NCM 120: Research and Documentation

Health Hazard Report (Definition)

a formal document designed to identify, record, and communicate potential risks in the workplace that may lead to employee injury or illness. It serves as a proactive safety measure by highlighting hazards—such as chemical, physical, or biological risks—before they cause harm, enabling employers to take appropriate preventive and control actions.

5 Steps in Making a Health Hazard Report

1. Immediate Action

2. Who to Contact

3. Documentation

4. What to Report

5. External Reporting

5 Steps in Making a Health Hazard Report (Immediate action)

● Assess the situation quickly for level of danger

● Remove yourself and others from the hazardous area

● Alert nearby individuals if they are at risk

● Report immediately to a supervisor or authority

● Contact emergency services (e.g., 911) for life-threatening situations

5 Steps in Making a Health Hazard Report (Who to Contact)

● Immediate line manager or supervisor

● Workplace safety officer

● Human Resources (HR) department

● Union representative (if applicable)

● Follow the organization's reporting chain of command

5 Steps in Making a Health Hazard Report (Documentation)

○ Date and time of incident

○ Exact location of hazard

○ Detailed description of the risk

○ Names of persons involved/affected

Casualty Report (Definition)

a brief and focused report that outlines the condition of individuals who are lost, deceased, injured, or missing during a particular incident, commonly used in military, maritime, or emergency contexts. It supports quick evaluation of the situation, facilitates timely allocation of resources, and helps identify safety concerns to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future

Casualty Report (Information INcluded)

Contains the casualty's name, identification number, severity of injury (or death), location, and circumstances of the event, notes the International Maritime Organization and OHCHR Guidance on Casualty Recording.

Casualty Report (Timing)

Reports are expected "as soon as possible" and in the "quickest means available," typically within one day of an incident.

Outbreak Surveillance Report (Definition)

An outbreak surveillance report is a structured document that systematically documents the investigation of a disease outbreak, outlining its cause, pattern of spread, and overall impact to guide public health interventions. It examines epidemiological data based on person, time, and place to determine the source of the outbreak and propose preventive measures, often incorporating tools such as an epidemic curve and case frequency tables.

Outbreak Surveillance Report (Action-Oriented)

● Provides evidence-based guidance for immediate response

● Helps control and stop the spread of disease

● Supports quick decision-making and resource allocation

Outbreak Surveillance Report (Learnings)

● Identifies strengths and gaps in outbreak response

● Improves preparedness for future health emergencies

● Helps develop better prevention strategies

Outbreak Surveillance Report (Communication)

● Informs health authorities and stakeholders of the situation

● Ensures clear and timely dissemination of information

● Promotes coordinated actions among healthcare teams and agencies

At-risk vs. Vulnerable populations (Definition)

At Risk = Refers to individuals or groups who are in danger due to a specific situation or hazard.

Risk is often context-based and can change depending on the disaster.

Vulnerable = Refers to groups with inherent or long-term characteristics that make them more susceptible to harm.

At-risk vs. Vulnerable populations (Nature)

At-risk = situation based

Vulnerable = Long term

At-risk vs. Vulnerable populations (Timing)

At-risk = Arrives after or during a hazard

Vulnerable = Exists before a disaster

At-risk vs. Vulnerable populations (Focus)

At-risk = Exposure to danger

Vulnerable = Susceptability

Vulnerable Populations (List)

1. Children and Infants

2. Elderly

3. Pregnant and Lactating

4. Persons with Disability

5. People living in poverty

6. Individuals with chronic illnesses

7. Indigenous People

8. Refugees and migrants

9. Homeless individuals

10. People with mental health conditions

Children and Infants (Reason for vulnerability)

Limited ability to protect themselves; depend on adults for care and survival

Elderly (Reason for vulnerability)

Reduced mobility, weaker immune system, and may have chronic illnesses

Pregnant and Lactating (Reason for vulnerability)

Increased health needs and risks for both mother and baby

PWDs (Reason for vulnerability)

May have difficulty evacuating, communicating, or accessing services

People living in poverty (Reason for vulnerability)

Limited access to healthcare, resources, and safe shelter

Individuals with chronic illnesses (Reason for vulnerability)

Require continuous medication and medical care, may be dependent on current treatment/procedures performed

Indigenous People (Reason for vulnerability)

Often live in remote areas with limited access to services

Refugees and Migrants (Reason for vulnerability)

May face language barriers, lack of support systems, and legal limitations

Homeless INdiviudals (Reason for vulnerability)

Lack stable shelter, sanitation, and access to healthcare

People with mental health conditions (Reason for vulnerability)

May have difficulty coping, understanding instructions, or seeking help

Disaster Recovery Activity Summary

A comprehensive overview of actions taken to restore essential services and help the community return to "normalcy" (or a "new normal").

