NR 442 Week 6 Natural & Man-Made Disasters Overview

NR 442 Week 6 Natural & Man-Made Disasters Overview

NR 442 Week 6 Natural & Man-Made Disasters Overview

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Chamberlain University

NR-442 Community Health Nursing

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NR 442 Week 6 Notes: Chapter 29 – Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Vulnerable Populations

When addressing disasters, it is crucial to consider vulnerable populations who may be disproportionately affected.

Types of Disasters

Disasters occur when damage exceeds the ability of a community to manage the situation. They may be classified as follows:

  • Mass casualty: Involves more than 100 individuals.

  • Multiple casualty: Involves 2 to 99 individuals.

  • Casualty types: Direct victims, indirect victims, displaced persons, and refugees.

Categories of disasters include:

  • Natural disasters: Weather events, earthquakes, volcanoes, and disease outbreaks.

  • Man-made disasters: Wars, structural collapses, accidents, riots, pollution, and terrorism.

  • Combination disasters: NA-TECH (natural/technological) events, where a natural disaster causes a widespread technological problem.

Characteristics of Disasters

Disasters can be analyzed through the following factors:

CharacteristicDefinition
FrequencyHow often a disaster occurs
PredictabilityAbility to determine when and whether a disaster will occur
MitigationActions taken to reduce loss of life and property
ImminenceSpeed of onset and anticipated duration
ScopeRange of the disaster’s effects
Number of casualtiesNumber of individuals affected, injured, or killed
IntensityLevel of destruction and devastation

Risk maps identify areas prone to disasters, while resource maps highlight available resources to aid recovery.

Disaster Management

Disaster management requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and individuals. Proper planning ensures resources are available and roles/responsibilities are clearly defined.

Government Responsibilities

Level of GovernmentResponsibilities
LocalPrepares citizens for emergencies, coordinates through the Office of Emergency Management, and conducts mock drills
StateAssists local officials, provides training workshops, and supports local emergency planning; aligns with the National Response Framework
FederalThrough the Department of Homeland Security, prevents terrorism and strengthens resilience. FEMA supports citizens and responders with preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. The CDC ensures clean water, food, shelter, and medical care.

Public Health System and Non-Governmental Role

The Public Health System includes both governmental and non-governmental organizations working to improve population health. The American Red Cross, chartered by Congress, provides disaster relief, education, preparedness, and direct response.

Stages of Disaster Management

StageDescription
PreventionIdentify risks, create risk maps, educate the public, and develop preparedness plans (resource maps).
Preparedness/PlanningTrain in first aid, assemble emergency kits, establish family communication and evacuation plans.
ResponseBegins immediately after the disaster; includes shelter-in-place, evacuation, search and rescue, and triage.
RecoveryStarts once danger has passed; focuses on rebuilding, restoring services, financial recovery, and revising disaster plans.

Community Responses to Disaster

Communities progress through four phases:

  1. Heroic phase: People help others actively.

  2. Honeymoon phase: Survivors share experiences and express gratitude.

  3. Disillusionment phase: Despair and exhaustion may develop.

  4. Reconstitution phase: Rebuilding and return to normalcy.

A common psychological reaction is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

NR 442 Week 6 Natural & Man-Made Disasters Overview

Triage Systems

Two primary triage methods are used:

START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment)

TagCategoryCriteria
Red (Immediate)Requires urgent careRespirations >30, no airway, capillary refill >2 sec, cannot follow commands
Yellow (Delayed)Can wait 45–60 minutesRespirations <30, airway intact, capillary refill <2 sec, follows commands
Black (No Care)DeceasedNo signs of life
Green (Walking Wounded)Minor injuriesCan ambulate without assistance

Quick assessment (RPM rule):

  • Respirations: < or >30

  • Perfusion: Radial pulse or capillary refill ≤2 seconds

  • Mental status: Follows commands (“30 & 2 CAN DO”)

SALT (Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, Treatment/Transport)

This system emphasizes sorting victims, assessing their needs, providing lifesaving interventions, and ensuring proper treatment/transport.

Important Note: The first rule is scene safety — responders must not become victims themselves.

References

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Foundations for population health in community/public health nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2005). Are you ready? An in-depth guide to citizen preparedness.

NR 442 Week 6 Natural & Man-Made Disasters Overview

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Emergency preparedness and response. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Disaster relief services.