Paper for the Workshop on ‘Disaster Management for the Health Sector in Indonesia’,
Bali Padma Hotel, Kuta, 11-13 Juni 2003

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE AT SANGLAH HOSPITAL
AFTER THE KUTA BLAST (12-10-2002)

5. Data Collection

   At the international hotline, volunteers started to compile and continuously update a computerized list of victims and possible victims from data received both through telephone calls as well as from the morgue and through individuals reporting. The computers used were brought in by individuals (mainly laptops). Printers turned out to be just as important as computers. Initially there was only one slow printer and it couldn't keep up with the demand. A special form to fill in data for identification of victims or report missing persons was made on the spot.

   The database was not directly accessible to hospital personnel (lists and information was given as print outs). Contacts with the consulates who also received information on missing persons, was haphazard at first: for example if a person previously reported as missing, but later on proved to be unharmed, this information was not always passed on to the other party. Later when a system of communication had developed, the data records for missing people were handed over to the various consulates and their agents regularly. The volunteers also passed on any new information to the Australian Federal Police at the morgue for ante-mortem work. The Australian Federal Police then undertook the responsibility of passing on the respective consulate updates (originating from the hotline centre) at the briefing for expatriate families and the press at Hard Rock which was held each morning.

   When the database was transferred to the Red Cross, the database was not allowed (by Red Cross regulations) to be passed back again. This hampered the work of volunteer groups working with victims and their families (but - luckily- a backup copy could be resurrected for ongoing family support!).

   Recommendations: make provisions for immediate delivery of necessary hard- and software for hotline/data compiling centre (computers, printers, photocopy machine, etc.) ensure that data collection is carried out under direct supervision of hospital personnel or ensure direct access to data compilation by relevant hospital personnel. Database should be in Indonesian as well as English, both in content as well as in field names. This means a translation capability for longer, descriptive fields. Use drop down menus as much as possible with translation already done. The computers should be networked, preferably into the hospital system in a full emergency database. Do NOT separate the databases for missing, injured and deceased. Make an understanding who has access to the database and who has not as part of the emergency plan and follow-up services. Ask hotels to report people who have not come back to the police who reports it to the data collection team. Establish a communication channel with consulates immediately (part of emergency plan).

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