Medical Emergency Resource Classification Instrument (MERCI) in the Oil Industry, Brazil

Abstract

The area of medical urgency and emergency is an important component of health care. Oil and Gas companies exist in a variety of locations in Brazil. The quality of medical infrastructure and specialties differs, and it is important to ensure optimal workers medical care. This paper describes the development of an objective tool for classifying levels of medical emergency response services in the oil industry, Bahia, Brazil, based on the steps that make up a complete cycle of medical emergency care: emergency detection, specifically requested resources, first aid on site, specialized care, and assisted removal to definitive treatment unit. A committee of 12 recognized occupational health and medical emergency experts with at least five years’ experience participated in content validation through the Delphi Technique. The indicator was subdivided into 4 indices based on the risk profiles observed from the internal risk analysis documents. Medical Emergency Resource Classification Instrument (MERCI) aimed to reduce the subjectivities of the assessment and allocation of resources in medical emergencies, considering the characteristics of oil and gas companies regarding the assessment of risk scenarios, location and exposed population. The proposed methodology can lead top management to routinely adopt MERCI, ensuring the maintenance of medical emergency response resources, with a level of service appropriate to the needs of industry and workers.