The 2012 Derecho: Emergency Medical Services and Hospital Response

• DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x14001034
• Publication Date: 2014-09-18T10:33:55Z
• Authors: Randy D. Kearns; Mark S. Wigal; Antonio Fernandez; March A. Tucker; Ginger R. Zuidgeest; Michael R. Mills; Bruce A. Cairns; Charles B. Cairns
• Keywords: Winter storm

During the early afternoon of June 29, 2012, a line destructive thunderstorms producing straight winds known as derecho developed near Chicago (Illinois, USA). The storm moved southeast with wind speeds recorded from 100 to 160 kilometers per hour (kph, 60 miles [mph]). swept across much West Virginia (USA) later that evening. Power outage was substantial an estimated 1,300,000 Virginians (more than half) were without power in aftermath and approximately 600,000 citizens still week later. This one worst storms strike this area occurred residents enduring prolonged heat wave. damage left community electricity crippling effect compromised or destroyed critical infrastructure including communications, air conditioning, refrigeration, water sewer pumps. report describes utilization Emergency Medical Services (EMS) hospital resources response storm. Also reported is review weather phenomena findings discussion disaster implications.