Disaster Management for Nursing

Posted on by Soumya Ranjan Parida
Disaster Management for Nursing Students: Comprehensive Guide

Disaster Management for Nursing

Comprehensive Osmosis-Style Notes for Nursing Students

Disaster Management

Figure 1: Disaster Management triage and coordination in a medical setting

Table of Contents

Introduction to Disaster Management

Disaster management is a systematic process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing measures to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of disasters. For nursing professionals, understanding disaster management is crucial for providing effective care during emergencies and disasters.

Definition: A disaster is an occurrence that causes significant disruption to the functioning of a community, resulting in human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the affected community’s ability to cope using its resources.

The Disaster Management Cycle

The disaster management cycle consists of four key phases:

  1. Mitigation: Actions taken to minimize the impact of potential disasters
  2. Preparedness: Planning and training to respond effectively to disasters
  3. Response: Actions taken during and immediately after a disaster
  4. Recovery: Activities to return affected communities to normal functioning
Memory Aid: “MPRR”

Remember the four phases of disaster management with the acronym “MPRR”:

  • Mitigation — Minimize the impact
  • Preparedness — Plan ahead
  • Response — React effectively
  • Recovery — Restore normalcy

Think: “Medical Professionals Respond Rapidly”

Disaster Types and Magnitude

Understanding the different types of disasters and their magnitude is essential for appropriate planning and response. Disasters can be categorized as natural or human-made.

Categories of Disasters

Natural Disasters

  • Geological: Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions
  • Meteorological: Hurricanes, tornadoes, storms
  • Hydrological: Floods, tsunamis
  • Climatological: Wildfires, droughts, extreme temperatures
  • Biological: Epidemics, pandemics, infestations

Human-Made Disasters

  • Technological: Industrial accidents, hazardous material spills
  • Transportation: Airplane crashes, train derailments
  • Structural: Building collapses, dam failures
  • Societal: Terrorism, civil unrest, war
  • Complex emergencies: Combined events with multiple causes

Disaster Magnitude Classification

Disasters are classified according to their severity and impact. Various scales exist for different types of disasters:

Disaster Type Magnitude Classification Measurement Units
Earthquakes Richter Scale, Moment Magnitude Scale 1-10+ (logarithmic)
Hurricanes/Cyclones Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Categories 1-5
Tornadoes Enhanced Fujita Scale EF0-EF5
Floods Flood Magnitude Scale Depth, area affected, duration
Wildfires Size, intensity, spread rate Acres burned, flame height
Epidemics/Pandemics Transmission rate, case fatality rate R₀ value, mortality percentage

Alert Levels for Disasters

Disaster alert levels help communicate the severity and required response:

Level 1 Advisory/Watch — Potential hazard identified

Level 2 Warning — Hazard imminent or occurring

Level 3 Emergency — Significant impact likely

Level 4 Catastrophe — Severe, widespread impact

Memory Aid: “MARS” for Disaster Classification

Remember types of disasters and their classification:

  • Magnitude — How powerful/severe is the disaster?
  • Area — How large an area is impacted?
  • Resources — What resources are needed for response?
  • Scope — What is the timeframe and extent of impact?

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness involves activities undertaken before a disaster to enhance the ability to respond effectively when a disaster occurs. For healthcare facilities and professionals, proper preparedness can significantly reduce casualties and improve outcomes.

Key Elements of Disaster Preparedness

Planning and Protocols

  • Develop comprehensive disaster plans
  • Create evacuation procedures
  • Establish clear communication protocols
  • Designate chain of command and roles
  • Update plans regularly based on risk assessments

Training and Education

  • Conduct regular disaster drills and exercises
  • Train staff on disaster management protocols
  • Educate on triage principles and systems
  • Practice with personal protective equipment
  • Provide psychological first aid training

Resource Management

  • Maintain emergency supply inventories
  • Establish resource allocation procedures
  • Create mutual aid agreements with other facilities
  • Identify alternate care sites
  • Develop staffing surge capacity plans

Risk Assessment

  • Identify potential hazards specific to location
  • Assess facility vulnerabilities
  • Evaluate population needs and demographics
  • Prioritize risks based on likelihood and impact
  • Develop hazard-specific response protocols

Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA)

A Hazard Vulnerability Analysis is a systematic approach to identifying hazards and assessing their potential impact on a healthcare facility. The HVA helps prioritize preparedness efforts based on the most likely and most impactful events.

