DISASTER-NURSING-1 (1)

Disaster Nursing Introduction

  • Disasters caused by nature are common on Earth; scientists believe the planet was formed through explosive events in the solar system.

  • Historically viewed as acts of God, scientific understanding has evolved to explain natural disasters.

Definition of Disaster

  1. American College of Emergency Physicians: A situation with a sudden massive disproportion between available resources and survival needs requiring extraordinary response.

  2. A disaster causes damage, economic disruption, human life loss, or health service deterioration requiring community response.

  • DISASTER Acronym:

    • D: Destructions

    • I: Incidents

    • S: Sufferings

    • A: Administrative failures

    • S: Sentiments

    • T: Tragedies

    • E: Eruption of communicable diseases

    • R: Research program and its implementation

Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters

  • Include earthquakes, floods, cyclones, famine, drought, forest fires, dust storms, landslides, and volcanic activity.

Man-Made Disasters

  • Technical Disasters: Dam failure, nuclear accidents, hazardous waste accidents, oil spills.

  • Social Disasters: Mass migrations, riots.

  • Classifications:

    • Minor disasters: ~25 victims

    • Moderate disasters: ~100 victims

    • Major disasters: >100 victims

    • Catastrophic disasters: ~1000+ victims

Disaster Classifications (HPC)

Water and Climate-Related Disasters

  • Floods, Cyclones, Tornadoes, Hailstorms, Cloudbursts, Heat Waves, Cold Waves, Droughts, Sea Erosion, Thunder & Lightning, Tsunamis.

Geologically Related Disasters

  • Landslides, Earthquakes, Dam Failures, Mine Fires.

Chemical, Industrial, and Nuclear Disasters

  • Chemical disasters, nuclear disasters.

Accident-Related Disasters

  • Forest fires, Urban fires, Oil spills, Major building collapses, Serial bomb blasts, Electrical disasters, Air/Road/Rail accidents.

Biological Disasters

  • Include biological disasters, epidemics, pest attacks, cattle epidemics, and food poisoning.

Specific Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

  • Result from sudden energy release in the Earth's crust, creating seismic waves (measured by seismometers).

  • Intensity measured on the Modified Mercalli Scale.

Cyclones

  • Areas of closed, circular fluid motion characterized by inward spiraling winds; rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Fires

  • Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires in countryside/wilderness; differ in size, speed, and ability to change direction.

Landslides

  • Movements include rockfalls and debris flows due to groundwater pressure, loss of vegetation, and erosion.

Volcanic Eruptions

  • Openings in Earth's crust allowing magma, ash, and gases to escape.

Floods

  • Water is vital but can lead to human and livestock losses; stagnant water from floods can become hazardous.

Famines

  • Widespread food scarcity often leading to malnutrition and increased mortality.

Droughts

  • Extended period of water supply deficiency.

Man-Made Disasters Overview

  • Events caused by humans, intentionally or accidentally, posing public health threats.

Chemical and Radiation Emergencies

  • Release of hazardous chemicals or radiation from materials (e.g., nuclear reactors).

Bioterrorism and Pandemics

  • Intentional release of biological agents; global disease outbreaks such as influenza (person-to-person spread).

Primary Prevention Against Man-Made Disasters

  • Prevention of disasters is critical; involve tighter regulations on chemicals and engineering measures for safety.

Disaster Agents / Epidemiology of Disaster

Primary Agents

  • Examples include building collapses, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, bomb blasts, tsunamis.

Secondary Agents

  • Bacteria and viruses causing infections post-injury from primary agents; e.g., hurricanes causing flooding and subsequent disease outbreaks.

Host Factors

  • Include age, immunization status, mobility, emotional stability.

Environmental Factors

Physical Factors

  • Weather conditions, food availability, and utility functions (electricity)

Chemical Factors

  • Leakage impacts; example: Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Biological Factors

  • Contaminated water, waste disposal issues, and pest or rodent infestations.

Social Factors

  • Reactions to loss of family, roles, and beliefs post-disaster.

Phases of Disaster

1. Warning Phase

  • Precautionary measures are taken when warnings are available.

2. Threat Phase

  • Critical decision-making for survival occurs.

3. Impact Phase

  • Realization of the disaster's impact (injury, death, destruction).

4. Inventory Phase

  • Victims assess personal situations; emotional reactions arise.

5. Rescue Phase

  • Community support for each other begins post-disaster.

6. Remedy Phase

  • Recovery commences; rebuild communities.

7. Restoration Period

  • Recovery of stability; time varies based on disaster type and available relief.

Disaster Management Aspects

  • Mitigation, preparedness, reconstruction, rehabilitation, response, and recovery are critical phases.

Goal of Disaster Management

  • The aim is the safety and sustainability of human lives, focusing on preventing deaths and injuries.

Disaster Nursing

  • Definition: The adaptation of nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the medical and emotional needs of disaster victims.

Nurse's Responsibilities in Disasters

  • Preparation includes community, business, and hospital disaster planning participants.

Disaster Management Team

  • A multidisciplinary team must understand and participate in drills.

Stress Management with Victims

  • Listening and providing emotional support for victims.

Establishing Authority and Communication

  • Importance of clear roles and transport plans.

Disaster Response

  • Coordinated efforts among police, firefighters, nurses, and relief workers.

Triage Process

  • Categorizing victims for priority treatment; Red (urgent), Yellow (delayed), Green (minor), and Black (dead).

Recovery Phase Objectives

  • Involves all agencies to restore community life; vigilance for hygiene and health hazards.

  • Nurses play a critical role in supporting victims and facilitating recovery.

Research Input

  • A study in Turkey evaluated nursing students' knowledge and preparedness in disaster nursing, revealing variances based on education.

Conclusion

  • Nurses are crucial in emergencies, providing ongoing support during recovery phases.