can prevent kidney failure.

A severe earthquake struck Western Sumatra, Indonesia, on September 30, 2009, shortly after an eartquake and tsunami in the Samoa Islands. It was followed by another severe afterquake some hours later. Padang city (900.000 inhabitants) is especially affected. It was reported that 750 people had died on October 1st (17.00 Belgium time). Officials refer to "thousands of people trapped under the rubble". Two major hospitals would be completely  destroyed.

ISN Renal Disaster Relief Task Force consists of a network of experts in the management of patients with acute renal failure. It was created after the severe earthquake in Armenia in 1988 to provide future renal aid wherever needed around the globe. The Task Force works in close collaboration with the Médecins sans Frontières.

Educational material developed by the Task Force is available on the ISN Gateway, including on logistic coordination in Renal Disasters. The Task Force is currently developing recommendations for physicians on the practical approach to take after crush injury.

More information on the ISN Renal Disaster Relief Task Force