Step Activities
1. Identify Hazards List all potential natural, technological, and human-caused hazards relevant to your facility and region
2. Assess Risk Evaluate probability of occurrence and potential impact on facility operations
3. Analyze Preparedness Determine current level of preparedness for each identified hazard
4. Calculate Risk Score Combine probability, impact, and preparedness scores to determine overall risk
5. Prioritize Rank hazards based on risk scores to prioritize preparedness efforts
6. Develop Plans Create specific protocols for high-priority hazards
Memory Aid: “PREPARED”

Remember the key elements of disaster preparedness:

  • Planning — Develop comprehensive disaster plans
  • Resources — Identify and maintain necessary supplies and equipment
  • Education — Train staff on protocols and procedures
  • Practice — Conduct regular drills and exercises
  • Assessment — Perform Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
  • Roles — Define clear responsibilities and chain of command
  • Evacuation — Establish evacuation routes and procedures
  • Documentation — Maintain accessible records and plans

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness focuses on the readiness of healthcare facilities, staff, and systems to respond effectively to sudden emergencies, whether they escalate to disasters or not. This includes having the necessary plans, skills, and resources in place.

Components of Emergency Preparedness

Personnel Preparedness

  • Cross-training of staff for flexible response roles
  • Personal and family emergency plans for healthcare workers
  • Psychological resilience training
  • Regular competency evaluations
  • Just-in-time training protocols

Facility Preparedness

  • Backup power and utility systems
  • Alternative water and sanitation provisions
  • Secure storage for emergency supplies
  • Designated decontamination areas
  • Shelter-in-place capabilities

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

An Emergency Operations Plan is a formal document that describes how a healthcare facility will respond to emergencies. The plan should be comprehensive yet flexible enough to address various scenarios.

EOP Section Key Elements
Base Plan Mission, purpose, scope, assumptions, activation procedures
Functional Annexes Communications, resource management, security, evacuation, patient care
Hazard-Specific Annexes Specialized procedures for specific types of emergencies
Support Documents Resource lists, contact information, forms, checklists, maps

Emergency Response Structure

Healthcare facilities should adopt a standardized emergency management system, typically aligned with the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), which is based on the broader National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Memory Aid: “COPE”

Remember the key aspects of emergency preparedness:

  • Communication — Establish multiple communication methods and backups
  • Organization — Define clear command structure and roles
  • Protocols — Develop and practice standard response procedures
  • Equipment — Maintain appropriate emergency supplies and resources

Common Problems During Disasters and Methods to Overcome

Disasters present numerous challenges that can impede effective response and care. Understanding these common problems and how to address them is crucial for healthcare professionals.

Infrastructure and Resource Challenges

Problem Impact Solutions
Power Outages Disruption of medical equipment, HVAC systems, lighting
  • Backup generators with regular testing
  • Battery-powered equipment
  • Prioritize power for critical functions
  • Manual alternatives for equipment
Water Supply Disruption Hygiene issues, inability to sterilize equipment, dehydration
  • Emergency water reserves
  • Water purification systems
  • Waterless hand sanitizers
  • Disposable medical supplies
Supply Chain Disruption Shortages of medications, equipment, and supplies
  • Maintain enhanced inventory levels
  • Develop alternate supplier relationships
  • Mutual aid agreements with other facilities
  • Resource conservation protocols
Communication Breakdown Coordination difficulties, information gaps
  • Redundant communication systems
  • Two-way radios as backup
  • Dedicated communication officers
  • Regular situation reports

Operational Challenges

Problem Impact Solutions
Surge in Patient Volume Overwhelmed staff, resources, and space
  • Implement surge capacity plans
  • Set up alternative care sites
  • Use triage protocols to prioritize care
  • Activate staff recall and supplementation
Staff Availability Issues Personnel shortages due to disaster impact on staff families
  • Staff family support programs
  • Cross-training of personnel
  • Volunteer management systems
  • Staff rotation to prevent burnout
Transportation Disruptions Staff inability to reach facility, patient transfer difficulties
  • Pre-arranged transportation plans
  • Staff housing options near facility
  • Alternate transportation routes and modes
  • Virtual care capabilities
Security Concerns Protecting patients, staff, and resources
  • Enhanced security protocols
  • Access control measures
  • Coordination with law enforcement
  • Security for critical supplies

