Exploring Barriers of Prehospital Logistics Support in Traffic Accidents With Mass Casualties: A Qualitative Research

Background: The diverse organizational tasks have complicated cooperation between relief organizations for providing logistical support in disaster response operations with large casualties. This study was conducted to explore barriers to prehospital logistics support in traffic accidents with mass casualties. Materials and Methods: This qualitative semi-structured study was conducted on 31 officials and personnel from prehospital emergency services, the Red Crescent, and the Police from June 2018 to September 2019. They were selected using purposive sampling. The results were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Results: The influencing factors in logistics support were identified in three main categories and six subcategories: Evaluation (incomplete assessment of the accident scene needs and inappropriate triage), resources and equipment (inadequate communication facilities and lack of professional equipment), and human resources (manpower challenges and inadequate staff skills). However, establishing a command post and unified command on-site, involving relief organizations in scene assessment and casualty triage, enhancing the quantity and quality of resources and equipment, utilizing advanced technologies to upgrade communication systems, conducting training workshops to improve staff skills in using equipment from other relief organizations would help to overcome the barriers of logistics support. Conclusion: Providing logistical services in accordance with the needs of the incident scene, improving the knowledge and skills of relief organization personnel in utilizing logistical resources, and sharing resources can prevent confusion in delivering prehospital services, expedite the logistical support process, and consequently reduce injuries and fatalities.