New poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) reveals that nine out of 10 ER doctors say their hospitals aren't fully prepared for major disasters or mass tragedies, according to an article on the UPI website.
Ninety-three respondents said their ER would be unable to handle a surge of patients. Fewer than half — 49 percent — called their hospital "somewhat" prepared.
Based on the results, the ACEP is calling on federal lawmakers to take steps to help hospitals prepare for mass casualties and emergencies. Those steps include:
The ACEP also supports making military trauma teams available to civilian trauma centers when they are not deployed.