Clinical and Patient Care Challenges

Problem Impact Solutions
Contamination Risks Exposure to hazardous materials, infections
  • Decontamination procedures and areas
  • Appropriate PPE supplies and training
  • Isolation protocols
  • Patient flow management
Limited Medical Records Access Treating patients without historical information
  • Electronic records with offline capabilities
  • Disaster medical ID systems
  • Standardized emergency documentation
  • Patient identification systems
Psychological Impact Mental health issues among patients and providers
  • Psychological first aid training
  • Mental health response teams
  • Staff rotation and rest periods
  • Debriefing and support protocols
Ethical Dilemmas Resource allocation decisions, standards of care shifts
  • Crisis standards of care protocols
  • Ethics committees for difficult decisions
  • Clear guidelines for resource allocation
  • Documentation of decision-making processes
Memory Aid: “DISASTER”

Remember key problems and solutions during disasters:

  • Disruption of utilities — Have backup systems
  • Infrastructure damage — Know alternate sites
  • Supply shortages — Maintain enhanced inventories
  • Access limitations — Develop alternate routes
  • Staff availability — Create rotation systems
  • Triage challenges — Follow standardized protocols
  • Equipment failures — Have manual alternatives
  • Resource constraints — Implement conservation measures

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

A well-prepared disaster supplies kit is essential for healthcare facilities to maintain operations during emergencies. These supplies should be regularly checked, maintained, and replaced as needed.

Essential Components of a Healthcare Disaster Supplies Kit

Medical Supplies

  • Trauma supplies (bandages, gauze, tourniquets)
  • Basic medications (analgesics, antibiotics, antihistamines)
  • IV fluids and administration sets
  • Airway management supplies
  • Personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns)
  • Splints and immobilization devices
  • Wound care supplies
  • Disinfection and sterilization materials

Non-Medical Essentials

  • Water (1 gallon per person per day, minimum 3-day supply)
  • Non-perishable food (minimum 3-day supply)
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency blankets
  • Multi-purpose tools
  • Portable phone chargers and communication devices

Administrative Supplies

  • Emergency response plans and protocols
  • Staff contact lists and call trees
  • Facility maps and evacuation routes
  • Patient tracking forms and triage tags
  • Documentation supplies (forms, clipboards, pens)
  • Disaster management reference materials
  • Identification badges and access control items

Specialized Equipment

  • Portable oxygen concentrators
  • Patient transport devices (stretchers, wheelchairs)
  • Portable suction units
  • Decontamination equipment
  • Portable generators
  • Emergency lighting
  • Water purification systems
  • Sanitation supplies

Storage and Maintenance

Proper storage and regular maintenance of disaster supplies are critical to ensure their availability and functionality during emergencies.

Aspect Best Practices
Storage Location
  • Secure, accessible location
  • Protected from environmental damage
  • Multiple caches throughout facility
  • Clear signage and access procedures
Inventory Management
  • Regular inventory checks (monthly recommended)
  • Rotation of perishable items
  • Tracking of expiration dates
  • Documentation of contents and quantities
Testing and Maintenance
  • Regular equipment testing
  • Battery replacement schedule
  • Functionality checks after drills
  • Maintenance logs and schedules
Supply Rotation
  • “First in, first out” inventory management
  • Use of supplies approaching expiration in daily operations
  • Immediate replacement of used items
  • Annual comprehensive review
Memory Aid: “STOCK”

Remember key aspects of disaster supplies management:

  • Store properly in accessible, secured locations
  • Track inventory regularly with documentation
  • Organize supplies by category and priority
  • Check expiration dates and functionality
  • Keep supplies updated and rotated

Disaster Response Including Emergency Relief Measures

Disaster response encompasses the immediate actions taken during and after a disaster to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety, and meet the basic needs of affected people. For healthcare providers, this involves both clinical care and operational management.

Activation and Mobilization

When a disaster occurs, healthcare facilities must rapidly activate their emergency response plans and mobilize resources.

Initial Response Actions

  1. Assess situation and activate appropriate response level
  2. Establish command center and incident command structure
  3. Implement internal and external communications
  4. Assess facility damage and safety
  5. Activate staff recall procedures as needed
  6. Implement security and access control measures
  7. Begin patient care and triage operations

Resource Mobilization

  1. Deploy emergency supplies and equipment
  2. Allocate staff based on needs and priorities
  3. Request additional resources through established channels
  4. Activate mutual aid agreements if needed
  5. Implement resource conservation measures
  6. Track resource usage and availability
  7. Plan for extended operations if necessary

Triage and Patient Management

Effective triage is critical during disasters to allocate limited resources to those most likely to benefit from immediate interventions.

