Estimation of medical needs in Aomori Prefecture considering nuclear disaster.

[Purpose] A preliminary list of Damaged Hospital Continuation Support (DHCoS) simulations was created for medical institutions and social welfare facilities within a 30-km radius surrounding the nuclear power plant in Aomori Prefecture to estimate medical needs in case of a nuclear disaster. [Methods] Various information on medical and social welfare facilities located within a 30-km radius of the nuclear power plant was collected, and risk analysis of each facility was conducted regarding collapse, power outage, water cutoff, flooding, and radiation protection. [Results] Principally, gradual evacuation of one hospital and 43 social welfare facilities with no radiation protection functions would be required if the air radiation levels exceed the standard values. In case of an earthquake-associated complex disaster, one hospital and three social welfare facilities with a high risk of collapse in the acute phase would require early information gathering and evacuation support as necessary. Similarly, 14 social welfare facilities with a high risk of flooding would require support. [Discussion] The preliminary list of DHCoS is useful for determining the facilities that should establish medical and siege support systems through early information gathering and those that should be evacuated in stages from the viewpoint of radiation protection functions. The collection of information on the lifeline status of facilities in the vicinity of nuclear power plants and availability of radiation protection functions in various regions of Japan during normal times would lead to the prompt establishment of various support systems in case of a nuclear disaster. [Conclusion] Considering the nuclear disaster and status of radiation protection measures at each facility, the preliminary list of DHCoS was able to estimate medical needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]