Build Back Better Principle

Recovery is not just returning to the old "normal" (which was vulnerable), but improving infrastructure and health systems to be more resilient than before.

Post-Disaster Needs Assessment

a multidisciplinary assessment led by nurses to identify:

● Health & Nutrition: Tracking "DOH-SPEED" data (Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters).

● WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene): Documentation of water safety and waste management to prevent secondary outbreaks (e.g., Cholera, Leptospirosis).

● MHPSS: Documentation of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychiatric referrals for survivors and responders.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Team Report

This is the formal technical document produced by the interdisciplinary team. It is less about "stories" and more about "metrics."

After-Action Report

This is the gold standard for DRRM reporting. It analyzes what was supposed to happen versus what actually happened

Team Report (Definition)

This is the technical "After-Action Report" (AAR) used to evaluate the efficiency of the response.

Team Report (Metrics of a Success of a Team report)

1. Morbidity/Mortality Audit

● A final, verified count of casualties categorized by cause (Direct: trauma; Indirect: disease).

2. Timeline Analysis

● Measuring the "Golden Hour"—how quickly were patients triaged and transported?

3. Resource Audit

● Tracking the "Quick Response Fund" (QRF) and medical stockpile depletion to ensure financial accountability.

Gap Analysis

Identifying "The Gap" between what the Disaster Plan promised and what actually happened.

● Example: Did the satellite phones work when the cell towers went down? If not, this is a documented "Gap."

Continuity of Care

The report must detail how patients transferred to temporary shelters or other facilities are being tracked to ensure they don't miss chronic treatments (e.g., dialysis or insulin).

Triple Loop learning for policy improvement

STEP 1

Compare the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) against the actual performance.

STEP 2

Identify the root cause of failures (e.g., lack of training, insufficient equipment).

STEP 3

Amend the Hospital/Community Disaster Plan based on these findings.

Updating the "Living Document"

Disaster plans are never finished. Findings are integrated into:

The Hermosura DRRM-H Framework (Definition)

research-based model designed to strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) in the Philippines.

- The model is built on two major foundations: the Disaster Management Cycle and the Behavioral and Institutional Factors.

- It was developed to address the lack of a standardized and integrated system in managing health-related disaster risks

The Hermosura DRRM-H Framework (Key Ideas)

It integrates disaster management with healthcare systems to ensure that:

● Hospitals remain functional

● Health workers are prepared

● Communities receive proper medical response during disasters

The Hermosura DRRM-H Framework (Four major themes)

1. Strengthening Disaster Mitigation (Mitigation & Prevention)

2. Institutionalizing Disaster Programs (Preparedness)

3. Coordinated and Adaptive Disaster Response (Response)

4 Resilient and Collaborative Recovery Efforts (Rehabilitation & Recovery)

The Hermosura DRRM-H Framework (Critical Analysis)

One major contribution of this framework is that it addresses a common weakness in disaster management:

● By strengthening healthcare integration, the framework:

○ Reduces mortality rates

○ Improves emergency efficiency

○ Enhances long-term community resilience

● Practical Implications

○ Hospitals develop disaster-resilient systems

○ LGUs align health programs with DRRM plans

○ Communities receive continuous medical care, even during crises

UP Project NOAH (Definition)

Risk assessment and early warning system

the Philippines' primary disaster risk reduction and management program. Managed by the University of the Philippines, it was initially administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) from 2012 to 2017.

UP Project NOAH (Started by Which President?

