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Statement of the MOHW ad hoc group in response to the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion

  • Data Source:Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Created:2015-07-19
  • Last Updated:2017-01-11

In response to the medical treatment, social welfare care and other relevant needs in the aftermath of the Formosa Fun Coast incident, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) ad hoc group is working continuously today (July 19th) so as to understand and deal with the medical treatment capacity, the supplies of medicines and medical materials, patient referrals, the deployment and utilization of domestic medical manpower, and other matters. 

1. Statistics of hospitalization and treatment for the victims of the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion: As of 10:00 a.m. on July 19th, a total of 365 people continued to receive inpatient treatment in 42 hospitals. Of the hospitalized victims, 230 people were in intensive care units, 175 people were in critical condition, and 7 people have passed away. They are being treated in 42 hospitals in 13 cities and counties. According to the analysis of existing data, the average percentage of burned body surface area for the victims in this incident is about 44%. There are 248 people with burns over 40% of the total body surface area (TBSA), and 21 of them have burns over 80% of the TBSA. At present, no person is being supported with extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), 7 people are receiving hemodialysis treatment, and 73 people are intubated. 

2. According to the statistical data on the responsible service of voluntary care as of July 18th, the responsible units of the voluntary care service had dispatched medical social workers 10,902 times to provide care service for a total of 22,954 people, including patients and their family members. In addition to offering case-based care, case management and counseling for patients and their family members, the responsible units of voluntary care service have also joined the meetings of medical management teams for immediate response to the needs of patients and their family members so as to link resources for providing help in a timely manner. As of July 18th, the voluntary care service units of local governments had dispatched social workers 2,913 times to provide nearby counseling and care services for 14,269 people affected by this incident. 

3. Cadaveric skin with a total area of 410,800 cm2 from abroad has been imported into Taiwan, including 402,700 cm2 that has been delivered to 31 hospitals, and a total of 282,700 cm2 has been reported to have been used by 27 hospitals. The utilization rate of cadaveric skin is 70.2%. The total area of supplies and available stocks for artificial skin and multi-layered wound dressings containing silver is 4,980,300 cm2. The stocks of burn ointments, albumin, medical dressings, gauze, cotton pads, bandages, and other medical materials required for burn treatment in hospitals and from suppliers can provide hospital utilization for more than 40 days. If the stocks reach less than a 15-day supply, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will immediately request the suppliers to expand production more quickly, or start an ad hoc group to import medical materials to replenish the stocks. As for the donated medical resources and their delivery situation, a total of 428 batches of medicines and medical materials have been registered, and a total of 31 hospitals have applied for the delivery of these medical resources. After evaluation, a total of 261 batches of medical resources will be delivered to the hospitals with special needs. 

4. There are 1,063 beds available in intensive care units and 51 beds available in burn intensive care units. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has helped referral arrangements for 34 cases, including 31 cases that have been completed, and 3 cases that are continuously being tracked. In addition, the MOHW Medical Advisory Group has provided professional advice for a total of 96 people in 23 events, and has visited and helped 79 patients in 9 hospitals. 

5. According to the statistical data as of 11 a.m. on July 19th, 1,154 personnel had registered on the EOC Support Staff Integration Platform, including 80 physicians, 1,007 nursing personnel, and 67 other personnel. Until yesterday (July 18th), a total of 28 physicians had been requested by 12 hospitals (11 physicians were successfully matched by the EOC Support Staff Integration Platform, and 19 physicians were matched by each hospital). At present, there are no needs for more physicians in the hospitals where the victims of this incident have been admitted. Among the 1,007 nursing personnel who have registered on the platform, 17 people have nursing experience in burn care, and 82 people have nursing experience in critical care. Until now, 135 ex-serving or retired personnel have been recruited by each hospital, and 20 support personnel have been successfully matched by the help of the EOC Support Staff Integration Platform. Over 550 new graduate nurses are gradually arriving in hospitals to join medical service teams during this week. 
6. For any relevant information about the supplies of medicines and medical materials, the hospitalization and treatment of victims, social welfare resources, fundraising, and other matters, please search the “Information Section for the 0627 Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion” at http://www.mohw.gov.tw/CHT/blast/ on the MOHW official website.