START Triage System

Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (START) is a widely used method for initial sorting of victims during mass casualty incidents:

Category Color Tag Criteria Priority
Immediate RED
  • Respiratory rate >30 or <10 breaths/min
  • Capillary refill >2 seconds
  • Unable to follow commands
 First priority for treatment
Delayed YELLOW
  • Serious injuries requiring care
  • Can wait for treatment without risk of immediate death
  • Able to follow commands
 Second priority for treatment
Minor GREEN
  • Walking wounded
  • Minor injuries that can wait for treatment
  • Can assist with other patients
 Third priority for treatment
Expectant BLACK
  • Dead or expected to die
  • No respirations even after airway opened
  • Catastrophic injuries incompatible with survival
 Comfort care only
Memory Aid: “RPM” for START Triage

Remember the assessment sequence for START triage:

  • Respirations — Assess breathing (rate, effort)
  • Perfusion — Check capillary refill or pulse
  • Mental status — Evaluate ability to follow commands

Think: “Rapid Patient Movement” to quickly triage many patients

Emergency Relief Measures

Healthcare facilities must implement various relief measures to address immediate needs during disasters.

Immediate Medical Relief

  • Mass casualty management protocols
  • Rapid assessment and stabilization
  • Field treatment areas
  • Mobile medical teams
  • Transport coordination
  • Medical evacuation procedures

Supportive Relief

  • Shelter operations
  • Psychological first aid
  • Family reunification services
  • Special needs support
  • Nutrition and hydration services
  • Sanitation and hygiene measures

Documentation and Communication

Even during disasters, proper documentation and communication are essential for continuity of care, resource allocation, and coordination.

Documentation Element Purpose Key Components
Patient Tracking Maintain accountability for all patients
  • Standardized tracking forms
  • Triage tags with unique identifiers
  • Location status boards
  • Patient census updates
Treatment Documentation Record interventions and patient status
  • Simplified disaster medical records
  • Treatment logs
  • Medication administration records
  • Vital signs trends
Resource Management Track and allocate resources effectively
  • Inventory logs
  • Equipment tracking forms
  • Staff assignment sheets
  • Resource request forms
Situation Reports Provide updates on response status
  • Regular interval reports
  • Facility status updates
  • Incident action plans
  • Communication logs

Life-Saving Techniques

During disasters, healthcare providers must be prepared to deliver life-saving interventions, often with limited resources and in challenging environments. Mastering these techniques is essential for disaster response.

Essential Life-Saving Techniques

Airway Management

  • Basic Techniques:
    • Head tilt-chin lift
    • Jaw thrust for suspected spinal injury
    • Recovery position placement
    • Oropharyngeal airway insertion
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • Bag-valve-mask ventilation
    • Endotracheal intubation
    • Supraglottic airway devices
    • Needle cricothyrotomy (emergency)

Hemorrhage Control

  • External Bleeding:
    • Direct pressure
    • Elevation of extremity
    • Pressure points
    • Tourniquet application
  • Wound Management:
    • Hemostatic dressings
    • Wound packing
    • Pressure dressings
    • Junctional tourniquets

Circulatory Support

  • Basic Techniques:
    • CPR (30:2 ratio for adults)
    • AED deployment and use
    • Positioning for shock (legs elevated)
    • Hypothermia prevention
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • IV/IO access establishment
    • Fluid resuscitation
    • Blood product administration
    • Vasopressor administration

Trauma Management

  • Assessment:
    • Primary survey (ABCDE)
    • Secondary survey
    • Ongoing reassessment
    • Trauma scoring
  • Interventions:
    • Spinal immobilization
    • Chest decompression (tension pneumothorax)
    • Fracture stabilization
    • Burn management

ABCDE Assessment and Intervention Protocol

The ABCDE approach provides a systematic method for assessment and treatment of critically ill or injured patients.