President Aquino's call for a better disaster prevention and mitigation system in the Philippines in the aftermath of the destructive Tropical Storm Sendong in December 2011

UP Project NOAH (Key Functions)

○ Flood, landslide, and storm surge hazard maps

○ Real-time weather and rainfall data

○ Early warning systems (e.g., flood alerts hours before impact)

● Uses multidisciplinary research and geospatial technology

UP Project NOAH (Frameworks)

1. Hazard Identification

○ Detecting natural hazards (floods, landslides, storm surges)

2. Exposure Analysis

○ Identifying populations and infrastructure at risk

3. Vulnerability Assessment

○ Determining how severely communities may be affected

4. Risk Mapping

○ Combining hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data

Risk = Hazard × Exposure × Vulnerability

UP Project NOAH (Advance Features)

1. Multi-Hazard Mapping

○ Flood-prone areas

○ Landslide susceptibility

○ Storm surge zones

2. Real-Time Monitoring

○ Rainfall levels

○ River water levels

○ Weather updates

3. Early Warning Systems

○ Alerts issued hours before flooding

○ Community-level risk notifications

4. Geospatial Technology

○ Use of satellite data and GIS

○ 3D terrain modeling for accurate predictions

UP Project NOAH (National Initiatives and Partnerships)

● NDRRMC Integration (Pre-disaster Risk Assessment - PDRA):Provides scientific data for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's (NDRRMC) area-focused, time-bound warnings.

● LGU Capacity Building (CDRA): Assists municipalities, such as Majayjay, Laguna, in developing Climate and Disaster Risk Assessments (CDRA)and People's Survival Fund (PSF) proposals for climate-smart planning.

● "Kontra Baha" Initiative:

● Rehabilitation and Reconstruction: The maps are utilized for rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts, notably in municipalities affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

● 2026 National Budget Restoration: Due to high utility, congress approved a ₱1 billion allocation for 2026 to expand the project's reach and update hazard maps.

"Kontra Baha" Initiative

Supports national flood control efforts by providing scientific data to inform infrastructure projects, aiming for data-driven rather than politics-driven flood management.

UP Project NOAH (Importance)

● Evidence-based planning at national and local levels

○ government agencies and LGUs can prioritize high-risk areas and allocate resources effectively.

● More accurate evacuation and disaster response strategies

○ real-time hazard monitoring helps target vulnerable communities and preposition emergency resources.

● Reduced casualties through early warnings

○ timely alerts allow people to take preventive actions, minimizing loss of life and property.

The Big One

refers to a predicted magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault, a major concern in Philippine disaster planning

National Initiatives for "The Big One" and Climate Risks

● Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resilience of the Greater Metro Manila Area (PMO-ERG

● Two-Pronged Strategy Toward an Earthquake-Resilient GMMA

● Ready to Rebuild Program

● Climate Change Commission (CCC)

● Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme

Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resilience of the Greater Metro Manila Area (PMO-ERG)

Established by Executive Order No. 52 (2018), this office manages the strategy to enhance earthquake resilience and ensure continuity of government.

Two-Pronged Strategy Toward an Earthquake-Resilient GMMA

Focuses on upgrading infrastructure to be earthquake-resistant and improving institutional preparedness.

Ready to Rebuild Program

joint initiative of the NDRRMC, OCD, and World Bank, it trains local governments in risk-informed, pre-disaster recovery planning to handle both climate and geological disasters.

Climate Change Commission (CCC):

Serves as the principal policy-making body, coordinating initiatives on climate adaptation and mitigation.

Anticipatory Action Pilot Programme:

A UN-supported program aimed at using technology and data to activate aid ahead of typhoons, saving on reconstruction costs.

School-Based DRRM (Definition)

follows the guidelines set by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) and the global Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) 2022-2030.

According to DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2022 and DO No. 22, s. 2024, effective implementation is built on three pillars:

School-Based DRRM (Three Pillars)

Safer Learning Facilities

School Disaster Management

Risk Reduction and Resilience Education

Strategic SBDRRM Interventions

The "Go-Bag" Initiative (Material Preparedness)

Family Preparedness Integration

Inclusive DRRM for LSENs

Inclusive DRRM for LSENs

● Specific evacuation protocols for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs).

● Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) require one-on-one "Evacuation Buddies" (trained staff or peers).

