WASHINGTON, D.C.—In response to Hurricane Dorian, Vidor Friedman, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) offered this statement:

"ACEP proudly supports the commitment and training of responders to Hurricane Dorian and other natural disasters. Heroic emergency physicians and care teams continue to put themselves in harm’s way, working long hours and enduring challenging conditions to save lives and treat or prevent illness and injury.

"Emergency physicians have a critical role in federal, state and local response efforts as medical directors, team leaders and staff dedicated to disaster management and response, search and rescue and other critical functions in times of need, both within emergency departments and on the ground throughout impacted communities.”

While ACEP does not organize direct response, the association has a wide range of tools and resources for physicians who work, or wish to work, in areas where hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires or other disasters occur. It is important to note that registration for volunteer service is typically completed months ahead of any coordinated response. The most important thing that an emergency physician can do right now to help is to register so that they are available to help the next time a disaster occurs.

Click here for more information and resources for physicians.