Are trauma surgeons prepared? A survey of trauma surgeons’ disaster preparedness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective US trauma centers (TCs) must remain prepared for mass casualty incidents (MCIs). However, surgeons may lack formal MCI training. The recent COVID-19 pandemic drove multiple patient surges, overloaded Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies, and stressed TCs. This survey assessed surgeons’ training, experience, system personal preparedness before the compared with pandemic’s third year. Methods Survey invitations were emailed to all 1544 members of American Association Surgery Trauma in 2019, then resent 2022 1575 additional questions regarding pandemic. Questions practice type, TC characteristics, beliefs about hospital preparedness, likelihood scenarios, interventions desired from membership organizations, experiences. Results response rate was 16.7% 2019 12% 2022. In 2022, felt better than their hospitals care, shootings, active shooters, but remained feeling less well cyberattack hazardous material events, 2019. Only 35% respondents had unintentional experience or even fewer intentional MCI. 78% completed a Stop Bleed (STB) course 63% own an STB kit. 57% engaged family activities; 40% action plan if they could not come home during 100% witnessed pandemic-related adverse including colleague coworker illness, resource limitations, 17% faced death. Conclusions thought that became at care rated themselves as which is opportunity them take greater leadership roles. Opportunities improve preparedness. Surgeons’ most professional organization include advocacy, national standards online Level evidence VII, expert opinion.