learning Objectives - Identify the role of nurses in emergency and disasters. Demonstrate beginning skill in managing the Emergencies and disasters.
Hours - 5
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussion Role play Mock drill INC: Disaster management module: Reaching out: nursing care
Assessment Methods - Short answer Objective type Essay type
Content of the chapter
a) Natural calamities
– Flood
– Earthquake
– Volcanic eruptions
b) Man-made disaster
– Explosion
– War
– Fire
– Accidents
c) Emergency preparedness
d) Community resources available to meet
calamities
e) Nurses role in disaster management
Emergency and Disaster Nursing
Disaster nursing involves providing care during natural or man-made disasters, ensuring rapid response, triage, care of victims, and coordination with community resources. Nurses play a vital role in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery phases.
a) Natural Calamities
Natural disasters are caused by environmental events.
- Flood
- Impact: Drowning, water-borne diseases (cholera, typhoid), injuries, displacement
- Nursing role: Rescue and evacuation, emergency first aid, prevention of infections, monitoring water safety, providing shelter care
- Earthquake
- Impact: Trauma, fractures, crush injuries, building collapse injuries
- Nursing role: Triage at the site, wound care, fluid resuscitation, psychological support, coordinating evacuation
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Impact: Burns, inhalation injuries, respiratory distress, eye irritation
- Nursing role: Airway management, oxygen therapy, eye and skin care, evacuation, infection prevention
b) Man-Made Disasters
Disasters caused by human activity.
- Explosion
- Impact: Burns, fractures, blast injuries, hemorrhage
- Nursing role: Immediate first aid, airway management, hemorrhage control, pain management, psychological support
- War
- Impact: Trauma, amputations, infections, mental health issues (PTSD)
- Nursing role: Trauma care, triage, rehabilitation, psychological support, preventive care for infectious diseases
- Fire
- Impact: Burns, smoke inhalation, airway obstruction
- Nursing role: Burn care, fluid and electrolyte management, airway and respiratory support, prevention of infections
- Accidents (Road, Industrial)
- Impact: Fractures, head injuries, internal bleeding, shock
- Nursing role: Rapid assessment, immobilization, hemorrhage control, airway and circulation support, transportation to hospitals
c) Emergency Preparedness
- Planning and Training: Development of disaster response plans, drills, and simulation exercises
- Triage Skills: Rapid identification of severity and prioritization of care
- Stock Management: Ensuring availability of first-aid kits, medications, blood, fluids, and equipment
- Communication: Effective coordination with authorities and emergency services
- Personal Preparedness: Nurses should maintain personal readiness to respond at any time
d) Community Resources
- Government Agencies: Disaster management authorities, health departments, fire and police services
- Hospitals & Clinics: Emergency care facilities, mobile health units
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Red Cross, local relief agencies
- Volunteers & Community Groups: Assistance with rescue, food, shelter, and psychological support
- Educational Institutions: Training and awareness programs for community preparedness
e) Nurse’s Role in Disaster Management
- Preparedness Phase
- Develop disaster plans, participate in drills, educate the community
- Mitigation Phase
- Identify risks, help in creating safe environments, implement preventive measures
- Response Phase
- Triage, first aid, life-saving interventions, documentation, patient transportation
- Recovery Phase
- Rehabilitation, psychosocial support, monitoring for long-term health impacts
- Leadership and Coordination
- Coordinate with medical teams, emergency services, and relief organizations
- Health Education
- Educate victims and communities on hygiene, disease prevention, and safety measures
Conclusion
Disaster nursing requires preparedness, rapid response, adaptability, and teamwork. Nurses are essential in saving lives, reducing morbidity, preventing complications, and promoting community resilience during disasters.