Evaluation of Operational Readiness of Prehospital Emergency Department of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Encountering COVID-۱۹ Epidemic in ۲۰۲۰

Background: The ability to respond to any emergency before happening is a potential issue that manifests as operational readiness. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of prehospital emergency services of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in response to the epidemic of COVID-۱۹. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in April ۲۰۲۰ using a translated standard checklist of the Pan American World Health Organization (PAHO). The list consists of four components of call management (۶ items), first responders (operational codes with ۳ items), medical transportation (including primary and interhospital with ۱۶ items), and emergency medical services administration (including medical guidelines, human resources, and education with ۱۱ items). Results: There were ۱۶۸ operational logistics facilities and ۵۵۵ personnel to cover organizational missions. Except for two items that scored half a point, the rest of the measures received total points (۳۵ out of a maximum of ۳۶ points with ۹۷% of the total points). According to the complete scores, operational readiness was at a good level. Conclusion: The preparedness of the Center for Disaster Management and Medical Emergencies at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in the face of the COVID-۱۹ epidemic has been at a good level. However, because of the continuation of the epidemic, strengthening the supply chain and empowering personnel are essential to sustainable readiness.