Role of Biomedical Engineering Department and Medical Gas plant during different phases of the Disaster Management

Article Type:  Short Communication

Year: 2025; Volume: 5; Issue: 4; Page No: 8 – 12

Author:  Shalini Shribalaji

Affiliation:  General and Geriatric Physician, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth University, Pillayarkuppam, Pondicherry-Cuddalore Main Road, Pondicherry, Puducherry (UT), India.

Email ID:  shalinikaliaperumal@gmail.com

  https://doi.org/10.55349/ijmsnr.202554812

Corresponding Author:

Dr. Shalini Shribalaji,

No. 64A, Sivgami Nagar,

Reddiyarpalayam,

Pondicherry,

Puducherry (UT), India.

Email ID:  shalinikaliaperumal@gmail.com

ORCID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4084-9514

Article Summary:  Submitted:  12-October-2025  Revised: 28-October-2025   Accepted: 19-November-2025   Published: 31-December-2025

Abstract

Background:  Disaster as per the American College of Emergency Physicians is “when the destructive effects of natural or man-made forces overwhelm the ability of a given area or community to meet the demand for health care”.  In this article, I have discussed about the role of biomedical engineers, Gas plant technician role in a hospital, Brief explanation of Disaster and its consequences, Precautionary steps to be taken by BME and gas plant for disaster, during disaster, post disaster and challenges expected during the disaster.

Methods:  In this, the role of biomedical engineers or Clinical Engineers, Gas plant technician role in a hospital, Brief explanation of Disaster and its consequences, Precautionary steps to be taken by BME and gas plant for disaster, during disaster, post disaster and challenges expected during the disaster, and wrote the summary of this.

Results:  Biomedical Engineers role starts from procurement, maintenance, safety and till decommissioning of medical equipment and their interaction. The technicians associated to this plant involve in the management of the above gases where they help in storage, handling, distribution of medical gas cylinders. When the news regarding the situation has been informed, minimum two engineers are to be deputed to collect data of the unutilized critical care equipment which are not being connected to the patient in ICUs. Arrangements for shifting of this equipment are to be started immediately.

Conclusion:  Handling precautionary measures for disaster management will aid in reducing the risks and the consequences involved during disaster thereby saving lives and reducing physical losses

Key Words: biomedical engineering, medical gas plant, phases, disaster management

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