Haiti disaster tourism--a medical shame

Prehosp Disaster Med. 2010 May-Jun;25(3):201-2. doi: 10.1017/s1049023x00008001.

Abstract

The devastating Haiti earthquake rightly resulted in an outpouring of international aid. Relief teams can be of tremendous value during disasters due to natural hazards. Although nobly motivated to help, all emergency interventions have unintended consequences. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, many selfless individuals committed to help, but was this really all in the name of reaching out a helping hand? This case report illustrates that medical disaster tourism is alive and well.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Altruism
  • Disaster Medicine / organization & administration*
  • Disaster Planning / organization & administration
  • Disasters*
  • Earthquakes*
  • Emergency Medical Services / organization & administration
  • Haiti
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Mass Media
  • Motivation
  • Relief Work / organization & administration*