Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness Notes

Notify the nurse immediately.
Put on gloves.
Positioning: Ensure head is elevated or turned to the side; place an emesis basin under the chin. Remove basin after vomiting.
Cleanliness: Remove soiled linens; replace with fresh ones.
Monitor Intake and Output (I&O): Measure and record vomitus amount, if monitored.
Vomit Inspection and Disposal: Flush vomit unless it’s red, bloody, or looks like coffee grounds. Show nurse if these symptoms are present.
Wash and store basin after disposal.
Hygiene: Remove gloves, wash hands, put on fresh gloves.
Comfort: Provide resident comfort; wipe face and mouth, position comfortably, offer water, provide oral care.
Linen Disposal: Place soiled linen in designated containers.
Hygiene (Repeat): Remove gloves, wash hands again.
Documentation: Record time, amount, color, odor, and consistency of vomitus.

Immediate Reporting: Report all falls immediately.
Incident Report: NA completes incident report.
Severe Falls: Nurse may call EMS.
Assisting a Falling Resident: Widen stance, bring resident close, bend knees to lower resident to floor.
Do Not Attempt to Stop the Fall: Avoid worsening injuries.
Post-Fall Protocol: Notify nurse; do not move resident. Refer to Chapter 6.

Definition of Disasters: Natural (fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes) and man-made events (terrorism, bomb threats).
Importance of Competence: NAs must be competent during disasters.
Facility Disaster Plans: Facilities have plans with annual training and drills.
Following Directions: Follow nurse or administrator’s instructions.
Reliance on External Groups: Facilities may rely on local, state, and Red Cross.

General Guidelines:
- Remain calm.
- Know exits, stairways, fire alarms, and extinguishers.
- Understand actions to take; use Internet/radio/TV for updates.
Specific Guidelines:
- Apply guidelines based on area and disaster type.

Seek shelter in steel-framed or concrete buildings, away from windows. Use hallway, basement, or heavy furniture. Avoid mobile homes; lie flat.

Outdoors: Avoid large objects, open spaces, water. Seek shelter in buildings/automobiles. Avoid metal objects; CPR safe on victims.
Indoors: Stay inside, away from doors/windows. Avoid electrical equipment and telephones.

Fill bathtub with water, board up windows, evacuate if advised, check car fuel. Have radio, flashlight, cooking equipment. Avoid contaminated food/water/electrical equipment. Don't turn off gas; ask gas company.

Get flashlight, provide light, keep calm. Use backup pack for medical equipment (lasts 24 hours; contact emergency personnel).

Know hurricane category/path. Know residents needing shelters/hospitals/assistance. Call employer. Fill bathtub with water. Board up windows. Evacuate if advised. Check car fuel. Have radio, flashlight, cooking equipment.

Indoors: Drop, get under furniture, hold on. If no table, crouch in corner, cover face/head. Avoid windows/walls/falling objects. Don't exit during shaking; don't use elevators.
Outdoors: Move away from buildings, poles, wires, streetlights. If driving, stop safely in vehicle. If trapped: avoid matches/dust, breathe through cloth, tap/whistle for help (don't shout).

Preparation: Be ready when disaster is forecast. Wear appropriate clothes/shoes; have family ready for evacuation.
Communication: Stay in contact with supervisor, provide location and conditions.
Disaster Supplies: Have 3-day supply of water (one gallon/person/day) and non-perishable food. Also include clothing, footwear, blanket/sleeping bag, first aid kit (with meds), tools, radio, flashlight, batteries, car keys, credit card/cash, sanitation supplies, items for infants/elderly/disabled, eyeglasses, and important documents.