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Hurricane Katrina and Medical Choice in Extreme Emergencies
The US is faced with a possible flu epidemic this fall, and plans are being made for extreme emergencies. If medical facilities are overwhelmed, who gets access first? Who makes that decision? What can be learned from what happened in New Orleans after Katrina? Also, an update on deadly Los Angeles-area wildfires, and President Obama's commanding general assesses Afghanistan.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe US is faced with a possible flu epidemic this fall, and plans are being made for extreme emergencies. If medical facilities are overwhelmed, who gets access first? Who makes that decision? What can be learned from what happened in New Orleans after Katrina? Also, Los Angeles-area deadly wildfires threaten health, homes and communication systems. On Reporter's Notebook, will President Obama's commanding general propose a "surge" of American troops, this time for Afghanistan?
Banner image: Evacuees are treated by medical personnel at a makeshift hospital September 5, 2005 at the New Orleans International Airport. Photo: Hector Mata/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesMassive Los Angeles Fire Spreads in Nearly All Directions
The so-called " Station Fire " near Los Angeles has doubled in size to 85,000 acres in the past 24 hours. It spread over night, in almost direction — even without any wind.
Read the story8 minHurricane Katrina and Medical Choice in Extreme Emergencies
Just four years ago, Hurricane Katrina cut off electricity to New Orleans' Memorial Medical Center. Emergency generators failed. The temperature was 100°, there was no fresh water or sewage, and flooding around a heavily damaged building created major problems for evacuating patients. Doctors were forced to conduct triage.
Read the story38 minGeneral McChrystal Delivers Afghanistan Strategy Report
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he hasn't seen it yet, but it's reported that General Stanley McChrystal has assessed the situation in Afghanistan as "serious," but he says "success is achievable." The assessment by President Obama's commanding general in Afghanistan could result in decisions about how many troops will be needed to achieve …
Read the story5 min