Step Assessment Interventions
Airway
  • Check for patency
  • Look for obstruction
  • Assess sounds (stridor, gurgling)
  • Open airway (head tilt-chin lift/jaw thrust)
  • Suction if needed
  • Insert airway adjuncts
  • Secure definitive airway if necessary
Breathing
  • Assess rate, depth, effort
  • Oxygen saturation
  • Chest symmetry, use of accessory muscles
  • Administer oxygen
  • Assist ventilation if needed
  • Decompress tension pneumothorax
  • Seal open chest wounds
Circulation
  • Check pulse rate and quality
  • Blood pressure
  • Skin color, temperature, capillary refill
  • External bleeding
  • Control hemorrhage
  • Establish IV/IO access
  • Administer fluids
  • Begin CPR if indicated
Disability
  • AVPU or GCS assessment
  • Pupil size and reactivity
  • Motor function
  • Blood glucose level
  • Protect airway in unconscious patients
  • Correct hypoglycemia
  • Administer reversal agents if appropriate
  • Spinal immobilization if indicated
Exposure
  • Fully examine patient
  • Check temperature
  • Look for additional injuries
  • Environmental considerations
  • Remove wet clothing
  • Prevent/treat hypothermia
  • Cover patient after examination
  • Protect privacy
Memory Aid: “MARCH” for Trauma Care

Remember the priority sequence for trauma care in disasters:

  • Massive hemorrhage control — Stop life-threatening bleeding first
  • Airway — Establish and maintain a patent airway
  • Respiration — Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Circulation — Address shock and circulation
  • Hypothermia/Head injury — Prevent heat loss and assess neurological status

This differs from standard ABCDE by prioritizing massive hemorrhage control first in trauma scenarios.

Use of Disaster Management Module

Disaster management modules provide standardized approaches to training, planning, and response for healthcare providers. Understanding how to effectively implement these modules is crucial for comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Components of a Disaster Management Module

A comprehensive disaster management module typically consists of several integrated components:

Educational Components

  • Core competency training materials
  • Educational videos and simulations
  • Case studies and scenarios
  • Knowledge assessments
  • References and resources
  • Evidence-based practice guidelines

Operational Components

  • Standard operating procedures
  • Checklists and quick reference guides
  • Role-specific action cards
  • Communication templates
  • Documentation forms
  • Resource management tools

Implementation Framework

Implementing a disaster management module requires a systematic approach to ensure integration into existing healthcare systems.

Phase Activities Outcomes
Assessment
  • Conduct hazard vulnerability analysis
  • Assess current capabilities
  • Identify gaps and needs
  • Evaluate organizational culture
  • Prioritized hazards list
  • Capability assessment report
  • Gap analysis
  • Implementation strategy
Planning
  • Develop implementation timeline
  • Identify champions and stakeholders
  • Secure resources and support
  • Customize module components
  • Implementation plan
  • Stakeholder engagement strategy
  • Customized module materials
  • Training schedule
Training
  • Conduct awareness sessions
  • Deliver role-specific training
  • Practice through simulations
  • Evaluate learning outcomes
  • Trained personnel
  • Skill verification records
  • Training completion data
  • Competency assessments
Integration
  • Incorporate into existing plans
  • Update policies and procedures
  • Align with community resources
  • Establish maintenance procedures
  • Updated emergency plans
  • Revised policies
  • Coordination agreements
  • Sustainability plan
Evaluation
  • Conduct drills and exercises
  • Gather feedback
  • Measure performance indicators
  • Identify improvement opportunities
  • Exercise after-action reports
  • Performance metrics
  • Improvement plan
  • Module refinements

Module Adaptation for Different Settings

Disaster management modules must be adapted to fit the specific needs and resources of different healthcare settings.

Hospital Settings

  • Focus on surge capacity planning
  • Departmental response coordination
  • Mass casualty management
  • Hospital command center operations
  • Patient evacuation procedures
  • Service continuity planning

Community Settings

  • Community assessment and outreach
  • Mobile medical team operations
  • Shelter health services
  • Public health surveillance
  • Vaccination and prophylaxis campaigns
  • Vulnerable population support
Memory Aid: “MODULE”

Remember key considerations for implementing disaster management modules:

  • Modify to fit your facility’s specific needs
  • Organize regular training sessions
  • Deploy through a phased approach
  • Understand roles and responsibilities clearly
  • Link with community emergency planning
  • Evaluate and update regularly

Best Practices and Recent Updates

Staying current with emerging best practices and updates in disaster management is essential for healthcare professionals to provide optimal care during emergencies.

Current Best Practices

1. Whole Community Approach to Disaster Management

The whole community approach recognizes that effective disaster management requires coordination across all sectors of society, not just emergency services and healthcare.

Key Elements:

  • Integration of healthcare facility plans with regional emergency management
  • Collaborative planning with community organizations, businesses, and schools
  • Inclusion of vulnerable populations in planning and response
  • Leveraging community resources and volunteers
  • Building community resilience through education and participation

Implementation: Establish formal partnerships with community organizations, participate in community-wide drills, develop resource-sharing agreements, and create public education programs on disaster preparedness.

