Building hope: early rehabilitation response of the international committee of the red cross post beirut port blast

Abstract

Abstract Background In the face of escalating health emergencies globally, the need for timely rehabilitation services has become increasingly evident. However, deficiencies in the provision of early rehabilitation interventions following disasters underscore the urgent need for improved integration and response strategies. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the early physical rehabilitation response initiated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) following the 2020 Beirut blast, with a focus on evaluating patient outcomes, time to intervention, and long-term outcomes. Additionally, the study aims to extract valuable lessons and to propose a plan of action aimed at enhancing preparedness and response frameworks for similar emergencies. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on data from the ICRC physical rehabilitation program (PRP) database in Lebanon, encompassing patients who were identified as eligible for PRP rehabilitation services following the Beirut Blast. Hospital records and a dedicated hotline were used for recruitment, with 102 patients meeting the eligibility criteria. Rehabilitation interventions included mobility aid provision and individualized assessments for physiotherapy sessions, with outcomes evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score. Results A total of 102 eligible patients were included in the analysis, 41.2% of whom were aged 40–65 years, with the majority residing in Beirut (55.9%) and being Lebanese nationals (85.3%). Assistive devices and mobility aids were distributed to 60% of patients, and physiotherapy sessions were provided to 68.6% of patients, with variations in timing and frequency. Early initiation of physiotherapy sessions correlated with greater improvements in the FIM score, particularly among patients with secondary blast injuries and tendon cuts. Follow-up assessments revealed that 53% of patients achieved full recovery, while some required additional therapy or experienced permanent functional impairment. The proactive plan of action proposed by the ICRC PRP team for any emergency risk underscores the essential integration of its two core components: Preparedness and Response. Conclusions In the wake of the Beirut port blast, the collaborative efforts of a rehabilitation team to provide supportive/assistive devices alongside physiotherapy significantly contributed to the recovery of the victims’ functional capabilities. While life-saving surgeries and critical interventions are essential for managing the immediate impact of such catastrophes, prioritizing early physical rehabilitation is equally pivotal for reducing injury-related disability. The interconnectedness of preparedness and response components within the PRP’s emergency rehabilitation strategy underscores the necessity for proactive planning and coordination to effectively address and recover from emergencies.

Keywords

• Early rehabilitation response
• Beirut Blast
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• ICRC