Name
Chamberlain University
NR-442 Community Health Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
When addressing disasters, it is crucial to consider vulnerable populations who may be disproportionately affected.
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.
Disasters can be analyzed through the following factors:
Characteristic | Definition |
---|---|
Frequency | How often a disaster occurs |
Predictability | Ability to determine when and whether a disaster will occur |
Mitigation | Actions taken to reduce loss of life and property |
Imminence | Speed of onset and anticipated duration |
Scope | Range of the disaster’s effects |
Number of casualties | Number of individuals affected, injured, or killed |
Intensity | Level of destruction and devastation |
Risk maps identify areas prone to disasters, while resource maps highlight available resources to aid recovery.
Disaster management requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and individuals. Proper planning ensures resources are available and roles/responsibilities are clearly defined.
Level of Government | Responsibilities |
---|---|
Local | Prepares citizens for emergencies, coordinates through the Office of Emergency Management, and conducts mock drills |
State | Assists local officials, provides training workshops, and supports local emergency planning; aligns with the National Response Framework |
Federal | Through 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. |
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.
Stage | Description |
---|---|
Prevention | Identify risks, create risk maps, educate the public, and develop preparedness plans (resource maps). |
Preparedness/Planning | Train in first aid, assemble emergency kits, establish family communication and evacuation plans. |
Response | Begins immediately after the disaster; includes shelter-in-place, evacuation, search and rescue, and triage. |
Recovery | Starts once danger has passed; focuses on rebuilding, restoring services, financial recovery, and revising disaster plans. |
Communities progress through four phases:
Heroic phase: People help others actively.
Honeymoon phase: Survivors share experiences and express gratitude.
Disillusionment phase: Despair and exhaustion may develop.
Reconstitution phase: Rebuilding and return to normalcy.
A common psychological reaction is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Two primary triage methods are used:
Tag | Category | Criteria |
---|---|---|
Red (Immediate) | Requires urgent care | Respirations >30, no airway, capillary refill >2 sec, cannot follow commands |
Yellow (Delayed) | Can wait 45–60 minutes | Respirations <30, airway intact, capillary refill <2 sec, follows commands |
Black (No Care) | Deceased | No signs of life |
Green (Walking Wounded) | Minor injuries | Can 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”)
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.
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.
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.