● Use color-coded floor markings and strobe-light alarms for students with hearing or visual impairments

The "Resilience Gap"

Current researchindicates that while the Philippines has a strong national framework (RA 10121), the actual implementation varies significantly by geography.

Urban Preparedness

High-density areas like Metro Manila or Cebu City focus on technological integration. Trends include the use of smart-city sensors, 24/7 emergency operation centers (EOCs), and specialized trauma teams. However, urban areas face "high-impact" risks where a single event can affect millions.

Rural Preparedness

Rural regions (e.g., upland Bukidnon or isolated islands) trend toward Social Capital. Because they expect delayed external aid, they rely on "Bayanihan" networks and indigenous knowledge. Preparedness is often high in "awareness" but low in "material resources."

The Resource Variability Gap

There is a documented "concentration of care." Urban centers have a high density of ACLS-trained nurses and ventilators, while rural "Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas" (GIDA) often lack basic spine boards or automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The Data Silo Gap

Disaster research is often "urban-centric." We have plenty of data on how a skyscraper handles an earthquake, but limited evidence-based protocols for managing a mass casualty incident in a rural area with no stable interneT OR ELECTRICITY

The Logistics "Last Mile" Gap

Research shows that while national stockpiles exist, the "last mile" delivery to rural health units (RHUs) often fails during the first 72 hours of a disaster.

ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE URBAN-RURAL GAP

Standardization of GIDA-Specific Protocols

Leveraging mHealth (Mobile Health) Technology

Hospital Twinning and "Big Brother" Programs

Standardization of GIDA-Specific Protocols

Traditional triage (like START) assumes a hospital is only minutes away. In Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), transport can take hours or days.

● Advocate for "Extended Care Triage." This means training rural nurses not just to sort patients, but to provide stabilization care (e.g., advanced wound management, IV fluid maintenance) for prolonged periods.

● This shifts the nurse's role from a "pass-through" provider to a "definitive care"

Leveraging mHealth (Mobile Health) Technology

● Using technology to bridge the distance between a rural nurse and an urban specialist.

● Emphasize the use of offline-capable apps. In disasters, the internet often fails. Best practices include using apps that store patient data locally and "sync" once a signal is found.

● This allows a nurse in a remote barangay to follow standardized protocols or send a photo of an injury to a surgeon in Cebu City for a "tele-consult" once the network returns.

Hospital Twinning and "Big Brother" Programs

● A formal partnership between a high-resource Urban Tertiary Hospital and a low-resource Rural Health Unit (RHU).

● This is a "System-Level" best practice. The urban hospital provides:

○ Resource Rotation: Sending surplus or near-expiry supplies to rural areas before they waste.

○ Shadowing/Training: Rural nurses rotate through urban ERs to maintain high-acuity skills.

● It creates a "Safety Net" ensuring that a nurse in a rural area isn't practicing in total isolation.

Gender-Based Vulnerability (Women)

○ Higher mortality rates in disasters (due to caregiving roles, limited mobility, cultural restrictions)

○ Increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) in evacuation centers

○ Limited access to reproductive and maternal healthcare

Gender-Based Vulnerability (Men)

○ More likely to engage in high-risk rescue or livelihood activities

○ Less likely to seek mental health support

Social Determinants of Vulnerability

● Poverty → limited preparedness resources

● Education → affects disaster awareness and response

● Housing conditions → unsafe infrastructure

● Occupation → exposure to hazards (e.g., fishermen, farmers)

Marginalized Populations (Barriers to face)

● Limited mobility

● Discrimination in aid distribution

● Lack of inclusive facilities (e.g., no ramps, gender-neutral spaces)

Access to Healthcare During Disasters (Common Issues)

● Disrupted health services

● Lack of sexual & reproductive health services

● Inadequate maternal care

● Limited access to medications for chronic illnesses

Implications for Nursing Practice (Gender-Sensitive Care)

● Provide privacy in evacuation centers

● Ensure access to:

○ Menstrual hygiene products

○ Maternal and reproductive care

● Screen for gender-based violence

Sendai Framework for DRRM (4 Priorities)

1. Understand disaster risk

2. Strengthen disaster governance

3. Invest in risk reduction

4. Enhance preparedness and "Build Back Better"