2. Integration of Telehealth in Disaster Response

Telehealth has emerged as a critical tool for extending healthcare capabilities during disasters, allowing for remote triage, consultation, and monitoring of patients.

Key Elements:

  • Mobile telehealth units for deployment to disaster zones
  • Remote clinical consultation capabilities
  • Virtual triage systems for mass casualty incidents
  • Telepresence systems for specialist input
  • Store-and-forward capabilities for areas with limited connectivity

Implementation: Develop telehealth infrastructure that can function with limited connectivity, train staff on telehealth platforms, integrate telehealth into disaster protocols, and establish relationships with remote specialists for surge support.

3. Resilience-Focused Mental Health Support

Modern approaches to disaster mental health have shifted from a pathology-focused model to one that emphasizes resilience and recovery, recognizing the natural resilience of individuals and communities.

Key Elements:

  • Psychological First Aid (PFA) as the primary initial intervention
  • Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) as a secondary intervention
  • Proactive outreach to affected populations
  • Integration of mental health support into general disaster response
  • Prevention of secondary traumatization in responders

Implementation: Train all disaster responders in Psychological First Aid, establish mental health response teams, develop self-care protocols for staff, create community support groups, and implement screening systems for high-risk individuals.

Recent Updates in Disaster Management

Area Recent Developments Implications for Nursing
Technology
  • AI-powered triage decision support
  • Drone delivery of medical supplies
  • Wearable patient monitoring devices
  • Real-time resource tracking systems
  • Need for training on new technologies
  • Integration of tech tools into protocols
  • Enhanced remote monitoring capabilities
  • More efficient resource allocation
Guidelines
  • Updated Crisis Standards of Care
  • Revised triage protocols (SALT vs. START)
  • Enhanced emphasis on ethical frameworks
  • Standardized disaster competencies
  • Alignment of facility procedures with new guidelines
  • Training on updated protocols
  • Incorporation of ethics into decision-making
  • Competency-based education approaches
Training
  • Virtual reality simulation training
  • Just-in-time microlearning modules
  • Cross-disciplinary team training
  • Community-based exercise programs
  • More immersive and realistic training experiences
  • Rapid skill refresher capabilities
  • Enhanced interprofessional collaboration
  • Greater integration with community partners

Emerging Focus Areas

Climate Change and Disaster Management: As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, healthcare facilities must adapt their disaster planning. This includes preparing for new patterns of disease, extreme weather events, and cascading disasters that may strain resources for extended periods.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Disasters: Recent disasters have highlighted how vulnerable populations often face disproportionate impacts. Healthcare facilities are now focusing on equity-centered planning that identifies and addresses the needs of marginalized communities before, during, and after disasters.

Long-Term Recovery Support: There is growing recognition that healthcare’s role extends well beyond the immediate response phase. Facilities are developing longer-term recovery support systems, including persistent health monitoring, chronic care management, and ongoing mental health services for affected communities.

References

  1. American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Disaster Preparedness Resources for Nurses. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/
  2. EM-DAT Documentation. (n.d.). Hazard and Disaster Magnitude Units. https://doc.emdat.be/docs/data-structure-and-content/hazard-and-disaster-magnitude-units/
  3. FEMA. (2021). Learn lifesaving skills during National Preparedness Month. https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250121/learn-lifesaving-skills-during-national-preparedness-month
  4. International Council of Nurses. (n.d.). Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing Version 2.0. https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-files/ICN_Disaster-Comp-Report_WEB.pdf
  5. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. (2024). Disaster Preparedness. https://nursing.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Disaster-Preparedness-Keeping-Nursing-Staff-and-Students-at-the-Ready.pdf
  6. NCBI. (n.d.). EMS Mass Casualty Triage – StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459369/
  7. NCBI. (n.d.). Nurses in Disaster Preparedness and Public Health Emergency Response. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573904/
  8. Ready.gov. (2024). Build A Kit. https://www.ready.gov/kit
  9. Ready.gov. (2024). Coping with Disaster. https://www.ready.gov/coping-disaster
  10. University of Central Florida. (n.d.). The Disaster Management Cycle: 5 Key Stages. https://www.ucf.edu/online/leadership-management/news/the-disaster-management-cycle/

© 2025 | Disaster Management for Nursing: Comprehensive Osmosis-Style Notes

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