Disaster preparedness
A disaster is defined as any sudden event that is calamitous in nature and results in loss, great damage and destruction. It is any occurrence that causes distress, disruption and great misfortune that often requires intervention from a third party in order to recover. disasters occur either naturally or as a result of man-made activities. While disasters resulting from man-made activities are just as dangerous, natural occurring disasters tend to have a larger impact especially because they take time to occur and usually require a lot of effort before they are resolved. A good example of naturally occurring disasters is the Covid-19 global epidemic.
In the 1970’s, the phrase ‘determinants of health’ was used to refer to factors that affect a person’s health (Mutalik, 2015). The determinants are either behavioural, ecological, economic, sociocultural and biological. They are further divided into four categories namely genetics, lifestyle, environmental and nutrition. When one of the categories is affected by a disease, a support system is required and medical care acts as the support system as it is responsible for helping people to maintain good quality health.
The occurrence of disasters has led to the development of disaster preparedness planning to help prevent disasters from causing too much damage. A disaster preparedness plan involves measures taken by organizations and individuals to help prepare for disasters as well as determine the best approach to take when a disaster does occur in order to reduce the negative effects caused (Ready, 2020). the process involves identifying resources and the responsibilities of staff within an organization in order to prepare the organization and each individual on how to deal with a disaster when it occurs.
Disaster preparedness plans are important in that, they help people to identify what actions to take when a disaster occurs. Since natural disasters are difficult to prevent, preparedness ensures that those tasked with the responsibility of resolving them have the information and knowhow on how to reduce the negative outcomes (CDC, 2020). Another importance is that the plans allow for fast and effective responses. In the field of medicine for instance, a disaster could result in the loss of human life or multiple people falling seriously sick. In the case of epidemics, disaster preparedness planning helps nurses and caregivers to identify when to take steps such as quarantine and immunization (CDC, 2020). The information allows for fast action that not only helps to manage disasters but also prevent the spread of their effects.
Public health nurses play an important role in helping to manage natural disasters and preventing their spread as is the case with the Covid-19 epidemic. Their importance is crucial as they are involved in all the four phases of the disaster management cycle.
- Preparedness
Nurses bear the responsibility of ensuring that the hospital is equipped with all the equipment and materials needed to deal with a disaster. Although most of the decisions are made by department heads and the top management, nurses are the ones responsible for keeping records that help to keep track of the organization’s resources (Cary et al, 2014). Nurses also undergo training and gain knowledge on what steps to take when dealing with a disaster a way of staying prepared.
- Response
Nurses act as the first contact between the hospital and the patients. They are therefore the first response and carry out activities such as conducting tests, interviews and advising patients on what steps to follow. In the occurrence of an emergency, nurses respond by determining whether quarantine is needed or not (APHN, 2014). They also assist in administering treatment and helping patients to manage their condition. A good example is the current Covid-19 epidemic. Nurses are working together with other medical professionals to assist patients in quarantine. Their roles involve maintaining quarantine, administering treatments and explaining to patients what steps to take in order to manage the condition.
- Recovery
Nurses role in the recovery process involves measures taken after a disaster has occurred. When dealing with the epidemic, nurses’ role will include advising patients on what medication to take, how to change their lifestyles and measures to take in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. Other than attending to patients while under quarantine, the nurses also help the public by sharing information about the disease and how to prevent its spread.
- Mitigation
Mitigation involves activities taken after a disaster has been resolved. Nurses ensure that the measures taken to manage a disaster are sustainable. Once the disaster has occurred and measures taken to prevent its spread, nurses ensure that the measures implemented are adhered to. This often involves quarantine and advising patients to make visits to ensure that the disaster does not reoccur.
References
Association of Public Health Nurses, (2014) “The Role of the Public Health Nurse In Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery” NACCHO, retrieved from, https://www.naccho.org/blog/articles/the-role-of-the-public-health-nurse-in-disaster- preparedness-response-and-recovery
Carry A, Jakeway C, Larosa M and Schoenfisch S, (2014) “The Role of Public Health Nurses in Emergency Preparedness and Response: A Position Paper of the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Nursing” Pubmed, retrieved from, https://www.researchgate.net/deref/http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1111%2Fj.15 25-1446.2008.00716.x
Centre for Disease Control, (2020) “Preparedness and planning” retrieved from, https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp
Patwardhan, B., Mutalik, G., & Tillu, G. (2015). Integrative Approaches for Health: Biomedical Research, Ayurveda and Yoga. London: Academic press
Ready, (2020) “Emergency response plan” retrieved from, https://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/emergency
